English Symphony Orchestra is looking to recruit up to three trustees to join its board. We are looking for individuals with a passion for our work and who can bring new perspectives as we continue to shape a bold new vision for our orchestra.
Who We are
The Worcestershire-based English Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble which in recent years has become synonymous with artistic excellence, innovative and visionary programming, distinctive commissioning, ground-breaking recording, a welcoming and immersive concert experience, transformative youth programmes and service to the community. The Orchestra’s “Three Pillars” are Orchestra, Academy and Community. Through Orchestra, we perform outstanding performances in concerts both regionally and nationally, commission works by leading composers and produce internationally important recordings. Our Academy pillar sees our professional musicians sharing their knowledge with the next generation of musicians, through ESO Youth courses attended by over 500 young people aged 5-19 every year and our new Edward Elgar Conducting Masterclasses for emerging conductors. Our Community pillar reaches out to those in our region who are isolated or otherwise unable to experience our music – in particular, we perform in dozens of care homes every year to the most vulnerable members of our community.Current Trustees
Chair of Trustees
Jonathan Godfrey OBETrustees
Richard Adey Christopher Barnett David Blake Melanne Mueller Graham Sheffield CBE John Summers OBEWho We’re Looking For
We are looking for Trustees who can:
- Champion the charity’s mission and vision, with a commitment to fulfilling your duties and responsibilities for effective governance.
- Develop and sustain effective external relationships which support the charity’s mission, through generating income and partnership opportunities
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation, in concert with the Executive team
- Work with colleagues to ensure financial probity and that all resources are focussed on achieving the aims and objectives of the Charity for the benefit of those it supports
- Actively contribute to the organisation’s direction and strategy
- Establish and maintain strong, effective and constructive relationships with the executive team
We are particularly seeking those with experience and skills in:
- Fundraising/ income generation
- HR
- Label Management
- Youth Voice
- Helping to raise the profile of and advocating for ESO
- Orchestral music and/or wider arts/ cultural sector
- Charity finance
- Charity governance
The Commitment
- Subject to board approval, new trustees will be appointed for a first term of four years.
- The role is voluntary (unpaid) although expenses including travel can be reimbursed.
- There are typically a minimum of four Board meetings per year, in addition to an Away Day.
Recruitment process
- To be considered for this voluntary role, please email a short covering letter in Word or PDF format detailing your interest in the role and what skills you would bring to ESO (maximum 2 pages A4), as well as an up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages A4) to seb@eso.co.uk. Please address your letter to Jonathan Godfrey, Chair of ESO.
- We invite applications by 9am on 1 September 2024, although applications will be assessed as they are received.
- We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the creative industries due to barriers linked to ethnicity, class, disability or gender.
- You can find out more about becoming a Charity Trustee on the UK Government website here.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair before being invited to meet with other trustees and observe a board meeting with a view to being invited to join the board formally in Autumn 2024.