Trustees

ArtsEd (Arts Educational Schools, London) is one of the UK’s foremost centres for performing arts education, with a rich heritage of innovation, excellence and impact. Its roots trace back to Grace Cone and Olive Ripman, who in the early 20th century pioneered a vocational training approach that combined academic education with specialist training in dance, drama and music. In 1939, they joined forces to form the Cone Ripman School, later renamed Arts Educational Schools. From its earliest days, ArtsEd has shaped the UK’s cultural landscape, providing the founding talent for what became the English National Ballet and training generations of performers who have gone on to national and international acclaim.

The school continues to innovate while honouring its heritage. Under visionary leaders, and with the support of figures such as Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, ArtsEd now offers outstanding programmes across its Day School & Sixth Form, Higher Education courses in Acting and Musical Theatre, short courses and wider participation activities. The Day School & Sixth Form is widely recognised as the UK’s leading school of its kind, with a value-added score in the top 1% nationally. Graduates achieve exceptional outcomes: nearly all Musical Theatre graduates and over three-quarters of Acting graduates make their professional debuts within six months, while many others progress to Russell Group universities across a wide range of academic disciplines. ArtsEd combines the artistic excellence, academic rigour and strong industry connections required to educate, inspire and prepare young people for creative and professional success.

The Role

Engaging with the Chair and other board members, you will provide challenge, scrutiny and support to the Executive Leadership Team of ArtsEd to deliver its charitable and educational mission and ensure its financial sustainability in the following areas:

• Strategic leadership: Support the Chair and provide Board leadership of ArtsEd, ensuring it delivers the best possible education and outcomes for the young people it educates; actively participate in regular reviews of major risks and associated opportunities, and ensure effective systems are in place to manage these; contribute from their area of specific expertise, providing advice and challenge.
• Governance: Actively participate in Board meetings, promoting the highest standards of integrity and supporting the Chair in instilling the appropriate values, behaviours and culture in the boardroom and beyond; assume a wider governance role on sub-committees of the Board as required.
• Community relations: Act as an ambassador and advocate externally for ArtsEd where appropriate; attend events, including performances on site and externally when able to do so.
• Charity Effectiveness: Ensure that all key decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the charity and align with its charitable objects; establish, maintain and ensure constructive relationships with other board members and with the executive leadership.

Relationship with the Chair, Board and wider management team

Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Chair, other Board members and, where appropriate, members of the wider executive team, supporting the achievement of agreed strategic objectives; ensure regular contact with the Chair and other Board members and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns and challenges.

The Requirements

Through this competition, the Board seeks to appoint four candidates who will demonstrate experience in one of the following areas:

• Financial & Commercial: With a high-level understanding of risk in an organisation of comparable or greater size than ArtsEd. They will have an evident commitment to the work of ArtsEd and be willing to join the relevant committee/s and to support the charity through constructive challenge and strategic focus.
• People, culture & organisational change: This could be an experienced HR or People Director, but other relevant titles include Transformation Director. An appreciation of a charity and/or education setting would be helpful but not essential.
• Creative industries: Ideally with experience of fundraising and development and credibility to support the team through events and high net worth engagement both in the UK and overseas.
• Safeguarding: We are seeking a trustee with experience or a strong understanding of safeguarding to act as our designated safeguarding trustee. They will lead on safeguarding at board level ensuring oversight, robust practice, and a culture that prioritises well being.

How to Apply

ArtsEd have retained Wild Search to advise on these appointments. For more information on the roles and appointments process, please visit their website to download a full candidate brief. Deadline for applications: 8 June. Please be aware that by contacting Wild Search about this role, or applying, your data will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.