Chair of the Board
British Youth Music Theatre Closing date: Mon, 13 Jul 2026
- Part time
- Unpaid
Thu, 04 Jun 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
Our Chair, Simon Millson OBE, has successfully steered the Company through the Covid 19 pandemic, the smooth hand over from its founder to a new Chief Executive in 2022 and an effective transfer of BYMT's Head Office from London to Leeds in 2025.
Simon has come to the end of his term and will be moving on this year. As a result, the Company is seeking a new Chair to lead the organisation at a thrilling time, as we develop new projects in Leeds, embark on our 22nd Season of new musicals in high profile venues across the UK and solidify our place as a pioneering arts charity, transforming pathways into the industry for young people and emerging artists.
BYMT is committed to creating an inclusive culture in all its activities. As a team, we value diverse lived experiences and have recently expanded our Board to better reflect the varied perspectives and backgrounds of the young people we support. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from global majority communities, as well as those with lived experience of disability or neurodiversity, who are currently underrepresented in our sector. Our Trustees are united in their enthusiasm for creating engagement opportunities for young people from all backgrounds and a love of new work, especially in the musicals sector.
We are looking for a Chair with proven experience in Governance and, ideally, experience of leadership within the creative arts. We are realistic about the commitment and the time it takes to Chair a charity and invite applications from people who have the capacity to Chair 5 meetings a year, regularly engage with the Senior Management team in between Board meetings and attend at least 4 BYMT events per year. We are seeking a Chair who is passionate about musicals and has networks in the creative arts.
The applicant can be based in Leeds or London, or anywhere between, as long as they are prepared to travel for Board Meetings in both locations.
Job Requirements
- Confident leadership, involving Chairing of meetings and taking a lead in advocating for the best interests of the company
- Ability to navigate differing views and ensure the interests of the charity are at the heart of all decision making
- Attendance and taking the role of Chair in person at 4 Board meetings a year and an Away Day. The overall time commitment works out at approximately one day a month
- Leading a subcommittee, depending on expertise (currently the Chair leads the Finance subcommittee through a one-hour online meeting, a week before each Board meeting)
- Contact with the senior management between meetings, in particular check ins with the Chief Executive, initially every month
- Commitment for three years, followed by up to another two three-year terms, as appropriate.
For a complete list of requirements, please download the Recruitment Pack.
Job Responsibilities
- Chair the Board of Trustees in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against them
- Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- Guarantee that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
- Confirm the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
- Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
- Ensure the financial stability of the organization
- Protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds
- Manage the Trustees, ensuring a well-functioning, engaged and effective Board.
For a complete list of responsibilities, please download the Recruitment Pack.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Chair of the Board
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Mon, 13 Jul 2026
- Location: UK-wide
How to Apply
If you are interested, please send your CV, two contacts for referees, and a cover letter, outlining why you would like this opportunity and what you would contribute to supporting BYMT, to [email protected] by midday on Monday 13 July 2026.
If you would like an informal conversation about joining the Board please get in touch via [email protected] to book a conversation with a current Trustee.
If you would like support or have any queries regarding the format or submission of the application, please contact us at [email protected] or call 0113 320 1018.
A Board subcommittee for Chair Recruitment will shortlist applications, and everyone who applies will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with the Chair Recruitment subcommittee and Chief Executive from late July to early September and we expect the potential candidate to observe the September 29 Board Meeting.
- Contact email: [email protected]
About British Youth Music Theatre
British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) is the largest commissioner of new musicals in the UK, working with theatre professionals to offer unique opportunities and high-quality training for young people.
Their vision is to transform perceptions of musical theatre, be the leading voice in youth music theatre and be internationally recognised as the UK’s most prolific creator of new musicals.