At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board, ensuring strong governance and strategic oversight for a community-focused arts organisation.
- Company: Company of Others, an award-winning dance theatre organisation in North East England.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and help amplify underrepresented voices in cultural leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a culturally significant organisation committed to equity and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong judgement, emotional intelligence, and experience in governance or leadership roles.
Company of Others is seeking an exceptional individual to become the next Chair of our Board. This is not a traditional Chair opportunity. We are looking for someone who can provide strategic leadership and robust governance whilst also bringing empathy, curiosity and a deep commitment to equity. Someone who understands that leadership is as much about relationships, listening and shared power as it is about oversight and accountability.
As Company of Others enters an exciting new chapter, we are seeking a Chair who can help steward the organisation through growth, change and opportunity whilst remaining grounded in the values and communities that sit at the heart of our work.
About Company of Others:
- An award-winning dance theatre organisation based in the North East of England.
- Founded as a space where people who experience being othered by society can be creatively free and ambitious about what they can achieve together.
- A nationally recognised force for artistic excellence, community engagement and social impact.
- An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
- The UK's first Dance Company of Sanctuary.
- A trusted community anchor organisation rooted in Walker, Newcastle.
- A leader in co-created artistic practice and community-centred cultural development.
Everything we do is guided by our values of Artistry, Integrity and Equity.
The Opportunity:
Working closely with the Artistic Director & CEO, the Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future. You will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance, supporting strategic decision-making and helping the organisation navigate an increasingly complex operating environment. Equally importantly, you will act as a trusted adviser, thought partner and ambassador, helping to ensure Company of Others remains artistically ambitious, financially sustainable and deeply accountable to the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Board in delivering strong governance and strategic oversight.
- Foster an inclusive and collaborative Board culture.
- Support Trustee development, succession planning and Board effectiveness.
- Build a strong and productive partnership with the Artistic Director & CEO.
- Support strategic planning, organisational development and sustainability.
- Champion the organisation's values and commitment to equity.
- Act as an ambassador and advocate for Company of Others.
- Help strengthen partnerships, influence and opportunities for growth.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are interested in hearing from people who bring:
- Strong judgement and strategic thinking.
- Emotional intelligence and an inclusive leadership style.
- Experience of governance, executive leadership or influencing at a senior level.
- An understanding of organisational stewardship and accountability.
- The ability to navigate complexity, challenge constructively and build trust.
- A genuine commitment to equity, representation and community-centred leadership.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who believes leadership can be both rigorous and relational.
Experience We Value:
You may have gained your experience through:
- Board, Trustee or Non-Executive leadership.
- Executive or senior leadership roles.
- Community leadership or social impact work.
- Arts, culture, charity, education, public service or commercial sectors.
Previous Chair experience is not essential. Nor is experience within dance or the arts. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals whose voices and perspectives remain underrepresented within boardrooms and cultural leadership spaces. We recognise that talent, leadership potential and governance capability are found across all communities and lived experiences.
Time Commitment:
The role includes:
- Four formal Board meetings each year.
- One or two annual Board away days.
- Regular meetings with the Artistic Director & CEO.
- Attendance at selected Company of Others events.
The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the possibility of a further term. The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Join Us:
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the North East's most innovative and community-rooted cultural organisations. If you are motivated by purpose, equity and the power of arts and culture to create change, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Monday 22 June 2026.
For a confidential conversation or to request the recruitment pack, please contact our retained consultancy Castle Peak Group.
Chairperson employer: Company of Others
Company of Others is an exceptional employer that champions equity, community engagement, and artistic excellence in the heart of North East England. As a voluntary role, the Chairperson will not only lead with strategic oversight but also foster a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and relationships. This unique opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact while being part of a nationally recognised organisation dedicated to social change through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chairperson
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for community and the arts. Building relationships can open doors that you didn't even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Be bold in your approach! When you find a role that excites you, don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm. A genuine passion for the mission of Company of Others can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by understanding the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with our commitment to equity and community engagement—this will resonate with the Board.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at Company of Others.
We think you need these skills to ace Chairperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role, so don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how they connect with our values of artistry, integrity, and equity.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chair position. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and any relevant governance experience. Show us how you can help steer Company of Others through its exciting new chapter!
Show Your Commitment to Equity:Since we’re all about community and equity, it’s crucial to demonstrate your commitment to these values in your application. Share examples of how you've championed inclusivity and representation in your previous roles or projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Others
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really dive into Company of Others' values of Artistry, Integrity, and Equity. Think about how these values resonate with your own experiences and leadership style. Being able to articulate this connection will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
As a potential Chair, you’ll want to demonstrate your curiosity and strategic thinking. Prepare insightful questions about the organisation’s future direction, challenges, and community engagement strategies. This not only shows your interest but also your commitment to fostering relationships and shared power.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
In your responses, highlight instances where you've navigated complex situations with empathy and understanding. Discuss how you’ve built trust within teams or communities. This is crucial for a role that emphasises relational leadership, so be ready to share specific examples.
✨Demonstrate Governance Experience
Even if you haven’t held a formal Chair position before, think about your governance experience in other roles. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to strategic oversight and decision-making in previous positions. This will reassure the Board of your capability to lead effectively.
