Chair of the Board
Company of Others
Voluntary Role | North East England / Hybrid
Leadership. Equity. Community. Impact.
Company of Others is seeking an exceptional individual to become the next Chair of our Board.
This is not a traditional Chair opportunity.
We are looking for someone who can provide strategic leadership and robust governance whilst also bringing empathy, curiosity and a deep commitment to equity. Someone who understands that leadership is as much about relationships, listening and shared power as it is about oversight and accountability.
As Company of Others enters an exciting new chapter, we are seeking a Chair who can help steward the organisation through growth, change and opportunity whilst remaining grounded in the values and communities that sit at the heart of our work.
About Company of Others
Company of Others is an award-winning dance theatre organisation based in the North East of England, led by Artistic Director & CEO Nadia Iftkhar.
Founded as a space where people who experience being othered by society can be creatively free and ambitious about what they can achieve together, the organisation has grown into a nationally recognised force for artistic excellence, community engagement and social impact.
Today, Company of Others is:
- An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation
- The UK's first Dance Company of Sanctuary
- A trusted community anchor organisation rooted in Walker, Newcastle
- A leader in co-created artistic practice and community-centred cultural development
Everything we do is guided by our values of Artistry, Integrity and Equity.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Artistic Director & CEO, the Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future.
You will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance, supporting strategic decision-making and helping the organisation navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
Equally importantly, you will act as a trusted adviser, thought partner and ambassador, helping to ensure Company of Others remains artistically ambitious, financially sustainable and deeply accountable to the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
As Chair, you will:
- Lead the Board in delivering strong governance and strategic oversight
- Foster an inclusive and collaborative Board culture
- Support Trustee development, succession planning and Board effectiveness
- Build a strong and productive partnership with the Artistic Director & CEO
- Support strategic planning, organisational development and sustainability
- Champion the organisation's values and commitment to equity
- Act as an ambassador and advocate for Company of Others
- Help strengthen partnerships, influence and opportunities for growth
Who We Are Looking For
We are interested in hearing from people who bring:
- Strong judgement and strategic thinking
- Emotional intelligence and an inclusive leadership style
- Experience of governance, executive leadership or influencing at a senior level
- An understanding of organisational stewardship and accountability
- The ability to navigate complexity, challenge constructively and build trust
- A genuine commitment to equity, representation and community-centred leadership
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who believes leadership can be both rigorous and relational.
Experience We Value
You may have gained your experience through:
- Board, Trustee or Non-Executive leadership
- Executive or senior leadership roles
- Community leadership or social impact work
- Arts, culture, charity, education, public service or commercial sectors
Previous Chair experience is not essential.
Nor is experience within dance or the arts.
We are particularly keen to hear from individuals whose voices and perspectives remain underrepresented within boardrooms and cultural leadership spaces.
We recognise that talent, leadership potential and governance capability are found across all communities and lived experiences.
Time Commitment
The role includes:
- Four formal Board meetings each year
- One or two annual Board away days
- Regular meetings with the Artistic Director & CEO
- Attendance at selected Company of Others events
The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the possibility of a further term.
The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Join Us
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the North East's most innovative and community-rooted cultural organisations.
If you are motivated by purpose, equity and the power of arts and culture to create change, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Monday 22 June 2026
For a confidential conversation or to request the recruitment pack, please contact our retained consultancy Castle Peak Group. James.carss@castlepeak-group.com