Board Members (multiple roles available)

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. We’re known as the Handmade Parade to our friends. We are an arts organisation based in West Yorkshire, that specialises in producing spectacular community-focused parades and events, making wonderful artwork: installations, puppets, lanterns, costumes, and parade structures, and running creative workshops. We produce our own signature events in our home valley; Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade – a daytime parade with a very strong narrative and we’ve connected with over 1.5 million people, delighting & surprising audiences, teaching new creative skills and using the arts to connect communities. Our team has worked with numerous other arts organisations around the UK, including Walk the Plank, Cirque Bijou & Global Grooves. Our work is regularly profiled in national press including The Guardian, The Times and The Yorkshire Post. In recent years we’ve been commissioned by Halifax BID, Colne BID and local authorities in Renfrewshire, Manchester, Calderdale, Tameside and Barnsley. \’\’Thank you for another wonderful day of colour, community spirit, vibrancy, joy, rhythm, delight and gorgeousness\’ Audience member 2019 Staffing Structure Alongside our excellent Board, Handmade Productions consists of a small dedicated team: Finance and Admin officer – Clare Parker Admin and Project Co-ordinator – Ru Brooks Board recruitment information Board membership is an active role, and you will be called upon both during Board meetings and at other times to support the rest of the Board and the senior management and delivery team. We are looking to diversify the Board and will offer support and training in this role. Individuals from underrepresented communities and young people aged 18-25 are particularly encouraged to apply. JOB DESCRIPTION Role: Director The chance to work with a committed group of Directors, talented artists, creative placements, enthusiastic volunteers, and like-minded organisations allows the Board to make a solid contribution to the cultural landscape of the towns and villages both locally in Calderdale and across the UK. There will be an expectation that you will contribute your skills, expertise, and knowledge as required. Board members will be asked to attend quarterly meetings which take place face to face, on weekdays from 6.30pm. Person Specification: A belief that inclusivity & diversity is at the heart of everything an arts company does Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the roles and duties of a board of directors for a non profit organisation Availability & time capacity to attend all scheduled Board meetings Willingness and availability to represent the company at events when possible Willingness to take an active role in understanding and interrogating company finances Willingness to contribute to strategy No previous Board experience required Skill and experiences that would enrich the board Fundraising (experience, knowledge and understanding of arts funding structures) Evaluation (experience in evaluation frameworks and activities, in and outside the arts) People of different cultural backgrounds and/or those who experience systemic racism and/or marginalisation (e.g. South Asian, African, Caribbean or mixed heritage) People who identify as D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent People who identify as LGBTQIA+ Responsibilities: Ensure that the organisation is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit To comply with the organisation’s governing document(s) and the law To bring an external perspective to planning & strategy (expertise, knowledge & skills) To understand, assess and take strategic risks To carry out legal obligations To act as an ambassador for the organisation To ensure fundraising is seen as a priority and contribute as appropriate Legal Role: Directors are also legally responsible for the company and must ensure that they: Act in the organisations best interests Manage resources responsibly Act with reasonable care and skill Ensure that the organisation is accountable Managing people (this could be experience in HR, or leading teams both in and out of the arts sector) You will be registered with Companies House as a Director of the Company. Advocacy: To positively promote the organisation and its work at events and personal networks. To use your influence to develop and broker new relationships, partnerships, and potential supporters of Handmade Productions JOB DESCRIPTION We are looking for someone to take on the role of chair person or co-chair for our board of directors. This is a vital role and we are keen to find the right person. In essence, the role of the chairperson is to: Lead the board of trustees Ensure smooth running of board meetings Promote good governance among the board of directors Provide supervision and support to the executive team Act as a figurehead or spokesperson where required Ideally you will have experience in a senior organisational leadership role and be able to bring the knowledge and experience you’ve gained through your work to the chairperson role. Next Steps We do hope that you have found all the information you need to fully consider joining our board. The next stage is for you to get in touch to register your interest. When you do, we would love you to consider these three questions: ● Who are you? ● Why does the role interest you? ● What relevant skills or experience do you have that you would bring to the board? We would expect no more than a couple of sentences for each question. You can provide links to existing work/CV or social media profiles if that helps to introduce yourself and give us a sense of your past work and experience. You can send these answers over by email to: hello@handmadeproductions.org.uk Or if you prefer to record a video or audio file, or send your answers to these questions in any other format then let us know. The deadline for getting in touch is Monday 21 April 2025 . Once you’ve got in touch, we will acknowledge receipt of all submissions and contact each applicant. Following this we’ll organise a short informal chat – 30 mins on video conferencing software at a time to suit all parties. These will take place in early May 2025. This will be with a member of the existing board and/or staff team to hear a little more about what is involved, discuss the current priorities of the board and the role in more detail. If we feel like it’s the right fit for both parties, then we’ll invite you to the next board meeting. If you have any questions about what’s included in this pack, or need any additional information please contact clare@handmadeproductions.org.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr