Theatre volunteer roles
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About Proteus
Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.
The Role
Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.
Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.
Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.
Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.
Who Proteus is Looking For
Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.
Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.
Trustee Responsibilities
Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:
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Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.
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Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.
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Support fundraising activities where possible.
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Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.
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Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.
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Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.
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Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.
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Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.
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Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
We make magic happen. We champion outstanding home-grown talent. We bring world class shows to Huddersfield We are a welcoming place for our community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a volunteer opportunity for would be film & TV makers to make film & video for public benefit. No prior skills are required. Our spring 26 train and shoot volunteer package is designed to help you make factual programmes with us. A dynamic blend of online and face-to-face sessions, all volunteers receive immersive camera training using WORLDwrite’s top-end film equipment and invaluable hands-on experience behind the lens. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless of your level of experience, whether you’re a seasoned Hollywood director or have never touched a camera. During the package we will be filming play readings of C.L.R James Black Jacobins and inspiring talks at Hackney Film Festival. One evening a week via Zoom and 8 weekend days face to face is all it takes! All volunteers are credited for their input, references are provided along with travel expenses to shoots and lunches on training & shoot days.
All would be volunteers need to complete the charity's own simple application form and view the session details on the WORLDwrite website. No one is turned away!
WORLDwrite is a registered education charity. The charity upskills young adults in film & TV & produces educational videos for public benefit.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds. Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.
If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch. We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.
As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:
- agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
- appointing and setting salaries for senior management
- giving oversight and support to management
- paying attention to financial management
- ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
- ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.
You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees. You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.
There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse. Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved. We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.
Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.
We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion.
We believe creative and performing arts should be experienced by and accessible to all and our mission is to make this a reality for our community.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Grand Union Orchestra is a music-led charity that brings together world-class artists and diverse communities to create powerful, socially engaged work through collaborative, cross-cultural performances. Through a wide range of productions, recordings, and educational programmes, we celebrate cultural heritage while empowering new generations of artists.
As we enter 2026, we are embarking on a new structure to expand our impact and define a long-term strategy to create new live music, foster creativity, and stand up against intolerance.
As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the charity is meeting its goals and has a solid operational base. We are looking for candidates to take an active role, and share expertise in income-generation, marketing, communications and community engagement.
We would particularly welcome applications for the role of Treasurer to take responsibility for overseeing our finances, and helping with budgeting and management accounts. Knowledge of Charity finance would be extremely beneficial to us.
Grand Union honours global musical traditions, creates new dynamic performances, nurtures talent, amplifies diverse voices and celebrates diversity.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Eastside seeks expressions of interest from prospective trustees who believe that they can make a significant and positive contribution to the organisation as we enter our 4th decade of delivery.
Remuneration: This is a pro bono role. Domestic travel expenses will be covered and reimbursed where required.
Reports to: Chair of the Trustees
Key Relationships With: Trustees, CEO / Artistic Director, Eastside Team, Key Stakeholders and Partners
Term of Appointment: 3 years +
Location: Eastside’s office on Hackney Road, E2 7NX, with occasional project visits across London and annual away day
Role Specification
Eastside is seeking Trustees to provide guidance and support for the CEO and senior executive team as well as expertise to the Board of Trustees. The organisation is in a strong position going into 2026 and is set on significant growth and expansion, aiming to maximise the opportunities created by recent successes; these include outstanding results on our national projects: Creativity Live (streaming live creativity workshops into schools and classrooms across the UK); SPOKEN WORD POWER (which has engaged and captured the voices of thousands of young people from deprived neighbourhoods across the country); sell out West End Gala fundraising nights (APRIL FOOLERY) and a national lottery heritage fund supported 30th anniversary project.
The Trustees will support the team in delivering exciting new projects across the creative arts, with particular focus on spoken-word poetry, the dramatic arts and film/digital media programmes. The Trust's work in schools is expanding and, while London remains a priority, there are clear plans to bring Eastside's offering to a national and international audience.
Person Specification
Eastside is looking for individuals who are passionate about its work with children and young people, and its mission to transform educational provision and learning experiences across the capital city and beyond through the application of art, culture and creativity. Applicants will have strong professional experience and networks, as well as stakeholder, funder and partner leverage.
Trustees will advise on how to reach wider audiences, grow corporate partnerships and provide support for Eastside's educational programmes. We particularly encourage applications from those representing diverse backgrounds and those with relevant lived experience. Experience at a senior level within the Arts/Youth Fundraising and Philanthropy sectors, Digital or creative arts (particularly film, TV and theatre), Legal, Education and Facilities management sectors (with revenue generation experience) would be welcome.
We welcome candidates who have experience of fundraising, either for a non-profit or a commercial organisation. Those without direct experience but who have good connections to high-net-worth individuals, grant-giving Trusts & Foundations or Corporate/Family Foundations are also highly encouraged to apply.
In addition to attending Board meetings, it is hoped that Trustees will attend Eastside projects where possible to engage with the creative delivery and the organisation's artists, advocate for its work within their own professional and personal networks, and promote individual and company-wide fundraising initiatives. Sitting on a trustee board requires the ability to take a more advisory approach than in executive roles. If you have not previously held any trustee or non-executive positions, you should demonstrate a track record of influencing the direction of your organisation at board level. If you already have significant trustee or non-executive experience, please detail this.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Opportunity: Support Our 55+ Community Programme
Are you passionate about supporting older adults and making a positive impact in your local community?
Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our vibrant 55+ Programme in the heart of Camden.
QCCA is one of London’s most active and inclusive community centres, offering a wide range of free activities and support services for older residents (55+). Since 2002, our mission has been to help build a happier, healthier, and more connected community—especially within one of Camden’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
What We Offer – Weekly Activities
As part of our commitment to improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, and encouraging meaningful engagement, we run a variety of sessions each week, including:
- Chair‑based exercise
- Coffee mornings
- Gym sessions
- Drama sessions
- Reflexology
- Weekly community lunch
- Bingo
- Movie matinees
- Arts and crafts
Volunteer Role
We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy socialising and building rapport with older people. Key responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming and chatting with participants
- Supporting the setup and pack‑down of activities
- Ordering and organising supplies
- Keeping accurate attendance records
- Acommpany outings and events in London (e.g., gardens, museums, music and theatre trips).
This role is ideal for anyone who enjoys connecting with people, contributing to the community, or gaining experience in a supportive charitable environment.
If you have a particular skill or hobby you would love to share (art, music, movement, crafts, language, etc.), we would be delighted to explore incorporating it into our activity timetable.
Volunteer Hours (Options)
This is a voluntary role.
Activities run Monday to Friday, and each session lasts 2–3 hours. Volunteers can choose the days and sessions that best suit their availability.
Volunteer Benefits
By joining us, you will gain:
- The opportunity to support a local community in need and build meaningful relationships
- Valuable volunteering or work experience
- Lunch vouchers
Application Process:
When you reach out, we’ll begin with a warm introductory phone call and welcome you to visit our centre. If you choose to start volunteering with us, we’ll guide you through a full induction and organise your DBS check.
Interested? Get in Touch!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This friendship group was started to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to make friends, go on monthly trips and overall have a lot of fun. You can help us make that happen!
An opportunity is available to volunteer at a friendship group for adults with learning disabilities No prior experience is required. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a supportive attitude are what matter most.
Projects You May Support
Volunteers can choose to help with one or both projects:
1. Friendship Group
- When: Every Tuesday during term time, 1:30pm–4:30pm
- Where: Canning Town Library
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting participants during various activities (e.g., reading tasks).
- Encouraging communication and helping build friendships.
- Boosting confidence through positive interaction.
- Assisting with setting up and packing away activities.
- Helping individuals get refreshments.
- Building trust through calm, kind engagement.
- Reporting any concerns, incidents, or disclosures to staff.
2. Joy Hub
- When: Usually the last Tuesday of each month during term time (timings may vary; activities announced up to 4 months in advance).
- Purpose: Monthly free outings planned by the Friendship Group—examples include bowling, cinema, theatre, and museum visits.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensuring everyone feels included.
- Encouraging individuals to participate and build confidence.
- Helping with practical tasks such as navigating meeting points, refreshments, and transitions between activities.
- Building rapport through supportive, calm interactions.
- Reporting any concerns or incidents to staff.
Skills You’ll Develop
- Communication: Adapting language, using non-verbal cues, and practising active listening.
- Empathy & Patience: Understanding diverse needs and responding calmly.
- Teamwork: Working collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
- Leadership: Taking initiative while supporting individuals with varying needs.
- Problem-Solving: Managing challenges in a person-centred environment.
- Composure: Staying calm in potentially challenging situations.
Useful Experience (Not Essential)
- Disability awareness
- Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, and disclosure
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals
- Understanding of neurodiversity and person-centred approaches
Enthusiastic learners are encouraged to apply even without direct experience!
DBS will be provided!
Our mission is to create opportunities for autistic people, those with learning disabilities and their families to thrive in local communities



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you someone who loves getting creative, catching a show, or simply enjoying a good chat over coffee and cake?
We’re looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time with a lovely lady with a learning disability who enjoys:
Arts & crafts Trips to the theatre Cooking and baking Scrapbooking And catching up over a cuppa and a slice of cake!
She’s looking for someone to share her interests, try new things together, and enjoy relaxed, sociable outings in the local community.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are now at a particularly exciting moment. Following multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and the success of productions such as Small Town Boys, we are looking ahead to our next phase of growth with confidence and ambition. This is a wonderful time to step into the role of Chair and help shape what comes next.
As Chair, you will lead a committed and thoughtful board, working closely with our artistic and executive leadership to set strategic direction, champion our values, and ensure the organisation continues to flourish. You will be an advocate for dance, for Dundee and for the artists and communities we serve. Your ability to build strong relationships, communicate clearly and create a supportive, well-governed environment will be central to our continued success.
It is a role with responsibility and also with enormous reward.
We run creative programmes, workshops and performances that are inclusive and accessible. We nurture talent and provide opportunities for people to develop their creative practice and skills. We create high- quality productions that tour throughout Scotland and the UK.
Our work is inspired by stories and ideas from the people and communities we work with in Dundee and beyond.
We would be delighted to hear from you and to learn how your experience, perspective and passion could help lead Shaper/Caper into its next chapter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)
Key responsibilities
Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management
- Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
- Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
- Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
- Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
Board Leadership
- Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
- Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development.
- Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
- Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.
Support to Hardman Trust CEO
- Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
- Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations.
- Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.
General Chair responsibilities
- Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
- Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.
Person Specification
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.
Essential
- Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
- Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
- Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
- Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
- Robust planning and organisational skills.
- Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
- A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
- Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
- Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
- Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
- Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
- Experience of building partnerships and networks.
- Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).
The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.
Key responsibilities:
· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.
· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.
· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.
· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.
· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.
· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.
· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.
· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.
· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.
Who you are:
· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.
· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.
· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.
· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.
· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.
· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.
· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.
· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.
· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.
First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).
Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).
The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.