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 in Sunderland 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 in Sunderland
✨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 prepared for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When discussing your experience, highlight how you've fostered collaboration and inclusivity in past roles. This aligns perfectly with the values of Company of Others and will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chairperson in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for equity and community, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal experiences and values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the specific responsibilities of the Chair role. Highlight how your leadership style and strategic thinking can contribute to our mission at Company of Others.
Showcase Your Empathy:Remember, this role is about relationships and listening. Use your application to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and how you’ve fostered inclusive environments in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of Company of Others.
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Others
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, dive deep into Company of Others' values of Artistry, Integrity, and Equity. Reflect on 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 for Strategic Discussions
As the Chair, you'll need to provide strategic leadership. Brush up on current trends in governance and community engagement, especially within the arts sector. Think about how you can contribute to the organisation's growth and sustainability, and be ready to discuss your ideas during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
This role requires empathy and an inclusive leadership style. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex relationships or fostered collaboration. Highlighting your emotional intelligence will demonstrate that you understand the relational aspect of leadership.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your curiosity about the organisation's future and its community impact. This not only shows your genuine interest but also allows you to assess if the role aligns with your vision for leadership and equity.
