Board of Trustees
The opportunity
AWDC is headed by an Artistic Director and Executive Director who lead a small team of staff and freelancers. The Board is responsible for setting and monitoring the company’s strategic objectives and finances, and for ensuring that the organisation delivers its charitable purpose in compliance with charity law. Board members support the executive team and oversee its performance.
We are looking for people who share our passion for performance, art and new technology, and who will enhance our current Board of nine non-executive directors. They are:
Board of Directors
Dr Cindy Sughrue OBE (Chair)
Tom Higham
Emma McFarland
Kaushik Ray
David Ripert
Denis Shafranik
Kade Stroude
Florence Uchida
Alexander Whitley
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and see this recruitment as an opportunity to further broaden the perspectives guiding our work. At this time, we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas, including:
intellectual property and licensing
product development and exploitation
public relations and brand management
employment law and HR
public policy and politics.
We welcome candidates who can contribute greater diversity of representation and thinking, including Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse people, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and those with experience of socio-economic disadvantage.
For any access needs, including the job pack in a different format, please contact natasha@alexanderwhitley.com
Time commitment:
There are four (quarterly) Board meetings each year, held on weekday evenings, usually from 6-8 pm. These are mainly hybrid, hosted in London for those able to attend in-person. We hold periodic away days, no more than one each year.
We are open to applicants from across the country, who are able to travel to London on occasion.
Several Board members also serve on sub-committees including: Finance, Digital, Fundraising and Business Planning.
Term of office:
Board Members are appointed for a period of four years and are eligible to be reappointed for a further term of four years.
Remuneration:
This is a voluntary, unremunerated role. Reasonable travel expenses may be claimed if required.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Board Member
The main duties of Board members are to work cooperatively with colleagues to:
Set the strategic direction of the charity in line with Articles of Association, leaving the operational direction to the executive team
Ensure that AWDC complies with its governing document and any relevant legislation or regulations
Safeguard the company’s finances by approving the budget and monitoring the accounts to ensure the achievement of financial objectives
Oversee the performance of the Artistic Director and Executive Director
Manage strategic risks to the organisation, including any conflicts of interest.
Attributes required by Board Members
Ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the governance framework within which AWDC operates
A clear interest in and commitment to the company’s central purpose
Sound, independent judgement and ability to question constructively
Integrity
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and a willingness to state personal convictions and, equally, to accept a majority decision and be tolerant of the views of other people
The time to commit to meetings and AWDC activities
preparation for and attendance at four Board meetings a year, normally held in the early evening
attendance at AWDC performances and events.
In contributing to the work of the company, Board members must use reasonable care, avoid any conflict of interests, make use of their skills and experience in the interests of AWDC and its staff, and be ready to take appropriate advice as necessary.
Further information about the role is contained in the Charity Commission GuideThe Essential Trustee - What you need to Know:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3