The Unicorn Theatre

The opportunity

Unicorn Theatre is now looking to appoint an inspiring and strategic new Chair to succeed Dr. Vanessa Ogden. The Chair will take up the role at an exciting and pivotal point in Unicorn Theatre’s development as it embarks on a substantial capital project. The organisation’s current strategic plan sets out ambitions around capital development; audience growth; creative collaboration with children; access and inclusion; digital reach; environmental sustainability; and long-term business resilience. The Chair will help ensure that the Board provides clear oversight and support as these priorities are advanced.

Role Specification

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees in ensuring that Unicorn Theatre is well governed, financially sustainable and aligned with its charitable purpose, vision and long-term ambitions. Working closely with the Artistic Director and Executive Director, who jointly serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers, the Chair supports effective decision-making, appropriate oversight and a strong, values-led Board culture.

Core responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership to the Board of Trustees and ensure it fulfils its responsibilities for good governance, strategic oversight and compliance
• Chair Board meetings effectively, enabling constructive discussion, robust scrutiny and clear decision-making
• Support the development and review of the organisation’s strategic direction
• Ensure appropriate oversight of organisational performance, financial resilience, risk and reputation
• Support the organisation’s long-term sustainability, including its capital ambitions and associated fundraising priorities
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation with funders, partners, stakeholders and the wider cultural sector
• Foster a strong and effective relationship between the Board and the executive leadership
• Provide support and constructive challenge to the executive leadership and wider senior team as appropriate
• Ensure that the organisation operates in line with charity law, statutory requirements and high standards of probity and ethics
• Ensure that the Board has the right balance of skills, experience and diversity to govern the organisation effectively
• Oversee effective trustee induction, development, appraisal and succession planning
• Champion an inclusive culture across the Board and support the organisation’s commitment to access, diversity, equality and belonging
• Support fundraising activity and help strengthen external relationships that contribute to the organisation’s long-term sustainability
• Attend key performances, events and stakeholder engagements in support of the organisation

Additional responsibilities of the Chair

• Work with the executive leadership to shape Board agendas around the most material strategic and governance issues
• Ensure committee structures remain effective and that delegated responsibilities are reported appropriately to the Board
• Lead on Board effectiveness and create the conditions for all trustees to contribute fully

Unicorn Theatre seeks an inspiring and strategic new Chair to take up the role at a pivotal point in the organisation’s development, as it embarks on a substantial capital project. They will bring the credibility and judgement to lead the Board effectively, the influence and advocacy skills to champion the organisation at senior level, and a strong, active commitment to strengthening fundraising and external relationships.

They will bring clear strategic ambition for the organisation’s next phase of reach, profile and impact, alongside a sound understanding of governance, and a strong commitment to children and young people and the value of the arts in their lives.

Essential criteria

• Strategic ambition and judgement, with the ability to help drive the organisation’s next phase of reach, profile and impact
• Fundraising capability, with the confidence and credibility to actively shape major donor and supporter relationships and help strengthen and broaden the organisation’s funding base
• Influence and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the organisation compellingly and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, supporters and partners
• Credibility and judgement to lead the Board and build confidence with trustees, executives and external stakeholders
• Experience of chairing meetings or leading collective decision-making effectively, ideally gained through service as a trustee or non-executive in a relevant organisation
• Sound understanding of governance, ideally within a charity, cultural or other mission-led organisation
• Financial and commercial awareness, with the ability to oversee risk and resilience
• Credibility with public funders and an understanding of the expectations associated with receiving public investment
• Commitment to inclusion, access and representation, and to the value of arts and culture in the lives of children and young people
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and sufficient time to fulfil the role

Desired criteria

• Previous experience as a Board Chair, trustee or non-executive in a relevant organisation
• Understanding of the funding environment for performing arts organisations and charities
• A well-developed network that could support the organisation’s profile, relationships or fundraising
• Experience of organisational change, strategic renewal, capital development or major fundraising campaigns
• Interest in the role of digital work in extending reach, access and audience engagement
• Experience within the arts, culture, education, philanthropy, public policy or another relevant field

Personal qualities

• Collaborative and collegiate in style
• Thoughtful, open-minded and balanced
• Confident in offering support and challenge in equal measure
• Inclusive, respectful and committed to hearing a range of voices
• Enthusiastic about the organisation’s mission and artistic ambition
• Comfortable building trusted relationships and acting as a visible champion for the organisation

Board composition

You can learn more about the Board and Executive team here.

Diversity

Unicorn Theatre welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary and unremunerated position. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The appointment is for an initial term of 3 years and is renewable for a further 3-year term.

The expected time commitment is c. 2 days per month, with some additional time likely to be required at the start of the appointment and for key events or stakeholder engagement. The Board meets formally four times a year.

The role is London-based, with attendance required for Board meetings, performances, events and relevant external meetings, primarily at Unicorn Theatre’s home on Tooley Street, London Bridge.

Process

After we have closed the application window on the Nurole platform, our team of experts carefully assess your application against the criteria outlined in the role specification. We will select a group of the most suitable candidates to present to the organisation, who will then be able to view the full application. We will always get in touch to let you know the outcome of your application.

As the organisation will view the applications without edits, we therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘see CV’ or ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

To read more about what to expect from the Nurole process, click here.

Take a look at Nurole guides on how to submit a strong application here.

Connected parties

This organisation has requested that candidates do not contact them directly. Instead, if you know someone at the organisation, please mention it in your Reason for Application. Nurole members who do not respect this may risk having their membership terminated.

Nurole is committed to fairness, inclusivity, and accessibility. If you require any reasonable adjustments or need support to access our website, application process, or interviews, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. You can contact us at enquiries@nurole.com or by calling +44 (0)20 3637 1012.

Role timetable

Deadline for applications: Midnight (UK time) on the evening of 16th June
Candidates can expect to be contacted by: 30th June