Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees

THEATRE PORTO Closing date: Fri, 29 May 2026

Artform: Theatre
Role: Legal
Contract: Permanent
North West
  • Full time
  • Unpaid

Thu, 07 May 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Theatre Porto, an award-winning children’s theatre in Ellesmere Port, seeks a new Chair of Trustees. The role involves leading governance, supporting senior leadership, & helping deliver ambitious growth through the Gold & Green strategy & Edge of Wonder programme.

Job Description

Theatre Porto is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the organisation through an ambitious and exciting period of growth. Based in Ellesmere Port, Theatre Porto is an award-winning charity and specialist children's theatre, and a National Portfolio Organisation. From its home in Whitby Park, the organisation creates original productions and delivers year-round programmes for children, young people and families, working closely with schools, communities and local partners.
As Chair of Trustees, you will provide strong and inclusive leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and clear decision-making. You will work closely with the senior leadership team-CEO/Artistic Director Nina Hajiyianni and Executive Director Caz Brader-offering both support and constructive challenge. Together, you will help shape and deliver the organisation's long-term vision, including its role in leading the town's Gold & Green cultural strategy and the 'Edge of Wonder' place partnership programme.
This is a key ambassadorial role. You will act as a champion for Theatre Porto, building relationships across the cultural sector and within Ellesmere Port, and helping to strengthen the organisation's profile, partnerships and sustainability. You will also support the Board to operate effectively, drawing on the skills and experience of trustees and ensuring a positive, engaged and collaborative culture.
The role requires strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You will bring a commitment to equity, inclusion and the value of arts and culture in the lives of children and communities. Previous experience as a Chair is welcome but not essential.

Job Requirements

Theatre Porto is looking for a Chair of Trustees with strong leadership and facilitation skills, able to guide an engaged Board with clarity and confidence. You will bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to balance support and constructive challenge with senior leaders. A commitment to equity, inclusion and the value of arts and culture for children, young people and communities is essential. You should be able to build positive, trusting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including trustees, staff, partners and funders. Strong communication skills and the ability to act as an advocate for the organisation are important. Previous Chair experience is welcome but not required. Knowledge of, or a connection to, Ellesmere Port and the surrounding area would be an advantage, but is not essential. We welcome applicants from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in the arts and charity sectors.

Job Responsibilities

As Chair of Trustees, you will lead the Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities. You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and Executive Director, offering guidance, support and appropriate challenge to help shape and deliver the organisation's vision and long-term sustainability. You will facilitate Board meetings, ensuring all trustees are engaged and able to contribute, and support the ongoing development of a positive and collaborative Board culture. The Chair will act as an ambassador for Theatre Porto, representing the organisation externally and helping to build partnerships and opportunities. You will also hold regular 1:1 meetings with senior leaders and support effective communication between the Board and executive team. A willingness to contribute beyond formal meetings, where needed, will help ensure the organisation continues to grow and thrive.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Chair of Trustees
  • Salary: Unpaid
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Theatre
  • Role: Legal
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Fri, 29 May 2026
  • Location:
    North West
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Chair of Trustees

Job: Chair of Trustees

Organisation: THEATRE PORTO

Postcode: ch65 6qy

How to Apply

To apply, please send a short Expression of Interest outlining why you are interested in the role of Chair of Trustees at Theatre Porto and what you would bring to the position. This can be in written form or an alternative format if preferred. Please include any relevant experience, skills or perspectives that you feel would support the organisation in its next phase.
Expressions of Interest should be sent via email to [email protected] by 12 noon on 29 May 2026.
We are keen to make this a supportive and accessible process. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal conversation with the current Chair in June, followed by an opportunity to attend a Board meeting on 16 July 2026 to introduce themselves. The appointment will be confirmed by Board vote, with a handover period running through to December 2026.
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, or need any adjustments to the process, please get in touch.