Can you help us create an arts sector that’s free from discrimination? Where learning disabled and/or autistic people are represented fairly?
One way to do this is to join our friendly, welcoming team as a Trustee!
There is more information below, and a link to download the information pack. But if you are interested in becoming a trustee the first step is to get in touch by 30 April 2025 and arrange a conversation.
Either email us or give us a call, the details for both are at the very bottom of this page.
Who are we looking for?
We’d love to hear from anyone who is interested in our work. These skills, areas of expertise, and life experiences would be especially helpful right now:
Lived experience of disability and/or ethnic diversity
- Mind the Gap acknowledges the under-representation within our current Board. We are committed to changing this, and are actively encouraging disabled people, and people from the global majority to get in touch.
Financial Knowledge
- Including understanding accounts, audit reports, and developing successful businesses.
Marketing and Communications
- Including an interest in digital media, as well as audience development to help us find exciting, meaningful ways of reaching new people.
WHAT DOES BEING A TRUSTEE MEAN?
Mind the Gap is a registered charity. This means that legally, we must have a group of responsible volunteers called ‘a Board of Trustees’. Their job is to make sure that Mind the Gap stays true to its charitable aims.
The Board works in two wide-ranging areas: Governance and Strategic Development.
Governance
Trustees hold Mind the Gap to account. They make sure that Mind the Gap:
- Is working for the public benefit.
- Is carrying out the purpose it was set up for and no other purpose.
- Is following its governing document and the law.
- Is managing its resources (money, people and buildings) responsibily.
- They approve policies, procedures and budgets.
- They help to assess and reduce organisational risk.
Strategic development
The Board needs to:
- Check that Mind the Gap is doing its work well, for example, making sure that targets set by funders are being met.
- Contribute to the development of Mind the Gap’s strategy. To do this, each year we hope to identify a small number of key questions that we can deliberate on at board meetings that will help with this.
what does being a trustee look like?
Mind the Gap Trustees do their job by attending Board meetings. These happen in-person, at the Mind the Gap building, and online. They usually happen on Tuesdays, 5pm-7pm. There is a short break in the middle, and there are always drinks and snacks.
The meetings are the place where Trustees get together to talk about important topics relating to Governance and Strategic Development.
Trustees are expected to listen and join in the conversations, giving feedback and suggestions when appropriate. To be able to do this properly, an agenda (a list of topics to be discussed) along with any relevant supporting documents will be sent by email before the meeting takes place. It is important that Trustees take the time to read these documents to know what is going on.
Depending on experiences and skills, some Trustees might be asked to help with certain tasks, for example, they will help update a policy, or they might approve a budget. These tasks are written down in a list called an Action Log. It helps keep track of what needs to be done, and when.
This information and more will be explained in further detail during the Trustee induction process.
Other Courses
Arts Academy
The Arts Academy offers four different courses in theatre, dance, and music. With tailored support and a welcoming environment, students have the opportunity to build their creative skills and step into their self-expression.
Partner Courses
Partner Courses, delivered in collaboration with Totally Inclusive People, are entry-level and welcome new students all year round, with no auditions required.