Trustee Recruitment
SuperPower Panto, March 2023, Photo Credit: Graeme Braidwood
About Extant
We are the UK’s leading professional performing arts company that explores visual impairment to create unique and innovative artistic experiences, placing visually impaired (VI) people at the centre of all we do: from the productions we create, to the artists we support, to the audiences we perform to and the participants we work with. We are funded by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation and receive additional funding from several trusts and foundations. In 2021 we won the P.K Walker Innovation in Craft Award for our work Flight Paths by Superfest Disability Film Festival.
Since our inception in 1997 we have produced 8 ground-breaking national/international theatre productions led by VI artists, including pioneering work on 3 site-specific and multi-sensory productions. We have developed 11 VI Associate Artist productions since 2016 and our pioneering Pathways programme was the first programme in the UK to support emerging VI artists. We have supported the career development of over 250 VI artists and our ongoing programme of training, participation and access consultancy provides a 360 approach of interlinked activity for VI participants, audiences and artists.
Role Summary – Trustee
We are looking for a number of Trustees to join our board; in particular, trustees with an interest in taking on the roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, NPO Sub-group Chair and treasurer at any time during their tenure. We currently have six trustees, of which 83% are female and 33% are visually impaired.
The Chair of the Board leads the governance team (board of Trustees) of this disability arts charity, supporting the Senior Leadership Team to fulfil our mission and vision offering support and (where appropriate) critical feedback to the staff, and representing the Charity to external stakeholders.
Trustees play a vital role in Extant. From ensuring our compliance with our governing document and charitable objectives, to scrutinising board papers, bringing their own expertise and perspective, leading discussions and being visible at Extant events and activities.
Person Specification
We are looking for people with experience of governance and leadership in any sector, who can chair meetings and get the best from a diverse group of trustees and staff members to provide strategic direction to Extant. Knowledge or experience of the governance requirements of a charity, particularly an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, would be useful.
We are looking for people who are committed to the work and values of Extant, and who are prepared to and have the skills to support the staff team through a period of significant change.
Role Type
Voluntary with expenses reimbursed
Location
Board meetings take place via Zoom – so candidates can be based anywhere, with the expectation of attendance at our away day and company events which currently happen in London across England.
Time Commitment
Up to two days per month which includes: four evening board meetings, one annual away day, one review meeting with Arts Council England (chair only), two subgroup meetings
How To Apply
Please send us your CV and a cover letter which outlines your relevant experience and interest in becoming a trustee and if you have an interest in taking on the roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, NPO Sub-group Chair or treasurer.
If you would like an informal chat or any other information regarding the role or organisation, please contact Ellen Jupp ([email protected]) who will arrange a conversation with one of our trustees.
We’re happy to receive your application in a different format like an audio or video recording – please ensure that each document is no more than 5 minutes in length.
Your CV and covering letter should be sent to: [email protected] by 5pm, 10th July 2024.
Please include a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which will be kept securely and separate from your application.
Online interviews will take place on Thursday 18th July.
For more information on how to apply, please view the job pack below: