Chisenhale Art Place (CAP) is looking to continue building its board of trustees by encapsulating applicants who can actively participate with the diverse communities we work in.
Trustee Roles Required:
Finance, HR, Local community engagement
Remuneration: These are voluntary, unremunerated roles.
Term: 5 years
Time commitment: Four board meetings per year – plus annual away day, annual general meeting and ad hoc work.
Reporting to: Chair & Board of Trustees
About Chisenhale Art Place:
Chisenhale Art Place (CAP) occupies a special position in London’s East End, providing valuable space for the production and experience of contemporary visual arts and dance – all under one roof.
CAP was established in 1980 when a group of artists and dancers were evicted from their studios at Butler’s Wharf by property developers. Over in East London vast numbers of buildings lay empty, and so the group focused their search for a new home there.
Chisenhale Works, a former factory, had been derelict for over a decade. Founding members recall a filthy, empty shell – apart from an enormous pile of silver shoes – with little to suggest its future purpose.
To the group however, the place was ideal. Rubbish and graffiti had to be removed, roofing, electrics, glazing, walls and doors all had to be installed – with most of the work being carried out by the artists and dancers themselves. It took over two years to create Chisenhale Art Place, complete with 40 artist studios and two dance studios. In time, the Gallery was created to provide a public exhibition space.
Today, Chisenhale Art Place is thriving. Home to three distinct initiatives – Chisenhale Dance Space, Chisenhale Gallery and Chisenhale Studios – with each operating unique programmes that enable emerging and established artists and dancers to develop, experiment and make exceptional work. And in turn, creating extensive opportunities for audiences and communities near and far to participate, learn and engage.
Job Description:
We value diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to always appoint the most suitable candidate and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds.
We particularly encourage applications from global majorities, people living with disabilities, gender minorities, ethnic minorities, and candidates who represent the community of Tower Hamlets.
Previous experience as a Trustee is not essential and we are committed to supporting the right candidates through their trustee journey.
The statutory duties of a Trustee are:
- To ensure the organisation complies with the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
- To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives.
- To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
- To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
- To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.
- Monitor the performance of staff.
In addition, with other trustees to hold Chisenhale Art Place “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:
- Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
- Being responsible for the performance of the charity; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
- Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee uses any specific skills, knowledge or experience they posses to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This involves scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
- We are seeking Trustees to be active and engaged in our work.
- Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work. Work with fellow Trustees in a collaborative way, using feedback to enhance Board effectiveness and performance and agreeing individual objectives with the Chair to shape personal contribution.
The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.
Person Specification:
Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Chisenhale Art Place’s mission.
The Board of Trustees are jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
Experience and Commitment:
- Strategic vision, sound and independent judgement.
- Ability to communicate persuasively and a willingness to speak their mind.
- Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
- Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion with the ability to bring diverse perspectives to the Board.
- A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making.
- A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
Knowledge, skills and understanding:
- Commitment to Chisenhale Art Place and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Understanding of Chisenhale Art Place’s work, impact and members.
- Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
- Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Executive Director.
The deadline for Trustee applications is July 5th 2024 at 12pm.
To discuss further please contact:
Andy Wakelin
Executive Director
Chisenhale Art Place