Arts, Culture, Heritage Volunteer Roles

The Langham Arts Trust is an extraordinary charity, combining a passion for creative excellence with a gospel mission: to make Jesus’ name known and glorified through music and the arts.

The work of the charity today encompasses a range of exciting musical ventures, from witnessing to non-believers through music and worship, to serving the wider church with the gifts and resources of the All Souls Orchestra. The charity is looking to expand its work with young people, and grow the capacity of the orchestra in order to engage in more opportunities to point people to Christ through music.

The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair and Treasurer. These two appointments will be instrumental in managing change and supporting growth for the Trust. In particular, the Chair will lead a refreshment of the Board and be a skilled relationship builder.

This is an exciting moment to join the board of an organisation with a vital, yet under-represented, mission in the UK church music landscape, and an organisation that is changing and growing rapidly.

Carnelian Search have been appointed to lead this search on behalf of Langham Arts Trust.

Chair of Trustees - Sansara

SANSARA is a vocal collective making choral music that matters, giving voice to powerful human stories.

It is recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to chair its board that has strong governance, public health, finance, and creative arts experience, from the 1st of August 2024 or earlier, as the current Chair resigns on the 31st July 2024.

Choirs are living, breathing instruments with unmatched expressive potential. SANSARA channels this creative force to present compelling choral experiences at the highest level, from intimate a cappella performances to immersive electronic soundscapes and critically acclaimed recordings. Its core projects fuse artistic excellence with social engagement.

Orchestras Live seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation through its next phase of development.

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment, including rural and coastal areas. Our projects can take place in schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors and online.

If you believe in and want to advocate for the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, this role could be of interest to you. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, it’s important that you recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, and love music – orchestral or otherwise. 

About us

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. We are a national producer and create projects where music and creativity can thrive. We work to ensure communities across England have access to world-class orchestral experiences.

We are seeking a new Chair from November 2024 when Tony Stoller steps down after 6 years in the role.

Through our innovative and developmental approach Orchestras Live has become a leader in the sector. We collaborate with local, regional and national organisations to energise and shape orchestral programmes, prioritising the needs and interests of audiences and participants. We are motivated by the knowledge that there is much still to be done to engage new audiences, break down social, economic and demographic barriers to access and support the development of an orchestral profession that reflects the diversity of today’s society.

Our new Chair will share our belief in and commitment to the power of culture to create social impact and positive change. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, we are looking for someone who recognises the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, informed by a love of music (orchestral or otherwise).

Our current trustees bring a wide range of expertise and diverse perspectives to Orchestras Live.

Vision, Mission and Values

VISION

Orchestras are for everyone.

MISSION

To engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those in historically under-invested, non-metropolitan communities in England, in creating work that harnesses the transformative power of orchestral music to inspire, bring joy and support wellbeing.

VALUES

Our values set the standard by which we hold ourselves to account and ask partners to do the same.

We are

Creative

To ensure that the orchestral experiences we co-produce are ambitious, meaningful and relevant.

To devise innovative solutions that underpin efficient organisational systems.

Inclusive

To ensure equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure.

Collaborative

We respect and understand the needs and aspirations of communities with whom we work, our partners’ challenges and ambitions, and the expertise and potential within our staff and trustees.

Environmentally responsible

We raise ambition for ourselves and the sector to improve environmental responsibility, take focused action and collaborate to mitigate and minimise the environmental impacts of our operations and co-productions.

Forward-looking

To explore new developments and their potential – artistic, technological, environmental, societal or organisational – so that we offer innovative and dynamic leadership to the sector.

Who we are looking for, and why

We are looking for an exceptional individual with the experience, integrity and skills necessary to act as a powerful ambassador for Orchestras Live, and to lead the Board in the governance of the organisation. Leadership experience in any sector and an understanding of the role of not-for-profit Boards are essential. A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role of Chair is also required.

We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate their suitability in the following essential areas:

Experience and skills

• Leadership role in any sector, paid or voluntary
• Strategic leadership: working with others to agree objectives, devise, communicate and support the delivery of an organisational plan
• Assessing and managing risk
• Networking, advocating and building relationships, on behalf of an organisation, a sector or a cause

Knowledge

• Best practice corporate and/or charity governance principles
• Financial literacy

In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.

• Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
• Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
• Working in or with public bodies, e.g. local authorities
• Working with national policy makers 
• Developing organisational strategies to achieve more equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
• Identifying new sources of income, including income-generating models, for the not-for-profit cultural sector
• Using data to understand and articulate the value of cultural/creative activity and support decision making
• The operational and creative potential of digital technology
• The structure of publicly funded cultural provision in England and the role of Orchestras Live within it
• The role of central and local government in supporting artists and public access to the arts, and their current policy priorities relating to culture, education and social policy

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, age groups and cultures. The Board has made specific commitments to embed equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure. To help us deliver these, we are keen to hear from Global Majority, D/deaf and disabled candidates to support better representation on our Board and in leadership positions in our sector. 

Candidates who self-identify as belonging to one or more of these groups and can demonstrate experience in the essential areas listed above will be guaranteed an online interview at the first stage.

We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement, which can be found at the end of this document.

About you 

You will believe in the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, supporting your commitment to Orchestras Live’s purpose and vision;

You will share our commitment to creating a more equitable orchestral sector and to cementing an inclusive approach across everything we do and how we do it;

You will demonstrate a strong affinity with our organisational values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Forward-looking, Creative and Environmentally Responsible;

You will demonstrate confidence and persuasiveness whilst adopting a collaborative leadership style;

Your leadership style will reflect Orchestras Live’s fair and transparent decision making culture;

You will be able to build resilient and supportive working relationships with trustees, the CEO and management team that facilitate positive discussion and challenge where appropriate; 

You will share our enthusiasm for people who bring different work and life experiences, perspectives and ways of doing things to the organisation. We want to work with people who have open ears and an open mind to new approaches, prepared to challenge the status quo.

What you will be expected to do

Overall objectives of the role

• Provide leadership to the Board of Orchestras Live, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for governance of the organisation and supports realisation of its vision and mission.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive to develop and deliver the vision, mission and strategy of the organisation.
• Act as ambassador for Orchestras Live, helping to shape external relationships that will reinforce its national position and strengthen its ability to secure funding from a wide range of sources to fulfill its mission.

Trustees meet as a full Board at least four times a year and there are a small number of standing committees and working groups. Board meetings and an annual Away Day generally alternate between Leeds and London; as our trustees are based in different parts of the country, meetings are usually hybrid so that trustees may attend either in person, or online when distance and scheduling is an issue. Committees and working groups usually meet on Zoom. Papers are circulated by email in good time for trustees to read them thoroughly before the meeting.

The Chair can expect to commit to the equivalent of up to 30 days per year. This includes monthly meetings (in person or online) with the Chief Executive and regular communication with the Chief Executive and/or Company Secretary as required, as well as time spent in preparation and planning regarding governance and strategy. Full day commitments are rare; the expectation would be mostly for half days and 1-2 hour meetings (generally online). 

In addition, all trustees are expected to attend at least two Orchestras Live activities a year and contribute feedback for our internal evaluation systems.  

Whilst the role is voluntary and unpaid, travel and other appropriate expenses are reimbursed.

Term

We are looking for a Chair for an initial, minimum three-year term; ideally to be renewed for a second term to a total of six years. 

Our Chair is appointed by the Orchestras Live Board of Trustees and is accountable to them.

The Role of Chair

The Chair of Trustees has the same legal responsibilities as other Trustees, but has additional responsibilities assigned by the Board.

Board leadership and meetings

• Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that, through the Board and its committees, the Board runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. Calling special meetings if necessary. Drawing up agendas for meetings with the Chief Executive and Company Secretary.
• Chairing meetings effectively and sympathetically, creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately. 
• Ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ethical, professional behaviour are maintained and, as appropriate, introduced to meet changing circumstances and good practice.
• Fostering collaborative and effective relationships between the Board, the Chief Executive and the staff team.

Governance

• With the Board, ensuring that financial controls and systems of management and risk are in place and effectively operated, and that the Board is kept informed in a timely and relevant manner of key issues and opportunities and performance against the business plan.
• To support, challenge and appraise the Chief Executive in managing the organisation, maintaining a balance between artistic and business goals, and ensuring a clear separation between executive and non-executive roles following corporate governance principles.
• Conducting periodic Board effectiveness reviews, ensuring that new Board members are fully inducted and that existing Board members are contributing effectively. 
• Keeping an eye open for conflicts of interest.
• Generally keeping in touch with Trustees to ensure that they feel valued and can make a full contribution to Orchestras Live.

Advocacy

• Representing the Board and organisation to external stakeholders including funders, national and local government politicians, policy makers and the media where appropriate.
• Being a champion for fundraising, helping to identify and develop relationships with potential and existing donors and supporters.
• Encouraging Trustees to play an active role as advocates in their networks, attend events and external meetings when the Chief Executive or senior staff would value this.

Your relationship with Orchestras Live

With a clear vision and goals, and efficient operations, Orchestras Live aims to create a supportive and open working environment, that enables individuals to perform at their highest level. We support new trustees with a full induction process. 

We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement. 

In return for your time and commitment, we offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in a highly respected, innovative and forward-thinking organisation, bringing the thrill of live orchestral music to people and places all over England and steering new thinking in the sector. You will have the opportunity to gain new insights into the cultural and charitable sectors, connecting with national and local government and expanding your knowledge and skills. 

Exploratory conversation

If you would like to have a conversation with the Vice-Chair, Chief Executive or departing Chair regarding any aspect of the role, please contact us.

How to apply

Please email your CV together with a covering letter of up to 2 pages (or a 5-minute film or audio recording if you prefer).

We encourage you to explain why you are interested in joining the Board of Orchestras Live, and describe how you demonstrate your suitability in relation to the essential areas outlined in the section on ‘Who we are looking for’. In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the beneficial areas listed.

Please address your letter or recording to our Vice-Chair, Helen Harrison.

Applicants who wish to disclose protected characteristics are asked to make Orchestras Live aware of this in their cover email.

If you have any access needs or other practical questions you would like to discuss before applying, please email or phone us.

The closing date for applications is 9 am on Tuesday 7 May 2024. First round interviews will take place online in the week commencing 3 June 2024. Candidates who reach the second round will then be invited to an informal meeting in person in June/July 2024.

On receipt of their application, applicants will be sent a link to complete a survey requesting personally sensitive data, enabling Orchestras Live to track the demographics of those who apply. Completion of this survey is entirely voluntary and all data is anonymised. Provision of this information is not part of the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within Orchestras Live and the wider orchestral sector. This means reflecting critically on issues of diversity and inclusion within all that we do, identifying and taking appropriate action to reduce inequality and improve equity of opportunity. 

For all roles, whether voluntary or paid, we welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio-economic background. We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to: 

• Paying for your travel costs for interviews if they are held in person 
• Paying for childcare while you’re attending an interview 
• Making and paying for any reasonable adjustments to meet your needs and ensure equity during the application and interview process 
• Providing all relevant information online and in Word document format, readily available to download from our website 

If there is anything you’re concerned about or think we could provide, please email or phone us and we will do our best to help.

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.

Chair/Co-Chair - Tamasha Theatre Company Ltd

Tamasha is seeking its next Chair or Co-Chairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead the Board of one of the UK’s leading Global Majority (ethnically diverse) theatre companies.

Tamasha is looking for someone who is passionate about arts and creativity and who has lived experience (or a significant understanding) of the challenges and opportunities facing Global Majority artists and communities in the UK today. The Chair will be a change-maker and collaborative leader, able to support the Trustees, Artistic Director and Executive Director.  The Chair will be a strong and visible advocate for Tamasha, able to negotiate and influence across a range of sectors to support its work.

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) is seeking to recruit three new trustees to support it at an important point in its development, approaching its 125th anniversary in 2026.

The Society has made big changes in recent years, including expanding its international audience, improving its accessibility to members and non-members, modernising its constitution and governance structures, and developing an ambitious new strategy that gives the Society’s original objectives fresh energy in a 21st century context.

To help us drive this forward, we are looking for an individual with a professional background in fundraising and income generation, ideally in the education sector, and an interest in Asia. Experience of working with charities is important. Familiarity with the RSAA would be useful but is not essential. We are keen to increase the diversity of the board and will particularly welcome interest from individuals from under-represented groups.

Trustees are accountable for the proper and effective operation of the Society, giving strategic direction to the Chief Executive, ensuring the financial health and good financial management of the Society, ensuring that the Society has sufficient funds to support its activities, and protecting the Society’s reputation and independence.

Writer roles at the Bylines Network

The Bylines Network is a not-for-profit citizen journalism organisation. It has eight regionally-based publications in England, one in Scotland and one in Wales.

The Network has ongoing opportunities for writers. If you would like the opportunity to publish articles on subjects that matter to you, or if you’re keen to develop your skills with a view to breaking into professional journalism, we would love to hear from you.

While your choice of subject matter is up to you, we also commission pieces on issues of local, national and international importance, so if you would like to explore this type of writing, let us know. We have a range of courses and educational materials available to help you learn how professional journalists operate. We will introduce you to an editor who will work with you to help make your writing the best it can be.

The only articles we won’t consider publishing are those that are defamatory or attack members of particular groups. We have progressive values and want to contribute to levelling the playing field in the UK media, so we particularly encourage applications from members of under-represented groups. If you have something to say but writing is difficult for you because of a disability or lack of education, let us know and we will do our best to help. We believe that your voice deserves to be heard.

We work online, with groups you can join if you want to engage with members of the wider team. We don’t require any specific commitment in terms of hours and you can work out a schedule that suits you with you editor-in-chief. We have a dedicated social media team to help promote your work. We are a volunteer-led organisation and always welcome new ideas.

Are you interested in supporting children and young people’s education, mental and physical health through the performing arts, theatre and dance?

You could be a trustee for Artemis Studios, a Bracknell-based charity that’s now growing our Board, ready for the next stages of development.

Artemis Studios Performing Arts Schools Limited is a Charity only Registered in March 2022, while our not-for-personal-profit organisation has been providing similar services in Bracknell since at least August 2014 and our roots go back locally to 2007. This, of course, means our charity Board of trustees is still growing, and needs new skills and abilities to achieve that growth.

If you have specific interests or skills in funding, fund-raising, strategic planning or the legal duties of trustees, we’d really like to talk with you; in any case, if you’re interested in helping our organisation’s growth as part of our collective Board, please read on and apply.

We’re interested in you if you’re interested in us!

About Artemis Studios

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in performing and creative arts, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

Interest in young people, mental health support, education would be beneficial, but potential applicants do not need in-depth understanding of, or involvement in, our operational cause.

If you have specific experience, skills or abilities in:

• Funding and fund-raising
• Strategic planning for our charity
• Legal responsibilities in a Charitable Company

we’d really welcome your application. 

If you have interests other than those, don’t be put off: ask us!

Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training. 

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have what our trustees primarily need; you’ll also need to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, under the leadership of our CEO, who works closely with the Board to develop and implement our strategic and operational plans.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about six hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context 
• An opportunity to influence and collectively-lead an organisation supporting the arts
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work
• A chance to augment your experience of charities 
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed 
• Satisfaction of helping a charitable organisation, thus giving something back to your community 
• Induction training from us; training, support and assistance from local charity-support agencies

 What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding or experience
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future 
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our charity governance knowledge and operational growth
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work
• Your enthusiasm

 What do our beneficiaries get?

• The ability to continue our support for children, young people and the preforming arts
• A forward-looking and agile organisation, with a well-informed and well-managed Board of trustees  

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.  

You will need to be eligible to be a Charity Trustee and Company Director, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees & CEO, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Apply to this ad or contact Mike Allen for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone) 

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.

Are you interested in supporting children and young people’s education, mental and physical health through the performing arts, theatre and dance?

You could be a trustee for Artemis Studios, a Bracknell-based charity that’s now growing our Board, ready for the next stages of development.

 Artemis Studios Performing Arts Schools Limited is a Charity only Registered in March 2022, while our not-for-personal-profit organisation has been providing similar services in Bracknell since at least August 2014 and our roots go back locally to 2007. This, of course, means our charity Board of trustees is still growing, and needs new skills and abilities to achieve that growth.

If you have specific interests or skills in funding, fund-raising, strategic planning or the legal duties of trustees, we’d really like to talk with you; in any case, if you’re interested in helping our organisation’s growth as part of our collective Board, please read on and apply.
We’re interested in you if you’re interested in us!

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in performing and creative arts, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

Interest in young people, mental health support, education would be beneficial, but potential applicants do not need in-depth understanding of, or involvement in, our operational cause.

If you have specific experience, skills or abilities in:

• Funding and fund-raising
• Strategic planning for our charity
• Legal responsibilities in a Charitable Company

we’d really welcome your application.
If you have interests other than those, don’t be put off: ask us!

Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have what our trustees primarily need; you’ll also need to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, under the leadership of our CEO, who works closely with the Board to develop and implement our strategic and operational plans.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about six hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.

You will need to be eligible to be a Charity Trustee and Company Director, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone)

Non-Executive Director for Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC

If you are passionate about celebrating cultural diversity and have the skills and experience to contribute to the strategic direction of Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC, we invite you to apply for this rewarding Non-Executive Director role.

Role Overview

As a Non-Executive Director (NED) at Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC, you will play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the organisation's strategic vision and governance. This voluntary position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the celebration of cultural diversity through educational experiences. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other board members and stakeholders, providing valuable insights, expertise, and leadership to ensure the continued success and growth of the organisation.

About Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC

Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC is a dynamic community interest company dedicated to creating educational and celebratory cultural events, experiences, and activities that promote diversity and foster community cohesion. Our mission is to offer enriching experiences that cater to culturally diverse residents, celebrating and sharing the beauty of their heritage. Our diverse range of events includes themed cultural fashion shows, pop-up marketplaces, talks, screenings, art exhibitions, and more.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary position, with an estimated time commitment of approximately 10 hours per month, including board meetings and occasional event attendance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Help shape the direction of the organisation's plans to celebrate cultural diversity.
• Governance Oversight: Help to ensure the organisation follows rules and standards at board meetings.
• Risk Management: Help to spot and review risks to the organisation's work, reputation, and income.
• Networking and Advocacy: Spread the word about the organisation and build relationships with supporters.
• Committee Involvement: Join in on smaller groups to share skills and ideas about finances, marketing, or other areas.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in a governance or leadership role
• Strong commitment to promoting cultural diversity, education, and community engagement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of financial management and strategic planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short covering note outlining why you are interested in the role.

For more information or an informal chat about the opportunity please get in touch via the contact page on our website.

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.