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Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.

We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.

About NYO

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.

The Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:

• Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
• Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
• Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.

We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.

Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring their ideas and experience to our Board, who can champion our activities and advocate for us both locally and regionally. Our current Trustees are committed to the performing arts and enjoy sharing their expertise and experience, to make the Theatre stronger and more resilient.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. You don’t need experience of being a Trustee, or of being in the performing arts. All we require is that you have a passion for live theatre. Induction, mentoring and training will be provided.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in these areas:

• Finance, commercial and/or business operations
• Fundraising
• IT and systems
• Facilities or venue management
• Or…..tell us what you can offer!

We welcome candidates who can demonstrate:

• A passion for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and our vision and mission, along with a commitment to arts and culture as a force for change;
• A good understanding of effective governance and management;
• Strategic vision and creative thinking;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• An understanding of the barriers which some people within our communities face and a commitment to effect change; Values of equalities, diversity and inclusion.

For more information please download the recruitment pack on our website.

To apply please email us with your CV and no more than one side of A4 outlining: your experience, why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Kirklees Theatre Trust (Lawrence Batley Theatre) and what you will bring to the organisation. Deadline for applications is 12noon on Fri 3 April.

All applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair and Chief Executive to understand a little more about you and what you can bring to the Board. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to observe a Board meeting before deciding whether they wish to formally join as a Trustee.

Role description

The Board of Trustees (“the Board”) is the ultimate governing body of the charity. Working together as members of the Board, Trustees have control of NYO’s property and funds and are responsible for the determination of major strategic, financial and artistic policies; approval of the annual business plan and budget; appointment of the Chief Executive; approval of trustee appointments; and the framework of risk and internal control.

Key responsibilities

Governance & compliance

• Ensure NYO pursues its charitable purposes for public benefit and complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and relevant regulations. 
• Manage resources responsibly: protect assets, approve budgets and annual accounts, and oversee financial controls and reserves. 

• Ensure accountability and transparency, including fair, clear reporting in the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements. 
• Uphold the Charity Governance Code’s recommended practices for an effective board team and culture. 

Strategy, performance & risk

• Contribute to NYO’s strategy and monitor delivery against objectives; scrutinise performance information and challenge constructively. 
• Identify and manage principal risks; satisfy yourself that systems exist to mitigate them. 

Conduct & conflicts

• Adhere to board ways of working and the Trustee Code of Conduct. Participate in annual board evaluations and training.
• Handle information in accordance with NYO’s data protection and confidentiality policies.
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest and related‑party matters, completing annual declarations and updating the register as needed.

Safeguarding, EDI and culture

• Promote a safeguarding culture; complete annual training; and monitor safeguarding information at board level.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, including accessible meetings and recruitment practices consistent with the Charity Governance Code. 
  
  

Engagement & fundraising

• Play an active role in developing NYO’s networks. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Support fundraising initiatives and help open doors through your networks.

Additional specialist responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities that apply to all trustees, this specialist trustee will be expected to:

• Provide insight on the realities young people face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps teenagers thrive in arts and education settings.
• Engage with and help NYO develop its approach to youth voice, across a portfolio including opportunities for agency, ambassadorship, meaningful input into decisions, and building confidence through leadership opportunities.
• Support board-level safeguarding oversight, with particular awareness of safeguarding responsibilities within large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
• Contribute to strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising that when a teenager finds something they love they need opportunities to progress and to explore whether it could be part of their future.

Person Specification

All trustees are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Commitment to NYO’s mission and values, including youth voice.
• Strategic vision and the ability to scrutinise performance information and financial reports.
• Willingness to constructively challenge and devote the necessary time and effort.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Readiness to maintain confidentiality and manage conflicts.
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind.
• Inclusive behaviours and a commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Commitment to the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Time commitment

• Attend quarterly Board meetings and ad hoc/standing committee meetings as required
• Attend a board away day every 1-2 years
• Visit at least one NYO residency or project a year and attend key donor events (3-4 evenings per year)
• Participate in induction sessions and attend annual safeguarding training.

Quarterly board meetings usually take place on weekday afternoons (forthcoming: 14 May, 8 July, 22 October 2026 at 3.00 – 5.30pm)

Term of office

• Four‑year term, renewable once on invitation from the Chair.

Remuneration & expenses

• The role is unpaid; reasonable expenses (e.g., travel) are reimbursed.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee.