Governor at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance

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.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Northern School of Contemporary Dance as we embark on a period of significant transformational change. In 2026 the school is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary of inspiring people, creating opportunities, and working with other local organisations to contribute to the creative arts industry and develop world leading artistic talent. The School is an extraordinary place, and it is impossible not to feel a daily sense of pride at the collective dedication, knowledge and passion of its staff, and the sheer scale, depth, and quality of our services and support to those with whom it interacts. As we embark on our next phase, our priority is to ensure that we continue to evolve but also, transform our culture, support our people, but crucially, redouble our efforts as an institution to champion the positive impact and role the creative arts industry plays. The Board includes a mix of independent Governors who have been appointed through open recruitment, alongside co-opted, staff and student representatives from key partners and employees of the School. You would sit alongside a friendly, diverse and effective team of Governors and staff and work to take the School forward. Don’t worry if you have not held a Governor role before, previous Board experience is not required. 

Role Details 

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:

• Local and National connection to the arts and in particular dance
• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, legal, or a related area
• Experience of the development of facilities and estates at a strategic level
• Connectivity to and influence with the Leeds business community
• Experience of working at executive leadership level within Higher Education

Time requirements: 40-50 hours per year, including 5 Board meetings plus allocated committee meetings, a Board Away Day and reading and preparation time. 

Attendance: A mixture of in-person and online meetings, the majority taking place online. 

To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk