Role specification
English National Ballet’s Board is diverse and multi-talented, offering strategic oversight, ensuring effective governance, and supporting the organisation’s contribution to the wider community. In order to provide effective oversight and to enable particular focus on key areas of the day-to-day operations, several Board committees support the work of the Board and typically meet prior to Board meetings.
To support this, the Board is complemented by specialist Development; Finance & General Purposes, Governance & Remuneration, Engagement, and Commercial Enterprises Committees, which enable focused oversight and meet ahead of Board meetings.
Trustees' collective responsibilities include:
- Help set and shape ENB’s strategy and ensure robust governance and financial sustainability
- Ensure compliance with charity and company law and alignment with our charitable objectives
- Act as an ambassador for ENB, broadening its reach and impact
- Champion its work by supporting activities, fostering networks, and promoting its mission.
Person specification
ENB is seeking new Trustees who are respected in their field, bring professional rigour, and share its conviction in the transformative power of the arts. While previous board experience is welcome, it is not essential – ENB values fresh perspectives and collaborative thinkers, who can challenge constructively and inspire confidence.
ENB is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas:
- Learning & Engagement: Experience leading programme development, ideally from a museums or exhibitions background, to help shape and expand accessible public programmes. Candidates will bring insights into how we can broaden participation and deepen engagement across diverse audiences
- Digital Innovation: Senior-level digital expertise, networks and influence – with the ability to open doors to partnerships and opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. This could come from a content, platform, technology or innovation background. ENB is looking for someone who can broker connections, enable it to explore new ways of leveraging its content, reach new audiences, and support revenue growth
- UK Cultural Sector Knowledge: A strong profile within, and broad knowledge of, the UK cultural sector across multiple disciplines, supported by a well-developed understanding of the ecosystem in which ENB operates. While not necessarily London-based, the individual will bring meaningful insight into the evolving cultural and policy landscape and connections or credibility within relevant political and public-sector networks, enabling them to engage influentially with senior stakeholders across both cultural and governmental spheres.
You may already be passionate about ballet or new to the art form; what matters is a belief in the role culture plays in society and a commitment to making it accessible to all. Emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and an authentic commitment to diversity and inclusion are essential.
Core qualities include:
- Commitment to ENB’s aims and values, with the time and capacity to devote to the role
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Understanding of Trustees’ legal duties and responsibilities
- Integrity, independent judgement, and strategic, forward-thinking capability
- A clear commitment to arts and culture and its societal impact
- Advocacy for diversity and widening access to the arts.
Above all, the successful candidate will have a clear interest in the arts, culture and an understanding of their importance to society. They will be committed to championing diversity and ensuring that the benefits of arts and culture are available to the widest range of people.