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- Tasks: Lead the Board and shape Activate's 3-5 year strategy for growth.
- Company: Activate Performing Arts, a vibrant arts charity with a focus on community engagement.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence the arts sector and enhance community connections.
- Why this job: Be a key player in promoting creativity and inclusivity in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience as a charity trustee and a passion for the arts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making art accessible for all.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are delighted to be partnering with Activate Performing Arts (Activate), a 35-year-old arts charity that brings contemporary performance to communities and landscapes across Dorset, the UK, and Europe. Activate is known for its free-to-access outdoor arts, festivals, and touring work, driven by a belief in creativity as a public good, connecting people, place and artistic expression. Keen to continue its evolution while staying true to Activate’s core values, the organisation stands at a pivotal moment for growth and development.
Activate is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and support the Artistic & Executive Director in guiding the organisation through the next phase of its development. In this role you will play a key role in shaping the upcoming 3–5-year strategy, supporting Activate prepare for its next Arts Council England National Portfolio application. As Chair, you will also act as an ambassador for Activate through opening networks, championing its work, and supporting the organisation to enhance its visibility and impact.
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
- Prior experience as a charity trustee, ideally as Chair, Vice-Chair or committee Chair, with a solid grasp of good governance and Boards.
- Alignment with Activate’s values around free and low-cost access, landscape and nature, equity, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, with enthusiasm for thoughtful values-led innovation rather than pure commercialisation.
- Fundraising mentality with an understanding of the funding landscape.
- A passion and affinity to the arts and culture sector, ideally including performing arts, festivals, arts within landscape or environmental contexts, including nature-based creativity, outdoor arts.
- Confident, inclusive chairing skills, able to bring out quieter voices, hold respectful but robust discussions, and ensure meaningful contribution from all trustees.
For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment, at info@charismarecruitment.co.uk or 01962 813300. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.
Closing date: 25th March 2026
Interviews with Activate: w/c 13th April onwards
Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 2nd April prior to shortlist submission on 3rd April.
We are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately on info@charismarecruitment.co.uk.
Chair of Trustees employer: Activate
Contact Detail:
Activate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and charity sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially roles like Chair of Trustees. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone influential.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for the arts and how it connects with community values. This will help you stand out as someone who truly aligns with Activate's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for discussions! Brush up on good governance practices and be ready to discuss how you can enhance board dynamics. Think about how you can champion inclusivity and bring out the best in all trustees—this is key for a role like Chair.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your expression of interest via the Charisma website. Tailor your CV and supporting statement to highlight your relevant experience and alignment with Activate’s values—this will give you a better shot at landing that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand Activate's mission and values. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around creativity as a public good and inclusivity.
Be Personal and Passionate: Let your personality shine through! Share your passion for the arts and culture sector, and why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead as Chair of Trustees. This is your chance to connect on a personal level.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your previous roles as a charity trustee or in governance. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Chair position. We want to see how you can bring value to the board!
Submit Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the Charisma website, including your CV and a supporting statement. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to really understand Activate's core values around creativity, equity, and environmental responsibility. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Governance Experience
As a potential Chair of Trustees, it's crucial to highlight your previous experience in governance. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led boards or committees, focusing on your ability to foster inclusive discussions and ensure all voices are heard.
✨Fundraising Focus
Brush up on your knowledge of the funding landscape, especially in the arts sector. Be prepared to discuss your fundraising mentality and any successful strategies you've implemented in the past that could benefit Activate.
✨Engage with Passion
Let your passion for the arts and culture shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your affinity for performing arts and outdoor creativity, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
