Trustee for Co. Durham theatre company - Volunteer

We are currently seeking Trustees to join the Ensemble ’84 Board. We offer training, skills development, mentoring and learning – and above all, the chance for people from County Durham to make world‑class theatre. What difference will you make? As a trustee, your impact will be felt in the long‑term strength and reach of Ensemble ’84 and the communities it serves.

You will help shape the direction of the organisation, guide clear choices about growth, partnerships, and where effort is best spent, ensuring more people can access theatre that feels open, local and relevant to their lives. You will bring oversight and challenge. By asking the right questions and supporting good decisions, you will help ensure strong governance, sound finances and careful use of resources, protecting the organisation and allowing it to take bold, creative risks with confidence. Trustees play a key role in keeping organisations well‑run and accountable.

Your work will support sustainability: helping secure funding, build resilience and plan for the future, so the organisation can continue to create work, employ artists and invest in its local area. You will act as an ambassador, opening doors, sharing networks and raising the organisation’s profile to attract new audiences, partners and opportunities. Most importantly, your contribution will strengthen Ensemble ’84’s social impact. Through your role, more people – especially those who may not normally engage with theatre – will have access to creative experiences, supporting confidence, connection and pride in place.

What are we looking for?

• Professional Finance – Senior financial expertise within charities, not‑for‑profit or arts organisations, particularly audit, accountancy and financial oversight (e.g. qualified accountant, auditor, finance manager).
• Legal Expertise – Professional experience in property, commercial law, charity law or intellectual property.
• Fundraising – Strategic experience in income generation, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or individual giving.
• Theatre Sector Knowledge – Strong understanding of the theatre and wider performing‑arts landscape.
• Marketing & Communications – Experience in branding, audience development, digital communications or public profile building.
• Local Knowledge & Influence – Connections within the local community and the ability to act as an ambassador.
• Advocacy – Confidence and networks to champion the organisation regionally or nationally.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

What will you be doing?

Ensemble ’84 is a registered charity. Our Board of Trustees ensures that we deliver on our mission, aims and objectives. Board members are independent external voices with specialist expertise. Our Board is led by an independent Chair and we currently have two other Trustees. Our Board has responsibility for reviewing and approving our funding applications and monitoring documents, including submissions to the Charity Commission. The Board approves our annual budgets, audited financial statements and risk register and sets the priorities for the organisation, the direction we move in, and represents Ensemble ’84 at sector and other events.

A belief in the potential for arts and culture to transform lives and communities. Some experience and understanding of governance roles, the responsibilities of Board members and a desire to help lead an organisation. A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti‑racism, and an understanding of or willingness to learn how these are applied in the arts. Understanding of or willingness to learn about arts funding, particularly from Arts Council England, and the reporting requirements around this. A willingness to listen and learn from fellow Board members and other colleagues and work collectively for the benefit of a wider organisation.