Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

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:

• 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.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

Help Shape the Future of Craft, Creativity, and Community

New Brewery Arts - recently named one of the UK’s top 5 cultural venues - is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to join us in the spring of 2026.

At the heart of everything we do is our purpose: to connect people with the hand-made, promote the joy and fulfilment of making, and celebrate the role of craft and creativity in all our lives. This is a chance to lead an organisation that champions creativity and community, and to help us secure a strong and sustainable future while growing our impact and reach.

As Chair, you’ll provide leadership to a skilled and committed Board and work in close partnership with our CEO. You’ll ensure strong governance, support and challenge the executive team, and create the right conditions for the Board and the organisation to thrive. You’ll also act as a powerful advocate for New Brewery Arts and all we stand for.

We’re looking for someone who brings credibility, leadership, and a genuine commitment to creativity and craft. You don’t need previous Chair experience, what matters most is your ability to offer insight, ask the right questions, and help guide good decisions. We value curiosity, challenge, and constructive support.

If you’re excited by creativity, community, and the transformative power of craft and want to play a key role in shaping New Brewery Arts as it turns 50 we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline:10am, Monday 2 March

Interviews: Friday 13 March

We are seeking an experienced professional to volunteer as a Contract & Compliance Advisor. This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in law, compliance, procurement, or contract negotiation, who would like to use their expertise to support a values-led charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, agreements, and supplier documentation
• Identify potential risks, liabilities, and areas requiring clarification
• Highlight key terms, conditions, and small print in clear, accessible language
• Provide guidance on compliance, procurement, and contractual best practice
• Support staff to understand contractual implications (non-legal advice)
• Offer input on negotiation points where appropriate

This role is advisory and does not involve acting as Chickenshed’s legal representative.

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.

Our new Trustees may come from many walks of life and we do not require prior board-level experience. At this time, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can help to build the charity’s infrastructure with: finance or accountancy, law, human resources and people management, income generation, commercial fundraising, marketing and communications, as well as those with experience in the education sector or working with young people.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Sound judgement and strategic thinking ability balanced by an openness to listening to others and to new ideas
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation
• Understanding or experience of the arts and/or education and a belief in the transformative power of poetry and performance
• An enthusiasm for arts charity work and the confidence and willingness to advocate our mission.
  
  All Trustees will be offered an induction. The role offers the opportunity to learn about governance and what it takes to run an arts organisation and achieve its objectives. Alongside experienced individuals, we also want to recruit a young trustee who would be willing to take up a governance role for the first time, someone who is willing to be mentored, so that we can offer tailored support and training as required.
  
  All Trustees will have the opportunity to attend Young Identity writing workshops, training, and events to experience Young Identity’s unique delivery of poetry and performance.
  
  Our current board is a diverse mix of trustees with backgrounds in: economics, law, psychology, education, counselling, young people’s arts production, community engagement and creative business development. The current board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international. However, we also need to actively manage changes to the board as the terms of current trustees come to an end. We strive to do this in a systematic and organised way to ensure both continuity, stability as well as the development and progression of Young Identity.

Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation is a charity that presents various music and arts projects in East Riding of Yorkshire.

We are looking for a volunteer that can support us in creating these events that support education, community and wellbeing.

This can be a remote role, but if you are nearby and can help out at our festival, concerts or competitions then that is a bonus.

Promote our events through various platforms.

Support our communications.

Help with our fundraising projects.

Coordinate events.

Learn some skills and gain experience.

Encourage a positive experience.

We know people have busy lives.  We are flexible in terms of time.  Come and join our friendly team.

Northern Rascals CIC is at the beginning of an exciting new chapter: we are recruiting a Chair and Board members to support our next chapter.  As a leading dance-theatre company from Calderdale, Yorkshire, we are excited to share our work more widely than ever before and build the sustainability and resilience of the company over the next few years.  Our Board will be central to making these ambitions a reality.

We want our Board to reflect our work and communities, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds across England, especially those from underrepresented groups.

You may bring relevant professional experience, or your own lived experience. You might have been on a Board before, or you might be joining a Board for the first time. 

Desirable skills areas

• Experience in marketing, communications and audience development

• Experience in finance and accounting

• Experience in community outreach and partnerships

• Experience in the legal sector and / or with governance experience

• Experience leading or managing arts and cultural organisations and venues

Purpose of the role

The Chair and Board will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the CIC, ensuring it operates effectively, legally, and in line with its community benefit purpose.

Statutory duties (as the Board)

• Promote and ensure good governance

• Review and support the strategic direction of the CIC, setting ambitious targets, evaluating performance and measuring achievements

• Ensure activities continue to meet the community interest test (by demonstrating that Northern Rascal’s activities are carried on for the benefit of the community and do not result in private profit)

• Make sure the CIC’s finances and property are protected and used only for community benefit

• Oversee financial management, budgets, and risk

• Ensure compliance with Company law; CIC regulations; Companies House filing requirements

• Approve and sign off the annual CIC report

• Appoint, support, and oversee senior staff 

• Act in the best interests of the CIC at all times

• Declare and manage conflicts of interest

Further responsibilities 

• Ensure the organisation adheres to the funding criteria for the grants received from Arts Council and other funders

• Promote a progressive understanding of and commitment to diversity in all forms

• Extend the company’s networks of contacts and open doors

• Support and contribute to the development of fundraising

• Review and approve internal policies, such as Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Finance.

• Support the Co-Directors with insights from your own experience and knowledge

Please see the recruitment pack for full details - available on Northern Rascals website.

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.

Mountview is one of the UK’s leading drama schools, and we are passionate about developing the next generation of creative talent. In our 80th birthday year, we are excited to invite applications for new trustees to join our Board and help provide strategic direction to the charity.

We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the diversity of our Board and particularly encourage applications from individuals from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, as well as those who live or work locally to our home building in Peckham, South East London. Applicants should have knowledge of, or a strong interest in, the performing arts and education.

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.

Sherborne Museum is looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to join us as Front of House Team Co-Ordinator. This key role supports our valued team of volunteer stewards and helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for our visitors. The main responsibility is to manage the monthly stewarding rota — keeping it up to date and arranging cover when needed. You’ll also support the curator with the recruitment, induction and training of new volunteers, and act as a point of contact for existing stewards, helping to flag any issues or concerns.

The role would suit someone who is empathetic, computer literate, and confident working with people. If you’re passionate about local heritage and looking for a flexible way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.

Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
• Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
• Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape
• A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
• Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours: 3-year term (renewable)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Location: Hybrid, with some travel to Dorset for key meetings and events

Closing date: 25th March 2026

Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity dedicated to enabling and empowering dancers to thrive professionally and personally, both during and beyond their performance careers.

DCD is seeking a new Co-opted Committee Member with finance expertise and an interest in dance to join the Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee of its Board of Trustees. The organisation welcomes candidates with experience as a Treasurer or as a member of a Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, ideally within the charity sector, who have a strong understanding of charity accounting, governance, and risk management.