CoMA is seeking an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees, and to play a key role in the strategic planning, development and responsibility of the organisation. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about ensuring the longevity of the charity, celebrating our bold approach in delivering creative and accessible new music experiences. We’re looking for a Chair who possess strong leadership experience, and who is interested in ensuring the staff, particularly the CEO, are supported and positively challenged. This role is an exciting opportunity to make an impact on the vibrant UK-wide arts community, and to contribute significantly to the new music landscape of the UK.
Click here to view our current trustees.
CoMA operates under a collaborative leadership model, encouraging staff and trustees to suggest ideas, take initiative, and carry out new projects and strategies. Candidates are not required to have previous experience as a Chair, however equivalent experience in a director, trustee or leadership role is required. CoMA is able to offer all trustees training opportunities in governance and arts leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Ensure the Board is effective in developing and reviewing the charity strategic Mission, Vision and Objectives and, with the Board, to ensure that CoMA’s employed executive staff are supported in delivering this.
2. Lead on the governance and administration of the charity while delegating management and administration to the Artistic Director/CEO.
3. To understand and perform the seven duties of Company Directorship as listed in the Companies Act 2006.
4. In collaboration with the CEO, set agenda for all Board meetings.
5. Emphasise a culture of openness and support for the CEO to enable delivery of Mission excellence.
6. Confidently lead all Board meetings, ensure agenda is adhered to, seek appropriate and effective contributions from all trustees, ensure actions are completed or appropriately reviewed, and ensure generation of clear new action points.
7. Continually review the executive output of the organisation to ensure that CoMA’s activities reflect the charity’s Mission, Vision and Objectives.
8. Lead the Board towards approval of strategic plans, budgets, annual accounts, reserves policy and position, and to monitor and evaluate the progress of the organisation against its strategic aims, objectives and financial targets (including ACE’s Investment Principles).
9. Provide Line Management function for CEO, catching up monthly and ensuring that appropriate support is provided by the Board where necessary.
10. Oversee the financial management of the organisation and together with the other trustees develop mitigation strategies for financial sustainability and risk management.
11. Lead the Board in ensuring and overseeing appropriate and ethical governance and safeguarding practices.
12. Establish and maintain strong relationships with the other trustees and the CoMA executive staff.
13. Publicly act as an ambassador for the charity, sharing opportunities widely and attending as many events as possible.
14. Attend a minimum of three board meetings each year, with the aim to attend all meetings.
Person Specification:
Essential
● A demonstrable passion and commitment to CoMA’s Mission, Vision and Objectives
● Ability to galvanize a talented and enthusiastic Board and Executive Team towards realisation of CoMA’s Mission, Vision and Objectives
● Passion for and commitment to the arts and its transformative positive impact on developing communities
● A special enthusiasm for, and strong desire to widen access to participation in, the music of our time
● Commitment to attending all CoMA Board meetings and an interest in attending CoMA events
● Ability to think strategically and creatively, including the ability to identify new opportunities proactively and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to supporting implementation
● Understanding of, and commitment to governing within an equal opportunity framework
● Strong and respectful communication skills, both in a group and one-to-one setting
● Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
● Fulfil legal minimum standards of Charitable Company trusteeship
Reference: https://www.iod.com/resources/company-structure/the-role-of-the-trustee-in-a-charity
● Willingness and vibrant commitment to publicly serving as an ambassador for the charity.
Desirable
● Knowledge and experience of the arts sector and community arts field
● Experience in philanthropic relationship management and willingness to share details of potential donors
● Knowledge of and love for contemporary classical music
● Knowledge of charity law and governance, and experience in the charitable sector.
Commitment:
The CoMA Board of trustees meet digitally three times a year, and attend one overnight strategic development meeting. The upcoming board meetings are scheduled as follows:
2025
Wednesday 2nd April: 17.00-18.30 (online)
Wednesday 2nd July: 17.00-18.30 (online)
Wednesday 1st October: 17.00-18.00 board meeting followed by 18.00-19.00 AGM (online)
2026
Friday 16th January: board strategic development overnight meeting.
Location likely to be Leeds (TBC).
In addition to formal meetings, the Chair is expected to be available for an update meeting with the CEO once per month, and informal communication with CEO and CoMA team as needed, equating to about 10 hours per year. They are also encouraged to attend CoMA events whenever possible.
The successful candidates will be appointed for a term of three years with the potential for reappointment. The role is voluntary (unpaid) although expenses including travel, accommodation and meals for the annual overnight meeting are provided.
How to apply:
Visit www.coma.org/opportunity-chair-of-coma-board-of-trustees/ for full details and to download a recruitment pack.
Submission deadline: 14th March 2025 (well qualified candidates may be called to interview early, so please submit an application as soon as possible).