Trustee - Arts & Heritage (Wainsgate)

Trustee - Arts & Heritage (Wainsgate)

Wainsgate Chapel Closing date: Tue, 31 Mar 2026

Artform: Combined arts
Role: Fundraising
Contract: Hybrid
Yorkshire

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Join Wainsgate at a pivotal moment – an artist-led, nationally recognised chapel where heritage, community and experimental arts meet. We’re seeking trustees with finance, fundraising, governance or strategic experience to support our next phase with care, curiosity and vision.

Job Description

About Wainsgate
https://wainsgate.co.uk/ - Wainsgate Chapel is a Grade II* listed building in the South Pennines that has become a distinctive centre for dance, music, visual arts, spoken word, heritage and community life. Our approach treats heritage as lived and evolving - sustained through creative practice, learning, gathering and care for the building itself. We punch above our weight, working with internationally significant artists and partners while remaining deeply rooted locally.

The Role
Trustees join a collaborative board working alongside the creative team to ensure Wainsgate thrives artistically, financially and organisationally. This is not about directing artistic content, but about enabling it - offering perspective, challenge and support so the vision can grow with resilience and integrity.

You will help to:
Ensure strong, proportionate governance and legal compliance
Support financial oversight and income diversification
Contribute strategic thinking at a moment of growth
Champion Wainsgate through networks and partnerships
Act as a thoughtful critical friend to the creative team

We welcome first-time trustees and people from backgrounds under-represented in the arts and heritage sector. You don't need every skill listed - curiosity, generosity and belief in artist-led culture matter as much as professional expertise.

Time commitment: approx. 6-8 meetings per year, plus optional involvement in events and working groups.

Download the full Trustee Pack from our https://wainsgate.co.uk/trustee-call-out/ - website for more detail.

Job Requirements

We're particularly interested in people with one or more of the following:

Finance, accountancy or business planning
Fundraising and income development
Governance, legal or risk
Strategic or organisational development
Marketing/comms/digital
Arts, heritage or community leadership

We're looking for people who bring:

Openness, good listening and collaborative spirit
Willingness to ask thoughtful questions
Commitment to equality and inclusion in practice
Respect for artist-led ways of working
Interest in heritage as a living, shared resource

No previous trustee experience required - support and induction will be provided.

Job Responsibilities

Act collectively to ensure Wainsgate meets its charitable and legal duties
Oversee finances, budgets and fundraising strategy
Support long-term sustainability and responsible care of the building
Contribute to strategy while respecting artistic independence
Champion Wainsgate through advocacy and partnerships
Attend board meetings and engage with key decisions
Help strengthen structures without losing warmth and creativity

Trustees are encouraged, where possible, to experience the programme in person to understand the spirit of Wainsgate - this is welcomed but flexible.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Trustee - Arts & Heritage (Wainsgate)
  • Salary: Unpaid
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Combined arts
  • Role: Fundraising
  • Contract: Hybrid
  • Closing date: Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Location:
    Yorkshire
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Trustee - Arts & Heritage (Wainsgate)

Job: Trustee - Arts & Heritage (Wainsgate)

Organisation: Wainsgate Chapel

Postcode: HX7 8SF

How to Apply

Please apply via Arts Jobs with a short message and a CV, LinkedIn or portfolio. Tell us what draws you to Wainsgate and what perspective you might bring.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal conversation with trustees and the creative team – a mutual chance to explore fit and questions. Visits to Wainsgate are warmly encouraged and travel costs can be covered.

We welcome applications from people currently under-represented in the sector and from first-time trustees. If you’d prefer a conversation before applying, or need another format, please get in touch.

Applications considered on a rolling basis.