Chair of the Board

What does being Chair involve?

As a registered charity, we are governed by a board of trustees, and the Chair leads that board. You’ll work closely with our Artistic Director and Executive Director to support bold creative work, guide strategic development, and help steer Upswing through a significant growth phase. That means running effective board meetings, acting as an ambassador for the organisation, and helping develop a confident, inclusive board culture.

We’re entering this role as a Co-Chair transition: you’d join alongside our current Chair, stepping fully into the role in March 2027. The model is designed to give you time to build relationships, share knowledge, and find your footing before taking on full responsibility.

The board meets four times a year, plus an annual away day. The Chair role involves around ten to twelve days a year in total. Meetings are hybrid, with increasing activity in Staffordshire. Expenses are covered, and all new trustees receive a full induction including governance support and optional training. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments that would help you participate fully.

Who we want to hear from

We’re particularly interested in people who can help us deepen our presence in Staffordshire and the wider Midlands, whether through civic leadership, advocacy, regional development, or cultural sector experience, especially where that intersects with producing, touring or audience development. You may be, or have been, a senior leader in a public body, cultural organisation, university or mission-led setting.

Above all, we’re looking for someone excited by the chance to help root Upswing more firmly in place while supporting our continued national and international ambitions as a producing and touring company.

We especially welcome applications from the Global Majority, disabled people, neurodivergent people, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Read the full role description in the PDF under ‘Useful Links’.