Chair of Board of Trustees

As the next Chair of artsdepot – lead and support a vibrant organisation to deliver their vision of a creative home for everyone, bringing inspiring arts to every Barnet family.

Location: North Finchley, London

Time commitment: 1-2 days per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 27th October

Who we are

artsdepot is a prominent cultural venue located in North London, specifically at 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley. It stands as the only multi-space professional arts centre in Barnet, London’s second most populous borough, which boasts over 400,000 residents. The organisation’s vision is “A Creative Home for Everyone,” with a mission to engage every family in Barnet with a creative experience by 2027.

The venue is equipped with diverse facilities, including a 395-seat Pentland Theatre, a 151-seat Studio Theatre, three arts and education studios, a gallery, a creative research lab, a café, a bar and a free soft play area for children. Additionally, artsdepot hosts London Studio Centre, an undergraduate college, complete with its own dance studios, lecture theatre and library.

Annually, artsdepot welcomes over 170,000 visitors and generates a turnover of approximately £2.7 million, recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. 87% of its income is self-generated from diverse income streams, including box office takings, tenant rent, hired events, fundraising and its café and bar.

The organisation operates as The Arts Depot Trust Limited, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

About the role

The Chair will provide crucial leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that all Trustees are able to effectively fulfil their responsibilities. This role involves a close working partnership with the Chief Executive / Creative Director to ensure the effective implementation of Board decisions.

Key duties include:

• Acting as the leader and spokesperson of the Board, closely engaging with the Company and its activities, and representing artsdepot at external events when appropriate.
• Supporting the Chief Executive/Creative Director in fulfilling their duties.
• Serving as the decision-maker on urgent matters requiring Board authorisation that cannot await the next Board meeting, with all such decisions brought to the full Board for ratification and staying within agreed policy parameters.
• Leading and motivating the Board on specific issues, such as fundraising and advocacy.
• Providing leadership to the Board and setting its agenda.
• Ensuring the provision of accurate, timely and clear information to Trustees and assessing the effectiveness of both individual Trustees and the Board as a whole.
• Ensuring Trustees are given sufficient time to consider critical issues and realistic deadlines for decision-making.

As with all Trustee roles, the Chair will be responsible for holding the charity “in trust” for beneficiaries by ensuring artsdepot has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction, and actively pursues its charitable objects and complies with its Articles of Association.

Who we are looking for

artsdepot is seeking an exceptional individual who embodies the following qualities, skills and experience with a passion for artsdepot. They will also bring a deep understanding of the multifaceted role of arts centres, including their impact on creation, presentation, support of the arts and their social and economic contributions to their regions.

You will bring:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to engage constructively with a broad range of views to further artsdepot’s mission.
• Motivational leadership abilities, capable of building trust and effectively navigating contentious issues.
• Excellent political credibility, a strong personal network and the willingness to leverage these connections for artsdepot across national and local government, civil service, business and/or finance sectors.
• High-level advocacy skills to bolster fundraising efforts and enhance the charity’s positioning.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with CEOs and senior leadership teams.
• A deep understanding of acting as a trustee for not for profit organisations, with a preference for previous experience as a trustee for a charity.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach, adept at identifying and utilising existing Trustee strengths, and supporting the Board to collectively shape and enhance artsdepot.
• Resourcefulness, non-judgemental attitude and calmness when addressing complex situations and managing multiple stakeholders with confidence and good humour.

Please click Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 27th October.