At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to guide digital innovation in arts and culture.
- Company: The Space is a community interest company enhancing access to cultural content across the UK.
- Benefits: Unremunerated role with expenses covered; flexible commitment of about a day a month.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to democratise access to arts through technology and creativity.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced professionals in finance or the cultural sector with governance knowledge.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and disabled individuals.
Join The Space as a Non-Executive Director and bring your passion for arts, heritage and culture, professional expertise and shared belief in the power of digital technology to revolutionise access to the arts to help secure the future of digital innovation in arts and culture.
Location: UK-wide with a registered office in Birmingham
Salary: Unremunerated with reasonable expenses paid
Do you have an interest in supporting arts, culture and heritage in the UK? Do you share our belief in the power of digital technology to democratise access to cultural content? The Space, a leading community interest company funded by Arts Council England and other public funders, is seeking two new Non-Executive Directors – one an experienced finance professional and the other a dynamic professional working in the cultural sector – to guide us through the next exciting chapter of our journey.
About The Space
The Space is at the intersection of arts, culture, and digital innovation. We collaborate with cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and public service broadcasters to deliver diverse, high-quality cultural content to audiences across the UK. As we broaden our support to include museums, libraries, and heritage sites, our focus is on expanding the range of programmes we offer, diversifying income streams, and championing technical innovation in areas such as AI, digital rights, and immersive content.
As we look to continue to develop and grow, we have key strategic priorities which include:
- Strengthening our income streams
- Continuing to support place-based ecologies
- Addressing the needs of diverse communities across the UK
- Enabling broadcast co-production
- Broadening the range of cultural activities
- Supporting technical innovation and maintaining a UK-wide reach
Who we are looking for
For both roles, we seek experienced professionals who can work with our new Chair, Ri Chakraborty, and members of the Board to provide governance and oversight and ensure the effective delivery of The Space’s community interest objectives. You will act as a critical friend, constructively challenging both the Board and the Executive team to develop the organisation’s capabilities. You will enjoy advocating for our work and supporting our ambitious agenda to help cultural organisations across the UK and internationally to thrive through their use of cultural digital content.
For the finance specialist, you will provide oversight and review of relevant financial procedures, controls and policies, ensuring that the organisation is operating within a sound financial framework, managing risk appropriately, is compliant with its legal financial obligations and is accountable to the Board. A strong familiarity with not-for-profit governance is beneficial, alongside experience overseeing public funding and a passion for arts, culture and technology.
For the generalist role, we are looking for a Non-Executive Director with senior experience and, ideally, previous board experience. You will be familiar with governance in the not-for-profit sector, alongside senior experience in either the arts, culture, and/or heritage sectors. You will understand digital and/or broadcast content production and be an advocate for the benefits of using technology to increase equitable access to cultural content for audiences. You will bring a creative, curious and entrepreneurial mindset, excited by The Space’s plans and committed to supporting its ambitions.
Time commitment
The Board currently meets three times a year online, plus one in-person ‘away day’ in either Birmingham or London. Our new NED with finance experience will also participate in finance committee meetings, which happen quarterly online. Later this year, you will chair this committee. We expect the overall time commitment, including ad hoc conversations with the executive and board members, preparation for meetings and attending events, to be a day a month.
The Space is committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications for this role from disabled people and those from diverse backgrounds. Join us at The Space and be part of a mission to transform how audiences can access and engage with arts and culture across the UK.
For further information about the role, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners.
Non-Executive Directors (Finance and Generalist) | The Space employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Directors (Finance and Generalist) | The Space
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the arts and culture sector. Attend events, workshops, or seminars related to digital innovation in arts and culture. This will help you connect with key players and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with The Space's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their mission and recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your alignment with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your governance experience in the not-for-profit sector. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to organisational oversight and strategic direction in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your understanding of financial procedures and public funding if you're applying for the finance role. Being able to articulate your experience in managing financial risks and compliance will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Directors (Finance and Generalist) | The Space
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Non-Executive Director at The Space. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how your skills align with their goals in arts, culture, and digital innovation.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in finance or the cultural sector, depending on which role you are applying for. Emphasise any previous board experience and your understanding of not-for-profit governance.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for arts and culture, and explain how your expertise can contribute to The Space's objectives. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment to supporting diverse communities and promoting equitable access to cultural content. Mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that align with The Space's mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Understand The Space's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The Space's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how they leverage digital technology to enhance access to arts and culture. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether you're applying for the finance or generalist role, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience in detail. For the finance position, highlight your familiarity with not-for-profit governance and public funding oversight. For the generalist role, focus on your background in the arts or cultural sectors and any previous board experience.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the organisation. Ask about their strategic priorities, challenges they face in the digital landscape, or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows your engagement and critical thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Advocacy Skills
As a Non-Executive Director, you'll need to advocate for The Space's work. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully championed initiatives in the past, particularly those that involve collaboration and innovation in the arts and culture sector. Highlight your ability to constructively challenge and support teams.