Young Identity

Arts Council; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local arts charity in Manchester is seeking Trustees to contribute to governance and strategic direction. Applicants should be passionate about arts and education, committed to diversity, and willing to advocate the charity's mission. This voluntary role requires attendance at board meetings and offers a platform to support young, marginalized voices. No prior experience is needed but enthusiasm and strategic insight are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal eligibility to serve as a Board member or Trustee.
• Experience or understanding of arts and education.

Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute at Board meetings.
• Contribute to governance and strategic direction.
• Be an ambassador for Young Identity.

Skills

Sound judgement

Strategic thinking

Commitment to equality and diversity

Understanding of arts/education

Advocacy for arts charity

Job description

Job Summary

Our new Trustees may come from many walks of life and we do not require prior board-level experience.

Job Description

Our current board is a diverse mix of trustees with backgrounds in: economics, law, psychology, education, counselling, young people's arts production, community engagement and creative business development.

The current board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international. However, we also need to actively manage changes to the board as the terms of current trustees come to an end. We strive to do this in a systematic and organised way to ensure both continuity, stability as well as the development and progression of Young Identity.

Terms of Appointment

• Expenses - This is a voluntary role and is unremunerated, although reasonable expenses can be claimed Meetings. The Board meets 4-6 times a year; this includes an annual strategic planning away day.
  
• Length of Service - Trustees are appointed by the Board on a three-year term with the option to renew for one further term. There is some flexibility on the length of term for those aged 18 - 30.
  
• Eligibility - Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and be legally eligible to serve as Board Member/Chair or Trustee of a charity.

Job Requirements

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate some of the following qualities:

• Sound judgement and strategic thinking ability balanced by an openness to listening to others and to new ideas
  
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation
  
• Understanding or experience of the arts and/or education and a belief in the transformative power of poetry and performance
  
• An enthusiasm for arts charity work and the confidence and willingness to advocate our mission.

Job Responsibilities

Trustees are expected to:

• Commit to the responsibilities of the role, including attending and contributing at Board meetings, contributing to sub-committee work and representing Young Identity at events and meetings with key stakeholders.
  
• Contribute to the governance and strategic direction of Young Identity, ensuring it achieves its mission and objectives.
  
• Ensure, alongside your fellow Trustees, that the charity's affairs are conducted to the highest standards and with appropriate governance and risk management procedures.
  
• Be an ambassador for the charity, spreading the word about Young Identity and its work by attending events, using their experience and knowledge to support the development of the organisation.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than 500 words, telling us why you want to be a Trustee at Young Identity to [e-mail] . If you prefer, you can send a video of up to 2 minutes instead of the accompanying letter.

We are committed to accessibility and inclusion. If you require any adjustments or other accommodations or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Once applications are assessed, we will invite candidates to an interview and arrange an opportunity for them to meet other Board Members and core staff.

Application Deadline: 6 April 2026
Interviews: 20 - 21 April 2026
Confirmations: 23 April 2026

Young Identity is a Manchester based literature and performance arts charity experimenting in combined arts. We create opportunities for young, marginalised voices through writing, performance and theatre, offering opportunities locally, nationally and internationally. Our mission is to nurture, develop and champion the creativity of diverse young people through literature, writing and performance.