Chair of Trustees - SPUD

Chair of Trustees - SPUD

SPUD Closing date: Mon, 16 Nov 2026

Artform: Charity
Role: Creative
Contract: Temporary
South East

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

SPUD is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees and help lead one of the South Coast's most innovative and respected arts, architecture and education charities through an exciting period of growth, opportunity and transformation.

Job Description

Based at spudWORKS in the heart of the New Forest, SPUD has spent more than fifteen years demonstrating how creativity can strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and shape
more sustainable futures. Through arts, architecture, education and place-based practice, we create opportunities for people of
all ages and backgrounds to connect, learn, create and thrive.

As Chair, you will work closely with our Board of Trustees and Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, champion excellent governance and help guide SPUD through its next chapter.

This is much more than chairing meetings. You will be an advocate, ambassador, sounding board and trusted critical friend - helping us make good decisions, build influential relationships and ensure our ambition is matched by strong governance and long-term resilience.

Job Requirements

What you will bring:
Senior-level strategic leadership, sound judgement and decision-making.
An understanding of good governance and charity Trustee responsibilities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bring people together.
Confidence to offer challenge alongside encouragement and support.
Make effective use of the skills around the Board table.
Strong networks and influential relationships with funders and partners.
Experience of, or strong connections with, the arts, cultural or creative sectors.
An understanding of charitable, community and place-based work.
Impartiality, fairness, discretion and a collaborative approach.
A genuine commitment to SPUD's purpose and values.
Connections across Hampshire, the New Forest and/or wider South of England, or enthusiasm for developing them.
Credibility with Arts Council England, local authorities, funders, cultural organisations and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Job Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:
Lead the Board and ensure effective governance and collective decisions.
Help shape and oversee SPUD's strategic direction, sustainability and future development.
Chair Board meetings, ensuring Trustees are informed, engaged and able to contribute fully.
Support, challenge and line manage the Executive Director.
Work with the Treasurer and Executive Director on financial oversight and organisational resilience.
Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for SPUD.
Build relationships with funders, partners and supporters, using networks to create opportunities.
Foster strong relationships between Trustees, staff and SPUD's wider community.
Ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding are embedded in governance and practice.
Promote open discussion, scrutiny, sound judgement and collective responsibility.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Chair of Trustees - SPUD
  • Salary: Unpaid
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Charity
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Temporary
  • Closing date: Mon, 16 Nov 2026
  • Location:
    South East
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Chair of Trustees - SPUD

Job: Chair of Trustees - SPUD

Organisation: SPUD

Postcode: SO41 6BA

How to Apply

Apply through our website:
spud.org.uk/trustees-advert