Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role
Octagon Theatre Closing date: Tue, 24 Nov 2026
- Part time
- Unpaid
- Apply now
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
About Fabric of Bolton
Fabric of Bolton is Bolton's Creative People and Places programme. It brings together communities,
artists and partner organisations to increase opportunities for people to influence, create and experience
arts and culture, particularly those who have had fewer opportunities to do so.
Our approach starts with people's interests, ideas and existing creativity. It also creates opportunities to
encounter unfamiliar art, work with inspiring artists and develop new ambitions. We value both the
quality of the artistic work and the quality of the relationships and processes through which it is made.
Purpose of the role
The Independent Chair will lead the Consortium in providing strategic direction, constructive scrutiny
and effective governance for Fabric of Bolton. They will help partners work towards a shared purpose,
ensure community perspectives influence decisions and champion an ambitious programme rooted in
Bolton.
The Chair will help the Consortium judge how well the programme combines meaningful community
involvement with artistic quality, experimentation and relevance. They will support decisions that are
informed, transparent and responsive to learning
Appointment term and review: Jan 2027-March 2029 subject to annual review.
Time commitment: Four Consortium meetings per year, plus four additional meetings and attendance
at key events as and when appropriate.
Fee or honorarium: This is a voluntary role, with expenses paid.
Job Requirements
Requirements
Significant senior leadership experience within the arts, culture, community, public or voluntary sectors.
Experience chairing a board, consortium, committee or similar partnership.
Understanding of governance, financial oversight, risk and accountability.
Experience working with communities to shape activity and support inclusive decision-making.
Ability to balance community priorities with artistic ambition.
Strong communication, diplomacy and relationship-building skills.
Ability to provide independent challenge, sound judgement and strategic leadership.
Commitment to equity, inclusion and collaborative working.
Integrity, independence and discretion.
Understanding of Bolton's social and cultural context.
Desirable
Experience of Creative People and Places or similar programmes.
Experience establishing partnerships or supporting cultural development.
Job Responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced Independent Chair to lead the Fabric of Bolton Consortium. You will chair inclusive and effective meetings, build collaboration across partners, and ensure strong governance, accountability and decision-making.
Working with the Programme Director, you will provide strategic support and constructive challenge, oversee progress, risks, budgets and funder requirements, and help ensure community voices influence programme priorities and artistic ambition.
You will champion inclusion, safeguarding, fairness, environmental responsibility, learning and evaluation, while supporting creative innovation and partnership working. As an ambassador for the programme, you will represent Fabric of Bolton, build relationships, connect opportunities and help create a lasting cultural legacy for Bolton through community empowerment and creative collaboration.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Tue, 24 Nov 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsNorth West
Job: Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role
Job: Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role
Organisation: Octagon Theatre
Postcode: BL11SB
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and a cover letter/statement of up to two A4 pages, or a video or audio statement of up
to five minutes, explaining your interest and how you meet the essential criteria. Include your connection to
or understanding of Bolton, and an example of bringing community perspectives and cultural ambition
together.
Applications and informal enquiries: Gareth Redston [email protected]
- Contact name: Gareth Redston
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Octagon Theatre
The Octagon is a vibrant creative hub that reaches over 100,000 customers a year in
Bolton and beyond, producing and presenting a wide range of theatre and creative
activities. As well as our line-up of award-winning drama, musicals, comedy and family
entertainment, we are expanding our reach into Bolton communities with artistic and
participatory activities. We are a creative, theatrical catalyst for enriching lives and
communities.