INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE ROLE OF CHAIR

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair with Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT).  

This is an exciting time in the evolution of the organisation. As we prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2027, we are reflecting on our impact – past, present and future – while working towards a more comprehensive creative offer for young theatre-makers across Scotland. 

Reaching the end of his tenure on the board, our outgoing Chair has been crucial to the company’s navigation of the most challenging times in our sector and the remodelling of the company. The new Chair will come into an organisation with a committed board and small industrious staff team with big ambitions.

Current priorities: 

• Grow the artistic programme for the benefit of more young artists with different needs and aspirations across Scotland 
• Amplify the company’s profile and increase awareness of the work and priorities of SYT now 
• Broaden and deepen relationships with partners, allies and funders 
• Secure additional resources to realise our ambitions 

What we are looking for

• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role in the charitable sector (previous experience as a Chair is not essential but knowledge and familiarity with charity governance requirements is essential)
• An enthusiasm for theatre and supporting young people in their development as artists
• Ability to offer an impartial perspective and take a collaborative approach that draws on the collective wisdom of the Board
• Clear understanding of the distinction between the role of trustees and senior staff 
• Alignment to our company values
• Firm understanding of the financial undertakings of charities and associated legal requirements 
• Committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion 

Role of the Board

Board members are non-executive directors of the company and trustees of the charity. They have corporate and individual responsibilities under company law and charity law.

The Board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Scottish Youth Theatre, supporting the staff team to deliver on the company’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities of the Chair

Provide leadership to the board and chair board meetings

Work with fellow Trustees to ensure compliance with legal, financial and environmental requirements Maintain an overview of the board’s performance, appraising individual and collective performance Maintain an overview of the composition of the board in skills and diversity and to lead on refreshment and succession planning.

Supporting the CEO

Appoint the CEO, in conjunction with the board, and monitor their performance

Line manage and support the CEO and be a point of liaison   

Lead on appraisal of performance of the CEO

Time Commitment

Board members are required to attend four meetings per year plus the AGM which are usually held online via Zoom. Once a year we bring together the Board and full staff team for an in-person joint planning and review session. Supporting our young artists through attending performances is also appreciated.

There is one permanent sub-group of the Board for finance. Individual Board members may also be asked to bring their expertise to specific pieces of work or policy development and some are the identified leads for areas of policy e.g. safeguarding, fundraising, environment.  

The Chair of the Board acts as line manager to the CEO, maintaining regular contact to keep up to date with progress and offer support (on average one meeting per month and email correspondence).

All Directors may serve a maximum of three terms of office, each term being 3 years (9 years maximum).

Register your interest

To register your interest in in the role of Chair, please send an introductory email to: recruitment@scottishyouththeatre.org with:

• A copy of your CV
• Why you are interested in contributing to the Scottish Youth Theatre
• What you will bring to the role of the Chair

Timeframe

Deadline is 9.00am on Tuesday, 3^rd February

Please send submissions to: recruitment@scottishyouththeatre.org titling your email “Chair – Expression of Interest”

We will let you know no later than 17^th February if we would like to proceed to an informal conversation.  The final stage will be more formal with members of the Board.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.