Cadence Partners

Founded in 1906 by Elsie Fogerty, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama has pioneered theatre education as an academic discipline, training globally renowned performers and change-makers in the performing arts. As a world-leading institution with 75% of their research classified as world-leading in REF 2021, Central has shaped the careers of artists like Dame Judi Dench, Zo Wanamaker, and Riz Ahmed, while maintaining a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and artistic innovation.

As they enter a pivotal phase in their strategic development, Central is seeking two exceptional individuals to join its Governing Body. Firstly, they are looking for a senior professional with expertise in People, HR or change management - ideally gained in higher education or the creative industries - to Chair the People and Culture Committee and join the Governing Body. This Governor will play a key leadership role in shaping their internal culture and people strategy, helping to ensure Central remains an inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking organisation.

They are also looking for a Central alum who has gone on to have a career in the arts or creative industries to join the Board and contribute their insight through a committee that reflects their strengths and passions. This individual will bring valuable sector and student experience insight and a lived understanding of Central's impact, helping to ensure their strategy remains artistically ambitious and socially relevant.

Central welcomes candidates who are passionate about the transformative power of performing arts, with the strategic insight to support their values of respect, equity, community, and innovation. While governance experience is desirable, they are equally interested in those who can bring fresh perspectives and lived experience to their leadership. They are particularly committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from global majority, LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities.

The Governing Body usually meets four or five times a year, including specific topic meetings. Meetings are usually held in February (with this meeting usually being a full day), May, July, October and November either at Central's Swiss Cottage Campus or on Teams and often commence at 16.30. A typical length of meeting is two hours. Governors are normally required to serve on a Governing Body Committee (Audit, Finance and Estates, People and Culture, Nominations and Governance and Remuneration). Committee meetings occur twice per year for Nominations and Governance, and four times per year for other committees, with some additional meetings depending on need. Committee Chairs are responsible for approving agendas and setting the strategic direction of their committees in collaboration with the Vice Principal, Governance, and Legal. Papers for meetings are usually circulated one week in advance. Governors are expected to dedicate one to two days per month for preparation.

Job Responsibilities:

• Act in the best interests of Central at all times.
• Ensure effective and efficient administration of Central and its resources, striving for best practice and good governance.
• Ensure sound financial management to meet accepted standards and policies.
• Establish the overall strategic direction of Central.
• Approve relevant strategies and implementation plans; monitor performance against strategic objectives and KPIs.
• Set the framework for staff pay and conditions.
• Ensure high standards of corporate governance, including risk management.
• Maintain the academic and financial sustainability of Central.
• Support the work of the Principal/Chief Executive Officer and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Central is supported by Cadence Partners. For accessibility needs or alternative application formats, contact cssd@cadencepartners.co.uk. Applicants should prepare a comprehensive CV and a cover letter demonstrating their motivations, relevant expertise, understanding of higher education, and alignment with Central’s mission. Also, complete the online Diversity Monitoring and Board Declaration Forms.