Chair of the Board of Directors - Bradford - Bloomin' Buds Theatre Company

Description

Term of office: 12 months period

Remuneration:
Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment:
at least 2 days per month

The organisation

Founded in 2014, Bloomin Buds Theatre Company was inspired by Artistic Director Katie Taylor's experience as a working-class student passionate about the arts.

Over the past decade, Bloomin Buds has grown into a nationally recognised, award-winning organisation that provides arts and cultural opportunities for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds in the BD10 area of Bradford.

Following a recent relocation from the Rockwell Community Centre to Albion Mills, the company has adapted its business model and now delivers its work across five community venues, as well as through ad-hoc events, workshops, and commissioned projects.

Since 2024, Bloomin Buds has been a National Portfolio Organisation, enabling it to expand its creative and cultural activities, reach diverse audiences, and contribute to the vibrancy of Bradford's arts and heritage landscape.

To support our commitment to high-quality work and community engagement, we are seeking new board members.

In this role, you will collaborate with Bloomin Buds to advance our vision and mission, helping us become a leading, award-winning theatre company in Bradford.

You will also contribute to our strategic direction and ensure we meet our goals while upholding legal and ethical standards.

What we are looking for:

Individuals who are interested in contributing their time and expertise to the success of Bloomin Buds are encouraged to reach out.

The organisation seeks individuals who can play a key role in shaping the direction of Bloomin Buds and supporting the delivery of its programs in a thriving environment.

A skilled chair is needed to help the board remain
focused, make sound strategic decisions, and support the Creative Director in leading the organisation.
Applications are welcome from candidates with relevant skills, experience, and connections in one or more of the following areas:

• Employment and HR
• Financial Management, including budgets, cashflows and management accounts
• Legal knowledge and experience of CIC
• Business development and income generation
• Marketing and communications
• Innovation and creative thinking
• Knowledge of grants, Funding and bid writing
• Experience of the local cultural and arts sector
• Experience of working within the Charity sector

The statutory duties of the Chair are:

• Ensure that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the strategy proposed by the Creative Director and Senior Management Team in supporting Bloomin Bud's mission and values.
• Ensure, with Directors, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives.
• Ensure the board can play a full and constructive part in the development of the policies and procedures.
• Safeguarding the interests of the organisation's beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests
• Ensuring high standards of governance and risk management.
• Ensure that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to deliver the organisation's aims.
• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities in line with compliance and relevant company legislation.
• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.
• Facilitating and leading all board meetings, ensuring all work is delegated to any board members or staff as they arise in line with the organisation's policies and procedures.
• Ensure a high performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of the Director's and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Directors).
• To take responsibility with the Creative Director, for the Board's composition and development and to conduct new board member orientation.
• To represent the organisation at functions, in meetings, by letter or electronically as appropriate.
• Appointment of the Creative Director and approval of Creative Director's salary with the Remuneration Committee.

Other key qualities

• Provide steady support for the Creative Director and senior management team, asking the right questions and helping navigate complexity without getting involved in operations.
• Ensure that the organisation has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Being responsible for the performance of the organisation and for its "corporate" behaviour; ensuring that the organisation complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• To support the organisation in delivering the National Portfolio key investment principles
• Motivating other members to actively participate in and attend meetings
• Ensuring the actions taken are in line with the organisation's constitution, goals, and mission
• The Chair plays a vital role in harnessing the unique talents of each Board member, guiding them to work together for the benefit of the organisation.

Person Specification:

We are seeking a dynamic individual who can help the board align with the broader vision and embody a passion for the mission of Bloomin' Buds.

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in providing clarity and defining objectives, while also evaluating the organisation's effectiveness in achieving its goals.

A blend of optimism and realism will be vital as we pursue our strategic ambitions and steer the direction of Bloomin' Buds.

The Chair of the Board, alongside the directors, holds a shared responsibility for the overall governance and strategic leadership of the organization.

This includes ensuring financial stability, upholding operational integrity, and setting objectives that align with our governing documents, as well as legal and regulatory requirements.

Experience and Commitment:

• A strategic vision and sound, independent judgment.
• Focus the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning.
• The ability to communicate persuasively and a willingness to express opinions openly.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into board discussions.
• A proven track record of sound judgment and effective decision-making.
• A history of impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidentiality.
• Supporting the organisation in fundraising and funding applications for income generation.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Guidance and support to the Creative Director
• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel collaboratively drive the organisation's mission forward.
• To collaborate closely with the Creative Director and provide support through regular meetings.

Financial

• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight including review and approval of the annual budget and accounts.
• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including the local authority, trusts and foundations, and other fundraising organisations.
• Advice and assistance in raising and maintaining the charity's profile locally and regionally.

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead and facilitate the board meetings through the preparation of agendas in consultation with the Creative Director and the Operations Manager.
• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.
• To ensure the Board receives accurate, timely and clear information.

For further information regarding the role and to discuss any specific details, please do not hesitate to contact Additionally, you may visit our website at for more insights.

How to apply
If you are interested in shaping the future of Bloomin Buds and becoming a part of a dynamic and inspiring organisation in the heart of Bradford, we encourage you to submit your curriculum vitae along with a brief cover letter explaining your interest in joining our board of directors to