Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

The Burton is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our development. With new leadership, big ambitions, and our 75th anniversary in 2026, we’re looking to strengthen our Board as we shape the next chapter of our story.

Whether you are familiar with The Burton or new to us, we are interested to hear from all people who share our passion for bringing world-class art and culture to North Devon. We can appoint up to 5 new trustees, and are committed to 2 of these positions to be for trustees aged 18-35 years old. You do not need to have previous experience of being a Trustee to apply.

What does it mean to be a trustee?

• Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run. They are sometimes also called Board Members or the Board.
• As a Trustee, you make decisions about the direction the charity takes, ensuring it has the resources and policies it needs to comply with legal requirements.
• Anyone over 18 can be a Trustee at The Burton at Bideford, regardless of how junior or senior you are in your career.
• Charities thrive when they have a diversity of skills, knowledge, age and lived experience on their Board.
• Being a Trustee requires a modest time commitment – we estimate about four hours per month.
• As a Trustee you can learn new skills, meet new people and help shape the future of charities you care about.

Key Dates:

Application deadline: 10am, Monday 16 February 2026
Interviews: March 2026
Start date: April 2026, the new appointee’s first full Board Meeting will be 11 June 2026

How to Apply:

Please visit our website for full application details.

We are looking for Trustees to join the Young Vic Board. 

Whether on our stages at our home on The Cut, touring to schools and community centres across south London, premiering a play in the West End or on Broadway, streaming our work across the country and around the world – the Young Vic is actively working to be a theatre for everyone.

“We are looking for Trustees to join the Young Vic Board in 2026. We are excited about the opportunity to recruit new Trustees who bring diverse experience, perspective and energy to a high performing Board. We are looking for energetic and engaged individuals who share our values and our commitment to excellence, access, representation and social justice. Our Trustees will support our exceptional leadership team as they lead our wonderful theatre into its next exciting phase in our fifty-year history.” - Glenn Earle, Chair of the Board 

The Trustees of the charity act as Directors of the company, and therefore have legal, financial and ethical duties under company law and compliance with charity legislation. 

 As a Trustee you will have various legal responsibilities including: 

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

• Ensure that the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit  

• Act in the charity’s best interests  

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly  

• Act with reasonable care and skill  

• Ensure the charity is accountable  

• Ensure the charity is compliant 

We are looking for approximately four new Trustees. In particular, we are looking for trustees who may have the following skillsets: 

• A freelancer working within the arts 

• Expert knowledge of the law 

• Expertise in Theatre Production/ Commercial Producing

• Experience in and enthusiasm for Charity Fundraising 

• Expertise in Accounting 

We are also keen to hear from candidates who do not meet these specific criteria, but believe they could actively contribute to our thinking and our future success. Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary. We are committed to a full and appropriate induction, mentoring, training and support for all new Trustees. 

Please see our Trustee Application Pack for full details. 

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We are particularly keen to hear from Black and Global Majority people, and candidates who self-identify as disabled. All candidates who self-identify as disabled who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for interview. The Young Vic is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

Start Date: There is no fixed start date for these positions, but would like to have everyone in place by the end of 2026. 

Apply by: The closing date for applications is 10am, Wednesday 28th January 2026. 

To apply, please go to the Young Vic website Work for the Young Vic, download and read the Application Pack carefully.

We are seeking an Honorary Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees. This voluntary role is ideal for someone with finance or accounting experience who would like to help Photofusion continue its mission to support and celebrate photography and photographers.

Job Description
As Honorary Treasurer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the financial direction and long-term resilience of Photofusion, ensuring we can continue supporting emerging photographers, widening access to the visual arts, and championing diverse creative communities. Your financial expertise will help us maintain high-quality facilities, education programmes, and opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to creative participation.

Photofusion is at a significant moment in its development. Nearly two years into our new building, we are preparing to make important decisions about growth and sustainability in an increasingly challenging arts funding landscape. Like many arts and education charities, we must navigate rising costs, limited resources, and the need to protect the stability of our core services. Balancing ambition with sustainability will be central to the Board's work, and the Treasurer will play a key part in guiding this.

We are seeking someone with strong professional experience in finance and accounting, ideally with knowledge of charity finance and reporting. Experience supporting organisations through change and development would be especially valuable as we refine systems, strengthen controls, and ensure our resources are used effectively. Insight in change management or strategic financial planning would be particularly helpful.

Our Board works closely with our senior team and is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in Photofusion's values of creativity, equity, and community. As Treasurer, you will lead on financial governance, ensure the Board receives clear and timely financial information, and chair a Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee. Trustees also have opportunities to contribute more widely across fundraising, partnerships, organisational resilience, and advocacy.

If you believe in accessible, inclusive creativity and want to help shape Photofusion's future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Job Requirements
Applicants should bring strong professional experience in finance or accounting, ideally with knowledge of charity finance, reporting, and governance. They should be confident analysing financial information, advising non-financial colleagues, and supporting strategic decision-making. We are looking for someone who is collaborative, clear-communicating, and aligned with Photofusion's values of creativity, equity, and community, with the commitment to help guide the organisation's future resilience.

The time commitment for the position is approximately 1 meeting per month (no more than 1hr in length) and quarterly board meetings (1 every 3 months).

Job Responsibilities
The Honorary Treasurer will play a vital role in strengthening Photofusion's financial foundations at a pivotal time for the organisation. Their strategic oversight will help ensure we remain sustainable, resilient, and able to deliver high-quality programmes, facilities, and opportunities for emerging and underrepresented photographers.

With the arts funding landscape becoming increasingly challenging, the Treasurer's expertise will be essential in balancing ambition with financial stability.

By refining financial processes, improving internal controls, and ensuring the Board receives clear, accurate, and timely financial information, the Treasurer will enable strong governance and informed decision-making at every level.

Kiplin Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire is recruiting Trustees to join the friendly and dedicated Board which oversees the management of this intriguing Jacobean house.  The house was built in the 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of the US state of Maryland. A member of the Historic Houses Association, the Hall and Gardens welcome 40,000 visitors a year. In 2025 we opened a new Welcome Centre at Kiplin with improved retail and catering for our visitors and with the support of MEND funding undertook major repairs of the Hall roof. The National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled us to create new galleries and improve our visitor access and services. There is a dedicated staff of 10 FTE supported by a team of 240 volunteers.

We are particularly seeking Trustees with skills and experience in finance, accountancy, estates, fundraising and marketing to help oversee the continued development of the Hall and Gardens. Over the next 10 years we plan on further enhancing the service and experience offered to visitors, as well as reviewing our working practices internally to ensure Kiplin is sustainable and resilient for the future.  We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help guide us through an exciting period of change and transition. 

Our aim is to develop and broaden the diversity of our Board of Trustees, ensuring we have a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and are particularly interested in receiving local applications.

Join Taunton Brewhouse Board as Finance Trustee, develop skills in charity finance and support us in bringing entertainment and culture to our community.

Having grown substantially over the past 12 years, we are moving into a new era of development.   This includes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the theatre which takes place in 2027.

Our current Trustee for Finance retires shortly, and we seek a new Finance/Director to take forward this key area.

As Trustee responsible for Finance, you will have specific responsibilities for

• providing financial guidance to the Board on matters put before it
• chairing quarterly meeting of the F&GP Committee
• oversight of financial management through monthly meetings with senior finance team
• liasing with professional advisers as necessary

You will share with other trustees the regular responsibilities for all:

• agree strategy and goals for the charity and Taunton Brewhouse
• appoint and set salarie for senior management
• give oversight and support to management
• ensure due diligence in regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• pay attention to financial management
• ensure a robust approach to the management of risk.

Apart from time commitments indicated for Finance, the Board meets quarterly on Monday evenings with other meetings as necessary (sometimes on line).  There is an annual 'away-day' for trustees and the AGM which takes place in November.

Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

The Role of the Board

 The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
• Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures. The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability

Independent Trustees- Role Description

We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance with legal and statutory responsibilities.

Contribute to strategic discussions and decisions. Provide oversight of financial, operational, and reputational risk.

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance.

Act as an ambassador for the organisation, including attendance at key events and stakeholder activities.

Serve on sub-committees or working groups as required.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

An ability to think strategically and independently.

Commitment to good governance and accountability.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

A collaborative and supportive approach.

Passion for the mission of Sunderland Culture.

Relevant lived experience and networks that reflect the make-up of the city.

Desirable Criteria

Relevant experience of organisational governance.

We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and audit
• Fundraising and income generation
• Community cohesion

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.

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

The Role of the Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
• Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability

The Role of Chair

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.

Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.

Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.

Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.

Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.

Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.

Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission

Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.

Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector

Sunderland or North-East England based

Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)

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.

Centre Manager

The Teignbridge Heritage Centre is a focal point for recording the history and culture of our local environment.  The museum has a large collection of historical and contemporary artifacts including the remains of the French invasion and sacking of Teignmouth in 1690.  It also offers comprehensive research and archive access to a large collection of historical artifacts and data.

Applications are invited for the post of Centre Manager

This voluntary role is key to the smooth running and viability of the Museum and carries responsibility for most aspects of the day-to-day coordination and administration of the Centre.  Much of the role’s responsibilities can be handled online with a nominal ½ day a week on duty at the Museum.

Ideal applicants will be able to bring business experience and flexibility to handle a range of responsibilities and a team of volunteers.  Well-developed administrative and delegation skills, possibly acquired from a management role in industry or commerce, will be a distinct advantage.

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.

Be part of a project to help shape, test and develop our Active Outdoor Offer. You will shape, lead or support outdoor walking & wheeling adventures to help connect visitors to the outdoors. Varied levels of experience encouraged.

By getting involved, you could:

Play a part in shaping what walks and cycle led tours at Ickworth could look like 

Have a say in what a future, more permanent role in the team after could look like

Join an enthusiastic and varied team, play a part in making change at Ickworth make some likeminded connections in the process 

Meet people from all walks of life, helping them access wildlife, nature and the outdoors along the way 

Let your personality shine and put your communication, planning and working group skills into action being part of a team to lead great outdoor adventures

Help build connections to the outdoors 

Take pride in the knowledge that your contribution is helping to look after our special places for everyone, forever 

Keep fit, Healthy and be part of a growing active community

What's involved?

Supporting, encouraging, and facilitating the creation of new outdoor experiences such as cycling, walking and running. 

Testing out new tours, walks and cycle groups in the outdoors.

Learning a bit of story telling along the way, and being part of choosing what is shared and trained for future group leaders. 

Preparation of equipment and ensuring experiences are carried out safely. 

Being a friendly face for visitors, welcoming them to the estate, answering questions, inspiring people to connect with the outdoors and growing support for the National Trust. 

Being part of a varied and enthusiastic team, working closely with the Visitor Experience team and volunteers to ensure that service across all visitor facing components is consistent. 

Assist staff with route planning and visitor information, with the possibility of offsite promotion and engagement with local groups. 

Taking part in the possible connection with local walking or cycling groups.

Taking part in regular Walk Leader & Cycle Leader training to develop skills. Regular catch-up sessions with our Active Outdoors Development Volunteer Manager. 

Incident management will be covered in detail during the Walk Leader and Cycle Leader training including what Walk & Cycle Leaders’ responsibilities are. 

Being part in evaluation and planning meetings to decide what on Active out door role could look like in future.

This role will suit you if you are:

Passionate about the outdoors and enjoy inspiring others to get involved with nature and the outdoors through activity and experiences. 

Able to take part in, lead or support in routes around Ickworth; as the role will involve varying levels of physical activity including shorter close by and Multi Use trail routes, full parkland bike rides and rambling walks through off path spaces. 

Able to work as a team, connecting people and evaluating work along the way. 

Having a friendly and welcoming style of talking to visitors, to welcome people of all abilities and best connect them with the offer that best suits them. 

Keen to develop and support the National Trust's focus on developing inclusive offers to reach more diverse audiences 

Adaptable in your approach to suit different situations and audiences 

Able to respond and support behavioural changes and product initiatives related to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint 

Enthusiastic about your local environment and are an ambassador for the National Trust's cause to look after special places for everyone, for ever.

Volunteering as part of our Cycle Hire addition to Ickworth's Visitor Experience, this role is to shape and develop the cycling culture at Ickworth and support with customer service as well as hiring out bikes.

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic and varied team and form new friendships 
• Volunteer at this beautiful and inspiring property 
• Enjoy new experiences and learn something new every day 
• Let your personality shine, and build connections with our visitors and wider property team 
• Know you have made a difference to someone’s day out

What's involved:

To support the Cycle Hire Supervisor in the day to day running of the cycle hire hub 

• Meeting and greeting visitors and understanding their requirements
• Following the protocols for hiring and returning bikes 
• Sizing bikes for visitors and supporting with trailer and balance bike hire 
• Helping visitors navigate and plan their cycle route across the estate 
• Basic bike repairs (if you can, training can be provided) 
• Supporting housekeeping, cleanings equipment and facilities for use 
• Developing a cycling culture across the Ickworth Team
• Being part of the ideas team for what else Ickworth can offer as part of our cycling offer 

*As part of this role you will have the opportunity to learn basic cycle maintenance, but it is your choice if you opt in to taking on this training and no one should attempt to fix an Ickworth bike without having this training signed off*

This role will suit you if you:

• Are friendly, cheerful and have a positive outlook to welcome everyone and inspire others 
• Enjoy providing exceptional service 
• Are able to adapt their skills and knowledge to suit different situations and people 
• Have a passion for the outdoors and for helping people access Ickworth and the National Trust

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic team and make new friends 
• Develop your hospitality skills and put them into practice
• Support the lunch rush be delivering food to people’s tables 
• Support on the counter to help serve soup or cakes
• Sign up to holiday, evening or 1 off events such as Theatre, Proms or other performances that may have an ice cream trike or BBQ on offer
• Be trained on the Food and Beverage Buggy to help deliver stock including freshly baked good to other outlets (being trained on the F&B buggy is an optional choice in addition to usual duties)
• Use your smile and customer service skills, so people feel at home
• Help us raise money so we continue our work looking after special places

What's involved?

• Undertake tasks ranging from clearing tables and serving food to washing dishes and supporting behind the counter. 
• Use your smile and customer service skills to engage with visitors, share knowledge of the property and generally enhance their visit
• Have a strong working knowledge of our menu, including allergen information, and sharing this with visitors, though any allergy questions should be asked to a team leader, with the support of our allergen book.
• Playing your part to continue our work looking after special places 
• Joining an enthusiastic team and making new friends
• Learning and developing a range of skills such as food safety, barista and exceptional service.
• There’s also potential to get involved with the Food & Beverage events calendar.
• You can also opt in to Food and Beverage Buggy training to help deliver freshly baked goods to other outlets on site.

This role will suit you if you are:

• Are cheerful and like being around people – you’ll meet a lot at lunchtime! 
• Are looking for a varied role – you’ll be juggling tasks as well as trays of food
• Are keen to be part of a team
• Are good at keeping places looking tidy and welcoming
• Have a keen eye to detail to notice when a visitor needs help
• Love chatting about food, new recipes and where our ingredients come from

Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is an internationally recognised charity, founded in Hay-on-Wye in Wales 38 years ago, operating in the UK and abroad. As a charity, we have a commitment to literature, culture, arts, and ideas, expanding, sharing, and contributing to the development of the arts, creativity, talent and skills through our activities (festivals, education, fundraising and trading). We are seeking a dynamic trustee with expertise to join the Board.

Hay Festival editions take place in Wales, UK and internationally, currently in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, USA, Africa, Ukraine and Europe.

We are seeking a trustees with skills in the following areas:

• International experience within cultural or creative sectors

• Digital production and media expertise

• Fund development and high-net-worth access

• Capital project and infrastructure development

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.

Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

Role of The Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.

• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”

• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.

• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.

• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality

• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)

• Inclusivity and Relevance

• Environmental Sustainability

Independent Trustees – Role Description

We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and audit

• Fundraising and income generation

• Community cohesion

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1 day per month (variable to time of year).

• Board meetings: (4–6 times per year).

• Membership of sub-committees: (4 meetings per year).

• Preparation and engagement outside meetings.

• Term: 3 years, renewable twice.