Chair of the Board of Trustees - Responsibilities and Person Specification

ROLE PROFILE

Our Chair will be a big picture thinker who will champion and advocate for our work within and outside the arts locally and regionally, sharing our passion for dance and the contribution it can make to health, wellbeing and placemaking.

The Chair will be a strategist, excel in building relationships, enjoy advocacy, and share our determination to make a difference to the communities we serve. They will have experience of organisational leadership and understand the current working environment for Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations. They will seek to amplify our activities and to create the context for the Senior Leadership Team to achieve South East Dance’s goals. The Chair will guide Trustees’ involvement in key decision-making processes and enable them to work to their individual strengths in the interests of the organisation.

The role of Chair is a voluntary (unpaid) one, responsible for leading the Board of Trustees of South East Dance, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for governance of the organisation. The Chair works with the Executive Director and Artistic Director (the Senior Leadership Team) helping them to achieve the strategic aims of South East Dance, deliver the agreed vision, mission and strategic objectives and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities of the Chair are to:

provide leadership for the Board of Trustees
ensure South East Dance remains focused on its charitable aims
maintain a strategic overview of the organisation’s affairs including delivery of the business plan
oversee the Arts Council England funding agreement including delivery, monitoring, reporting, and compliance with governance requirements
maintain oversight of how Trustees help to deliver fundraising objectives
represent the organisation at key events and meetings, acting as an ambassador and a spokesperson
set the agenda for board meetings in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team
chair board meetings, promoting effective decision making and constructive debate and to oversee the implementation of decisions taken
oversee Trustee recruitment and succession planning
contribute to appointment panels for senior staff as required
collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to set and review organisational objectives
authorise action that needs to be taken between meetings of the Board if necessary
authorise payments over £15,000

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Strong leadership skills
Commitment to South East Dance’s Vision, Mission and Values
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership 
Proven track record of thinking and acting strategically
Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Demonstrable commitment to environmental responsibility and pro-actively addressing the climate emergency and climate justice
Comfortable in the role of advocate, using tact and diplomacy, including within a fundraising context
Interest in challenge and change management
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Proven ability to act impartially and with fairness while respecting confidences
Ability to devote sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively
Knowledge of the South East

Desirable

Experience of charity governance
A passion for dance
Senior management experience within an arts and culture, third sector or public sector organisation
Experience of running an arts/culture building
Engagement with cultural and business networks in Brighton and the South East

BENEFITS OF BEING THE CHAIR OF A CHARITY

Becoming Chair of a charity is a rewarding way to give back to your community, learn new skills and meet new people.  It is an engaging and dynamic role, which puts you at the very heart of a charity and its work, working with a team of like-minded people. 

As Chair you will play a leadership role in the good governance of a charity, not only helping to ensure that the organisation remains viable and sustainable, but also that it adheres closely to its vision and mission and works in the interests of its beneficiaries. 

It is also great experience to add to your CV, whether or not you currently work in the charity sector. And if you are already highly skilled, it is a great way to use these skills to make a difference for a cause you are passionate about. 

Being a Chair can be challenging.  There is a high level of responsibility and a considerable time commitment.  In return you gain a wealth of personal and professional skills and connections which will stand you in good stead whilst empowering you with a new sense of purpose and prospect. 

TIME COMMITMENT

The Chair needs to be able to give enough time to attend to the organisation's business. They will have regular contact with the Senior Leadership Team between board meetings in person or virtually and like all Trustees, will be encouraged to engage with South East Dance’s events and activities. The time commitment is 12-15 days a year and includes:

Quarterly board meetings, and a meeting with the Senior Leadership Team beforehand to discuss the agenda
Board events including an annual away day and board development including training
Important South East Dance events including launches, key performances and screenings and fundraising events
Attending other key meetings and events as required
The Chair may also be invited to attend sub-committee meetings

South East Dance is committed to working inclusively. We aim to meet Board members' access needs to enable them to engage fully. Board meetings are in person, with the facility to attend virtually, and take place at The Dance Space which is an accessible building.

In compliance with charity law this is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable expenses may be claimed including travel costs, access support costs and child care costs for attending Board and other meetings.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

How to Apply