Grand Union is seeking either one or two people to become the Chair/Co-chairs of our Board of Trustees, that can help the Director and senior staff team lead the organisation through an important, transitional phase. The structure of Grand Union, who gets to make decisions, and how, is all part of our current internal reflection and reimagination. As we ‘crack ourselves open’ to develop the best structure for Grand Union to sustain its communities well into the future, we see the benefit of potentially bringing in more than one person to a Chair position, to help bring broader perspectives and experiences to this leadership role.
Grand Union’s Trustees are key advocates, advisors and supporters. We ask Trustees to promote and champion our programmes and strategic work, and broker beneficial opportunities. Trustees have a legal responsibility to ensure that Grand Union fulfils its charitable objectives, whilst remaining financially sustainable and acting in the best interests of its beneficiaries.
Further Information
What experience we are looking forOpen accordion
We are looking for leaders who are wholeheartedly behind our organisation’s purpose, to advocate and promote our work. We are looking for people who love to collaborate, and who have some of the following skills and experience:
(Please note we don’t expect one person to have every skill or experience listed)
- Engaging people in group activity. We need leaders to connect with our Board of Trustees and advisory sub-groups, to enable active and enthusiastic participation from the whole team.
- Experience of developing relationships, with strategic partners, policy makers, funders and philanthropic donors.
- An artistic practice, bringing creative, critical thinking to the role.
- Some understanding of charity stewardship and the Charity Commission.
- Experience of leading an organisation or movement.
Who we are looking forOpen accordion
We are seeking a Chair or Co-Chairs who are interested in working alongside us to support the strategic development and potential transformation of the organisation. During this time of organisational development, which we hope will have a long lasting legacy for artists and the communities we work with in the city, it is vital that we build the right team that can be confident in inclusive and ambitious decision-making.
We are keen to receive applications from people of colour and disabled applicants, in recognition of these groups being currently underrepresented in the sector. We commit to a guaranteed meeting with all applicants that can demonstrate they have the skills and experience outlined.
Please let us know in the application if you qualify for a guaranteed interview.
Grand Union aims to provide a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive environment for people from all backgrounds and does not discriminate against people based on race, national or ethnic background, citizen status, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion, disability, social economic status, nor immigration status. We acknowledge that definitions of expression and inclusion evolve and we are committed to reviewing and adapting this statement with the people that our organisation serves.
Grand Union’s constitution sets out the parameters, and terms of engagement of its trustees. Trustees usually serve a three year term, which can be reviewed and renewed up to a total of three consecutive terms. We expect the role of Chair or Co-chair to dedicate up to 1 day per month to support the organisation. Trustees are voluntary positions currently, however, reasonable expenses incurred as part of the role can be reimbursed.
To apply for the role of Chair/Co-Chair please send via email to submisssions@grand-union.org.uk :
- A statement that outlines why you are interested to join Grand Union, the skills and expertise you can bring to the role and what you hope to get out of the position. This could be written (around 500 words PDF) or a video (4 minutes maximum).
- A statement outlining your experience, or an up to date CV (PDF or 3 minute video).
The deadline for applications is 15th September 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will initially be invited to an in person meeting held in Birmingham on Monday 6th or Tuesday 7th October 2025.
We will aim to be in touch by 29th September to let you know if you have been shortlisted.