At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire as Chair of Trustees for a dynamic outdoor arts charity.
- Company: Emergency Exit Arts, a pioneering force in the UK's outdoor art scene.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable leadership experience and make a real impact in the arts community.
- Other info: Join us at an exciting turning point with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of creativity and empower communities through art.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for the arts and community impact.
Emergency Exit Arts are looking for an experienced leader to be our Chair of Trustees (or Co-Chairs) to help us deliver our vision and ambitious plans for the future.
For the last 45 years Emergency Exit Arts has been at the forefront of the UK's outdoor art landscape, creating impactful artworks and events in unexpected places across the UK and Europe. EEA is at the beginning of an exciting new era. We have a new Creative Director & CEO, we have a renewed ambition and a commitment to staying relevant and imaginative in the years ahead, open to new ideas, new ways of working and new possibilities. This is a pivotal moment to shape what comes next.
Our vision: Enriching people's lives through creativity
Our mission: Our mission is to enrich people's lives and empower communities to flourish. We achieve this by producing dynamic art that sparks awe-inspiring creativity.
The new Chair will lead our Board and governance strategy, line manage our Creative Director/CEO and be a passionate advocate for our work.
Chair Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Providing clear, values-led guidance to shape EEA's organisational strategy, offering oversight to the charity's growth and development and monitoring progress against this.
- Board Leadership and Governance: Lead the Board of Trustees, creating an environment in which people can contribute and collaborate effectively, chair quarterly board meetings, uphold positive board culture, ensure decisions are actioned and oversee adherence to the charity's objectives and purpose.
- External Representation: Act as an ambassador for EEA, represent and advocate for EEA publicly through attending events, building relationships and trust with partners, funders and communities.
- Executive Line Management: Line managing the CEO through regular check-ins and annual appraisals. Providing support and challenge, and ensuring accountability, personal development and professional guidance.
- Decision-Making: Nurture thoughtful, collective decision-making, creating space for different perspectives and guiding the board towards choices that are purposeful and grounded in the charity's values.
Job Requirements:
We are seeking a strong, values-led leader with a genuine passion for charities and the impact they have on society, as well as an interest in the creative industries, arts, culture or heritage sector. You will be a confident leader and an effective facilitator of people - someone able to both challenge and support EEA with strategic thinking, long-term planning and a commitment to champion our work.
We love working with people who are:
- Passionate about creativity and its power to transform lives
- Ambitious and adventurous, ready to join us as we move into an exciting next phase of our journey
- Collaborative and kind
For a full person specification, please see our recruitment pack on the job listing on our website.
Job Responsibilities:
The successful candidate should be aware of the following time commitments as part of the role:
- Quarterly board meetings (2 hours plus preparatory time per quarter)
- Quarterly subcommittee meetings (2 hours plus preparatory time per quarter)
- CEO Line Management (c.1 hour per month, as mutually agreed)
- Annual appraisals (once a year; prep, meeting and follow up c.1/2 day)
- 1 away day with Board/Staff per year
- Other support, meetings, responding to phone calls and emails - pending mutual availability
How to Apply:
Deadline for applications: 5.00pm on Thursday 10th September. To apply, please send us your CV and answer the following questions as a statement:
- Why do you want to be the Chair of Trustees for Emergency Exit Arts?
- What specific experience, expertise and qualities do you bring?
- How would you describe your approach to leadership?
Your statement can be submitted in the following formats:
- A written statement (maximum 500 words)
- A video statement (maximum 3 minutes)
- An audio statement (maximum 3 minutes)
All applicants must download and return the equality & diversity form. We welcome applications from individuals applying as Chair, as well as from those interested in serving as Co‑Chairs. If you are applying jointly as a pair of Co‑Chairs, please submit a shared statement (one page) and individual CVs.
Interviews will take place on 24/25 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to observe the Board meeting on 7th October 2026, 6.00pm - 7.30pm.
Contact email: [email protected]
About Emergency Exit Arts: Leading outdoor arts charity based in London and South East.
Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair) employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Arts Council England.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Arts Council England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Arts Council England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Arts Council England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Arts Council England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Arts Council England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
