Board Trustee
Job Posted: 11 January 2022 By Next Up
Job Details
Closing Date:
03/01/2023
Contact Name:
Katie Town
Contact Email:
katie.town@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
Theatre Royal Wakefield is looking for up to three new Trustees to join its Board. We are looking for individuals who can bring new and diverse experiences to our organisation.
In common with all cultural organisations Theatre Royal Wakefield is facing considerable challenges as we recover from the effects of Covid-19, face energy price rises and see the impact of the cost of living crisis. These challenges are being felt by our organisation and our whole sector. Our Board is key to this transition and new Trustees will be joining at what is undoubtedly a turbulent time, but
one which also is full of potential.
The current Board is a group of dedicated individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences. The Board meets once every 3 months. There are sub-committees focused on Finance and Fundraising which also meet once every 3 months, we hope some new Trustees would join at least one of these committees. Meeting are usually in Wakefield, but we can meet virtually or in hybrid form to make sure that all Trustees can contribute. The Trustees read papers in advance and come ready to contribute thoughts and ideas. Some members sit on sub-committees. Board members also make a personal commitment to participate in the company’s activities, attend performances and meet with the staff.
These are voluntary positions. If Trustees incur expenses in the course of their duties as a Trustee, they are entitled to claim these back.
The role of the Board is to:
• Be accountable for the strategic direction of Theatre Royal Wakefield
• Protect the financial stability of the organisation
• Ensure compliance with governance legislation and strive for best practice
• Safeguard the reputation and values of Theatre Royal Wakefield
• Guide and test the decision-making of the leadership team
At this challenging time we are looking for new Board members to join us who can:
• Challenge and move forward strategy
• Support the leadership to form decisive and resilient plans
We are also very keen to hear from individuals who believe they could contribute to our thinking,
our future success and resilience.
We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion and we welcome applications from people
traditionally under-represented amongst Boards, including but not limited to people under 30,
disabled people and Black, Asian or other ethnically diverse people.
Experience of governance is not essential, as we are committed to providing a full and appropriate
induction.
To apply, please send your CV or a summary of your experience together with a short statement about why you believe you can make a contribution to our success to our Executive Director, Katie Town.
About the Organisation
Theatre Royal Wakefield’s mission is to develop new creative opportunities and experiences in our theatre building, throughout the wider community and on tour, encouraging high quality engagement in the Performing Arts.
There’s something to excite and delight everyone at Theatre Royal Wakefield. We have shows for families, for fans of music, drama, comedy and more. Our stage is occupied 265 days of the year and some of the work is made by us, right here in Wakefield (like our hugely popular pantomime). The rest we hand pick from the best that the UK has to offer. Theatre Royal Wakefield is for everyone, that’s why we are also proud to present work from our local community, amateur societies and groups on our stages. Not only that but we take our productions around the UK too, spreading the Wakefield name far and wide!
Our Creative Director is John Godber, award winning writer of Bouncers, Teechers, and Up ‘n’ Under, and together with the John Godber Company we have co-produced many of his plays, one of which had an extended run in London’s West End in 2019 (Scary Bikers).
The jewel in Wakefield’s crown, our Victorian theatre building is the design and vision of famous architect Frank Matcham. This Grade II* listed building, built in 1894, is the smallest surviving Matcham theatre auditorium.
As well as a vibrant and varied programme of produced and touring work, we run a busy creative Participation programme. We regularly
work with young people, socially isolated older people, refugees and asylum seekers and adults working to improve their mental wellbeing. We also deliver Speak Up in five Wakefield secondary schools in partnership with the National Theatre.
Theatre Royal Wakefield is a charity. Our Board of Trustees work on the governance and approve the strategic direction of the charity, with day to day management delegated to the staff team, led by the Executive Director. We are embedded in our local community and in addition to our committed staff team, we have a brilliant team of around 90 volunteers, who not only give loyal support but also excellent service to our audiences and participants.
How to apply
Do you think this role could be next for you? Just send your CV and introductory letter to the contact email address above.
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