Trustees

Role overview

Orchestras Live is expanding and broadening its Board of Trustees to help deliver its ambitious Business Plan and move closer to its vision of making orchestras accessible to everyone.

The organisation is looking for people who believe in the ability of culture to drive social impact and meaningful change. Prior knowledge of orchestral music is not required. What matters most is an appreciation of the distinctive contribution orchestras can make to a culturally vibrant and resilient society, along with an interest in music in general.

This opportunity is for a Trustee / Board Member role. Up to five people are being sought in total: three trustees will join the Board in December 2026, and two additional people will join earlier in a shadowing capacity as “trustees in waiting” before formally taking up trustee duties in 2027.

Trustees in waiting will attend Board meetings and learn the role, but they will not hold trustee responsibilities until they formally join the Board. This arrangement may be especially useful for candidates without prior board experience, as it offers a supportive route into trusteeship.

What the organisation is looking for

• A strong belief in the positive role culture can play in society.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion and representation within the arts.
• An appreciation of music, whether orchestral or another style.
• Strategic thinking and comfort with collaborative conversations.
• An open, inquisitive mindset and a willingness to question established approaches.
• Confidence to represent Orchestras Live within your own professional and personal networks.

Desired experience areas

• Policy related to devolution, or to local, mayoral or combined authorities.
• Workforce development, equity, diversity and inclusion in the orchestral sector.
• Data, impact measurement and evaluation, particularly social return on investment.
• Income generation and strengthening organisational resilience.
• Finance or HR experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong knowledge of the North or East of England, or the Midlands.
• Connection to a historically underinvested community.

Important dates

The application deadline is Monday, 13 July 2026 at 9:00 am.

Additional information

Role type: Trustee.

Role description: Board Member.

Salary: not specified.