Trustee - Role Profile

Trustees provide strategic guidance, using their expertise and networks to promote South East Dance and ensure its long-term sustainability. Advocacy is an important part of the Trustees’ role. From time to time you may be asked to represent the organisation at functions and meetings. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Board in our second full year in The Dance Space and as we continue to develop our programmes and extend our offer for local people, communities, and dance artists in The Dance Space and across Brighton, the wider South East region and beyond.

Trustees’ key responsibilities 

The main responsibilities of the Trustees are to:

• determine the overall strategic direction and development of South East Dance
• ensure that the fundamental values and guiding principles of South East Dance are articulated and reflected across the organisation including Trustees, staff, volunteers and everyone else who benefits from the charity’s work
• exercise effective control of the charity’s financial affairs, setting annual budgets and monitoring financial performance through the year.
• ensure that the way that South East Dance is managed does not leave it vulnerable to fraud and that the systems of control are appropriate, rigorous and regularly updated
• agree targets with the Senior Leadership Team and ensure that South East Dance’s performance is measured against these
• represent South East Dance at key events and meetings, acting as an ambassador and promoting the organisation
• ensure that the charity complies with its governing documents and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
• As our Trustee with fund-raising and income generation skills you will:
• Strategically assess the overall fund-raising and income generation function and work with the Board, Executive/Artistic Directors and senior staff to help set effective income generation targets and ensure they are achieved
• Have relevant knowledge to support South East Dance in driving its income generation from Trusts & Foundations, corporate relationships and individual giving forward
• Become a member of the Finance and Audit sub-committee

The benefits of being a charity Trustee

• Becoming a charity Trustee 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, liaising with a team of like-minded people.
• As a Trustee you will play an integral part 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 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’re passionate about.
• Being a Trustee 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.

Person specification

Essential

• Commitment to South East Dance’s mission and values
• Experience of income generation and/or nurturing relationships with potential sponsors and donors
• Big picture thinker
• Proven track record of thinking and acting strategically
• Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and willingness to take action to ensure the organisation is representative
• Ability to devote sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively
• Knowledge of the South East region

Desirable 

• Experience of charity governance
• An interest in dance and/or the arts/culture sector
• Resident/working in Brighton and Hove and/or in the South East region