Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role

Fabric of Bolton Creative People and Places Independent Chair Role

Octagon Theatre Closing date: Tue, 24 Nov 2026

Artform: Combined arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
North West

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

As Independent Chair, you will lead the Consortium with confidence, warmth and independence, helping partners work towards a shared purpose while ensuring Bolton residents remain at the heart of decision-making.

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:
    North West
    | view on Google Maps

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]