Young Person Trustee

(Unpaid, voluntary role)

Deadline: Tuesday 2nd April 2024 

WHAT IS IT? 

If you believe that culture is a human right and plays an important role in people’s lives, if you love live events, getting creative and exploring big ideas, and want to make a difference within our community and beyond, then we’d love to hear from you.   

Cheltenham Festivals is a charity that aims to bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and inspire change through four world-class Festivals in Jazz, Science, Music and Literature, our education, community and talent development programmes, and our free programmes, including VOICEBOX specifically aimed at under 30s. 

Cheltenham Festivals is looking for two young people aged 18 – 25 to join their Board of Trustees.  We want to bring young voices into the heart of the decision-making process when it comes to Cheltenham Festivals’ events and activities. Each Trustee will lead on a special area of the work of the Charity, these two roles giving a voice to young people in the local community and wider cultural landscape. 

You don’t need any previous experience of being a trustee.  You just need a desire to amplify the voice of young people so that they can influence the long-term direction of the charity into the future.  

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?  

Preparing for and attending meetings. There are four per year in total, three hours each.  All meetings are hybrid, although we prefer to meet in person when we can but the option to dial in is there. 

Trustees: 

Are collectively responsible for the governance of the Charity and support the Senior Management Team (SMT) to ensure that the charitable purpose of Cheltenham Festivals is carried out; 

Are critical friends of the Senior Management Team who oversee the day to day running of the charity;   

Guide the SMT on how and where to prioritise the finances of the charity (don’t worry, we will give you plenty of support on this and help you understand how the finances work) 

Accept legal responsibility for the work of the Charity and make sure it is compliant with the Charities Act 2011. (Again, we will train you in this aspect of the role) 

HOW IT WORKS: 

Although a trusteeship is a voluntary position, there is a travel allowance. 

You will receive training and insight into a charitable arts organisation from the people who run it. 

You will have a mentor, who is an experienced trustee, to support you in preparing for meetings. 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? 

You will: 

 Gain invaluable experience being part of Board level conversations 

Work with high level arts professionals to develop skills in arts leadership, business management, governance and strategy 

Be part of a community of like-minded people who care about delivering incredible events and activities in the local community, UK and internationally. 

Gain access to world class events and opportunities to attend grassroots community projects that really impact young people’s lives 

You’ll also gain skills in: 

Leadership and decision-making 

Understanding budgets  

Collaborative working  

Self-confidence and self-expression 

Networking with people from across the arts, sciences and cultural industries 

HOW TO APPLY 

We would like you to tell us about yourself covering the following themes: 

Why do you want to become a Young Person Trustee? 

Why do you think Cheltenham Festivals should appoint young trustees? 

How do you see your role as a young trustee? 

How would you make a Cheltenham Festival event more inclusive? 

Your response can take any format you like; written, audio, video – however you feel comfortable and confident in sharing.  

We won’t judge your application based on its length, but to allow us to consider all applications fairly, please limit your response to a maximum of 300 words / 3 minutes. 

INTERESTED IN APPLYING? 

Send your answers to the above to peoplematters@cheltenhamfestivals.com  

Deadline: Tuesday 2nd April 2024 

GOT QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU APPLY? 

Contact peoplematters@cheltenhamfestivals.com  

Or 

Attend a friendly and informal information session with members of our senior management team and current Trustees between 5 – 6.30 pm on Wednesday 6th March at Hub8, Brewery quarter in Cheltenham, GL50 3FF  (next door to Tesco Express) 

At this session you’ll hear about what we do, meet the team and like-minded young people. You’ll also be able to ask questions about being a Trustee and Cheltenham Festivals, and get answers to your questions about the application process.  

Please contact peoplematters@cheltenhamfestivals.com to register your interest.   

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with the Cheltenham Festivals team in April.   

At Cheltenham Festivals we care deeply about inclusive practice and diversity. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident Employer who understands the benefits of diversity so that everyone – irrespective of individual identities, background, or any personal characteristics – receives fair and equal treatment in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment.