Trustees - Young Vic Theatre

Who They Are

The Young Vic Theatre occupies a distinctive place in the UK’s cultural landscape, combining bold commercial ambition and artistic originality with meaningful grassroots social impact. This commitment is most evident in the theatre’s renowned audience community—one of the most diverse, vibrant and engaged in London.

The Role

Purpose of the Role

The Trustees of the charity also serve as Directors of the company and therefore hold legal, financial and ethical responsibilities under company law and charity legislation.

Trustees are responsible for:

• Complying with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Ensuring the charity delivers its purpose for public benefit

• Acting in the charity’s best interests

• Managing the charity’s resources responsibly

• Acting with reasonable care and skill

• Ensuring accountability

• Ensuring compliance across the organisation

The current Board brings together leaders from theatre, business, finance and hospitality. Trustees work in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team, delegating day-to-day operations and artistic decisions to the organisation’s specialist leaders.

The Board draws on its collective expertise, networks and experience to provide strategic and operational guidance. Trustees share a deep commitment to the Young Vic’s mission, championing its work and supporting engagement across the community.

Trustees are asked to join a committee where possible and actively support the theatre by:

• Attending productions

• Participating in events that support fundraising, advocacy and community engagement

• Making introductions within their networks, especially for fundraising

• Staying informed about developments in the arts and charity sectors

• Preparing thoroughly for Board meetings, contributing actively and attending in person whenever possible

The Board operates in line with the Charity Governance Code, which sets out seven core principles: organisational purpose, leadership, integrity, decision-making risk and control, board effectiveness, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and openness and accountability.

Person Specification

The organisation is seeking approximately four new Trustees and is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:

• Freelance work within the arts

• Law

• Theatre production or commercial producing

• Charity fundraising

• Accounting

However, the Board also welcomes applicants who may not meet these specific criteria but feel able to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s development and future direction.

Previous trustee experience is not required. A comprehensive induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with the option of a further four-year extension and, in some cases, an additional two years. The maximum tenure is ten years. The Board meets four times per year, with the Executive Board convening an additional four times and further committee meetings scheduled as needed.