Chair of Trustees
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Chair of Trustees - Gorse Hill Studios Community & Cultural Centre (GHSCC)
Help Shape the Future of an Ambitious Youth Arts Charity
Gorse Hill Studios (GHSCC) is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Board of a respected and ambitious youth arts charity that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people across Greater Manchester. Working closely with our Chief Executive and fellow trustees, you will help shape our strategic direction, strengthen our governance, and champion our mission to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
About Us
At Gorse Hill Studios, we believe all young people deserve social, emotional, educational and cultural investment in their future.
For over a decade, we have supported young people aged 8 to 25 through a unique combination of arts, youth work and creative learning. Our work focuses on inclusion, disability, youth voice, alternative education and creative engagement, helping young people build confidence, resilience and meaningful pathways into adulthood.
Through our programmes, we empower young people to discover their potential, strengthen their communities and achieve aspirations they may never have thought possible.
The Opportunity
As Chair of Trustees, you will provide leadership to our Board and help ensure GHSCC remains focused on achieving its charitable objectives while operating to the highest standards of governance.
You will act as a trusted partner to our Chief Executive, providing support, challenge and strategic oversight while maintaining the appropriate distinction between governance and operational management.
This role provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people while contributing your leadership skills to a values-driven organisation at an exciting stage of its development.
Key Responsibilities
As Chair, you will:
- Lead and facilitate an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board of Trustees.
- Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive to develop and monitor organisational strategy.
- Foster constructive relationships between trustees, staff and stakeholders.
- Support the recruitment, development and succession planning of trustees.
- Ensure risks are appropriately identified and managed.
- Champion GHSCC's mission, values and reputation across the sector and wider community.
- Encourage robust discussion, constructive challenge and effective decision-making.
- Lead Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
Who We Are Looking For
We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate:
- Senior leadership or board-level experience.
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- The ability to inspire, influence and build consensus.
- A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- An understanding of good governance and organisational accountability.
- Experience of leading meetings and facilitating effective group decision-making.
Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential. We are equally interested in hearing from candidates with strong leadership experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Charity leadership and governance
- Fundraising and income generation
- Marketing and communications
- Education and alternative provision
- Finance or risk management
- Legal or HR expertise
- Public sector or community engagement
Time Commitment
The Board currently meets four times per year in person at Gorse Hill, Trafford.
In addition, the Chair is expected to:
- Meet regularly with the Chief Executive.
- Attend occasional committee meetings and key events.
- Support trustee recruitment and board development activities.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity when appropriate.
We estimate an average commitment of approximately 1 to 2 days per month.
This is a voluntary unpaid role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience, perspectives and voices that are currently underrepresented in charity governance. We celebrate the richness of our differences, including social class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, faith and age.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV alongside an expression of interest (maximum two sides of A4) outlining:
- Why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees at Gorse Hill Studios.
- The skills, experience and perspectives you would bring to the role.
- How your values align with our mission and work with young people.
Deadline midnight 25th September 2026.
Interviews 9th October 2026 afternoon and early evening TBC
Registered Charity
Empower and challenge young people through creativity.
