Trestle Theatre Company is a mask and physical theatre company that has been delivering education workshops and training since 1981. Our mission is to inspire creativity through participation and dialogue and our ever-engaging masks.
Following a staffing restructure in November 2019 and the consequent challenges that COVID 19 has bought to the sector this year. Trestle Theatre Company are looking for new Trustees to join them on the next phase of their journey as they move into their 40th Birthday year. They are looking for passionate individuals who are committed to developing the company and supporting the staff to meet the company’s objectives.
Trestle is committed to its Board being representative of the communities we work with. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage interest from minoritised ethnic communities, those with lived experience of disability and those under 25, as these are currently underrepresented on our Board. If you need this information in any other format or would like an informal conversation about the role please contact Clare Winter or Helen Barnett directly on 01727 850950
Role Description
General responsibilities
To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in supporting the strategic direction of the organisation, helping to shape overall policy and assist Senior Management in defining goals, setting and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
To ensure the management team administer the organisation effectively and efficiently.
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
To ensure that the charity’s property is managed efficiently and effectively by the management team.
To appoint and support the Executive Director and Creative Director and monitor their performance.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve:
Focusing on key issues
Contributing to discussions on new initiatives
Participating in subcommittees and/or working groups
Scrutinising board papers
Each Trustee is asked to focus on one or two areas in which they have in-depth expertise and to both represent these functions within the Board of Trustees as well as be the main ‘port of call’ for management seeking advice in these areas. Currently, we are particularly looking for Trustees with expertise in the following:
Finance
Fundraising
Legal
Education Sector
Person specification
Commitment to the organisation and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be able to contribute effectively to the organisation’s work.
Strategic vision in decision-making, to assist the organisation in achieving a high profile national position on the cultural sector.
Ability to exercise independent judgment
Ability to think creatively
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Tact and diplomacy
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
It would be desirable for a trustee to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the subsidised
theatre sector, voluntary and charity sector and/or other relevant networks. We are looking for passionate people with a commitment to the organisation so, although experience of sitting on a Board or Experience of committee work is desirable, it is not essential that trustees have prior experience and we are happy to provide training and mentorship where necessary.
About the Board and How to Apply
Board meetings are held quarterly plus an annual away day and Trustees are expected to read all Board papers prior to attending a meeting (provided these are sent 7 days in advance). Currently, meetings are taking place on zoom but usually occur at Trestle Arts Base, St Albans. Each Board member serves a term of 3 years, at the end of which they can stand for re-election to a further term of 3 years.
Please note that this is a voluntary role, we do not pay trustees to serve on the Board however, expenses reasonably incurred in connection with their duties can be reimbursed where necessary.
How To Apply
To apply please send an outline of your current work/ relevant experience (or a professional CV) and a brief note about your interest in joining Trestle Theatre Company as a trustee.
Please email your application to Clare Winter as the company secretary at clare@trestle.org.uk with Trustee in the subject line.
This is an open-ended application and will only be closed once the positions have been filled.
