Governor Role (Legal Expertise)

Organisation overview 

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is an ambitious, specialist institution, internationally-recognised as a centre of excellence for dance education and with a growing reputation as a centre for dance development. Currently providing for approximately 250 students across under and postgraduate degrees. Based in Chapeltown, Leeds, NSCD is the only institution of its kind to offer conservatoire-level professional dance training outside of London. It currently provides for approximately 250 students across undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. NSCD is committed to widening access and recruits the most talented students, regardless of personal circumstance; the School’s mission is to provide inspirational learning, enabling aspiring artists of all backgrounds to shape the future of dance. As part of this commitment, NSCD strives to make increasingly visible the contribution of diverse voices to its EEDI agenda. The School’s offer spans higher education provision, community outreach and prevocational training, a touring postgraduate company and professional apprenticeship placements. As a National Portfolio Organisation (2018-2027) of Arts Council England, NSCD also delivers artist development initiatives and a public performance programme of national and international work at its on-site Riley Theatre, for audiences to enjoy on their doorstep. NSCD is a place of imagination and innovation with dance and education at its heart; a crucible of creativity where artists of all backgrounds meet and engage in creation 

Role Details  

Northern School of Contemporary Dance is seeking to appoint a number of dedicated, self-motivated and talented Governors.

We are particularly looking for Governors with skills and experience in the fields of:

• Fundraising

• Estates/property

• Finance/accountancy

• Legal and HR

The role of Governor at NSCD requires a time commitment of around 30-40 hours per year, mainly in the early evenings. The Board meets approximately four times per year. The role is unremunerated although reasonable expenses will be paid. Meetings take place both in-person and online.

Time Commitment:  

30-40 hours per year

Attendance:  

Online and in person

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for people who:

• Are sympathetic and excited to contribute to realising and evolving the School’s vision and strategy

• Value the transformational power of an arts education, ideally with a special interest in dance

• Are willing to commit time and energy – not just to preparing for and attending meetings – but to inspiring, challenging and supporting the Leadership Team, attending some performances and acting as an ambassador for the School in contributing to our future development and sustainability

• Are innovative and creative thinkers able to stimulate and contribute to well rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making

• Have the highest aspirations for the School and strive for excellence at all times

• Are dedicated, committed and self-motivated

• Have a commitment to promoting equity, equality, diversity and inclusion; supporting NSCD to embrace and engender cultural diversity in all that it does

We are particularly looking for individuals with the following skills, experience and expertise:

• Experience of working at executive leadership level within Higher Education

• Experience of the development of facilities and estates at a strategic level

• Connectivity to and influence with the Leeds business community

• National connection to the arts and in particular dance

• Fundraising expertise at a strategic level, including developing corporate fundraising strategies and capacity

• Legal skills and in particular employment law and business HR knowledge

• Expertise in corporate profile raising/communication to assist in raising profile in local, national and global markets strengthening brand recognition

• Expertise in legal and commercial contexts in particular relating to charitable or educational institutions The School believes that diversity is critical to its future development and would therefore particularly welcome applications from individuals from the Global Majority and from those with a disability