Chair – Generation Arts

Generation Arts is an arts, health and wellbeing charity based in West Lothian. We provide an inclusive programme of arts activities delivered by professional artists. We are currently looking for a new Chair of the Board.

 

 

The Chair of a Board of Trustees provides leadership, ensures effective governance, oversees strategic direction, and represents the board both internally and externally.

 

 

Leadership and Governance

The Chair leads the board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the organization’s overall governance and strategic direction. This includes providing guidance to trustees, ensuring the board operates effectively, and maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.

The Chair also supports and advises the Chief Executive/Director, helping them achieve organizational goals while ensuring accountability and transparency.

 

 

Strategic Oversight

The Chair plays a central role in shaping and approving the organization’s strategy, including long-term planning, annual budgets, and key policies such as investment and reserves policies.

They ensure that the board considers, iterates, and approves strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and values. The Chair also oversees the appointment, performance evaluation, and remuneration of the Chief Executive/Director.

 

 

Board and Committee Management

The Chair ensures that the board functions as a cohesive unit, fostering productive meetings, respectful discussions, and accountability among trustees.

They facilitate communication between board members and senior management, provide advice to committee chairs, and oversee subcommittees to ensure they meet board expectations.

Regular appraisal and review of trustees and board performance are also part of the Chair’s responsibilities.

 

 

External Representation

The Chair acts as the official spokesperson for the board, representing the organisation to stakeholders, government authorities, donors, and the community.

They use personal and professional networks to support fundraising, advocacy, and the organization’s public profile. The Chair also exemplifies the organisation’s values and ethical standards, serving as a role model for other board members.

 

 

In summary, the Chair of a Board of Trustees is a strategic leader, governance overseer, and public representative, balancing internal board management with external advocacy to ensure the organisation achieves its mission effectively and sustainably.

 

 

Person Specification:

 

 

Essential Skills & Experience

• Leadership & Governance: Proven ability to lead a board or team effectively, ensuring strong governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in setting and guiding organisational strategy, with the ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills, able to inspire confidence, facilitate constructive debate, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment, impartiality, and the ability to make difficult decisions in the best interests of the organisation.
• Charity Sector Understanding: Knowledge of the voluntary/non-profit sector, including trustee responsibilities and charity law.

 

 

Personal Attributes

• Integrity & Accountability: Acts with transparency, honesty, and a commitment to the organisation’s mission and values.
• Inclusivity: Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in board culture and decision-making.
• Resilience: Able to manage challenges calmly and constructively.
• Commitment: Willingness to dedicate sufficient time to the role, including preparation for and attendance at meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements.

 

 

Desirable

• Experience as a trustee or chair in a similar organisation.
• Understanding of financial oversight, risk management, and fundraising.
• Established networks that can support the organisation’s growth and influence.

 

 

If you are interested and would like further information, please email the Director, Emma Stewart-Jones on generationarts.info@gmail.com.