Open School East is at a pivotal moment in its development and is seeking new Trustees to help shape its next chapter.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in:

• Artists: Practising artists who bring a critical, generous and imaginative perspective to how OSE supports creative development and collective learning.
  
• Academia: We welcome academics who can support OSE’s broader strategic positioning, including those with international knowledge and networks that can extend the organisation’s reach and thinking.
  
• Commercial and Brand Partnerships: Individuals with experience in commercial, brand or philanthropic partnerships who can support OSE to build values-led relationships that strengthen its sustainability and independence.
  
• Strategic Thinking and Organisational Development: A senior figure with the capacity to help shape, articulate and drive OSE’s future direction, with a strong understanding of organisational development, governance and change.

We also warmly welcome people who bring lived experience of the barriers OSE seeks to dismantle  including people of colour, disabled people, those from working class backgrounds, or people with experience of marginalisation in the arts or education sectors.

About Open School East

Open School East is a free, independent art school which is committed to making the arts a more open, diverse and accessible sector.

We support cultural practitioners to develop and sustain their practice; we enable adults and young people to learn new and transferable skills, and to shape their creative voice by becoming active learners and co-producers of OSE’s programmes. We respond to our locality by providing a free, informal and welcoming learning environment for people from all walks of life.

Our learning and development programmes are:

• Associates Programme: a development programme for emerging artists and cultural practitioners from diverse backgrounds delivered onsite at our home in Margate.
  
• Civic Programme: long-term projects with leading artists, researchers and practitioners, devised in partnership with our local communities.
  
• Springboard Programme: supporting the artists and cultural practitioners who have graduated from our Associates Programme through professional development talks and mentoring.
  
• Public Programme: a multifaceted programme of events, activities and short courses open to everyone

Despacito Art School: projects with leading artists for local 5 to 12 year olds who lack opportunities to develop creatively.

About the Charity

Open School East is a registered charity (no. 1157206) and non-profit company limited by guarantee. Our governance structure includes a small, committed Board of Trustees who support the Directors and team to deliver OSE’s charitable objectives.

OSE’s charitable objectives are to advance education of artists and the public in general in the south east in particular but not exclusively by the provision of:

1. training, advice and support for artists; 
2. space and facilities for the creation and appreciation of art; 
3. the exchange of knowledge and skills by way of art conferences, workshops and other facilitated learning opportunities.

OSE is currently in the process of renewing its long-term strategy and welcomes trustees who can bring new perspectives to this work.

About the Board

We are aiming to build a diverse, skilled, and supportive Board that can:

• Ensure the effective governance of Open School East
• Act as a critical friend to the Directors and team
• Help steward our financial sustainability
• Represent the values of the organisation in the wider world
• Actively contribute to fundraising, networks and advocacy where relevant

We expect all Trustees to:

• Champion OSE’s values of care, equity and co-creation
• Commit to learning alongside us
• Help hold us accountable to our mission and our communities

Trustee Role Description

Trustees will:

• Ensure compliance with OSE’s governing documents and relevant laws
• Support strategic planning and organisational development
• Oversee financial health and risk management
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy and act as an ambassador
• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (usually in person or hybrid in Margate)
• Join subcommittees or working groups as appropriate
• Provide support and challenge to the Directors and team

Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, renewable once.

Trustees’ time commitment: 

• Attend a minimum of two quarterly Board meetings every year (the 2 hour-long meetings usually take place online).
• Attend yearly Board training where appropriate and where possible.
• Attend the Board and staff annual away day where possible, in person either in Margate or London.
• Attend events of public significance related to Open School East’s programming and fundraising activities (ideally one annually).
• Be available at times outside of Board meetings for phone conversations or one-to-one meetings with the Co-Directors and for Sub-Committees as required (these take place between two and three times a year depending on the activity supported by the Sub-Committees).

Please note that Trustees positions are unpaid but that travel expenses will be paid for.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Passionate about the mission and values of Open School East
• Committed to equity, inclusion and accessibility
• Willing to dedicate time and energy to the organisation
• Able to think strategically and act collectively
• Confident in offering constructive support and challenge

You do not need previous board experience to apply. We welcome expressions of interest from first-time trustees and will provide support and training as needed.

How to Apply

Please send the following by email to: info@openschooleast.org

1. A CV or summary of your experience
2. A short covering letter or audio/video (max 3 minutes) telling us:
   • Why you’re interested in becoming a Trustee at Open School East
   • What you feel you can contribute to the organisation
   • The contact details of two referees who will be contacted with your approval

Deadline for applications: Friday 26th September 2025
Interviews will be held in early October.

If you would like an informal conversation with the Co- Chairs about the role before applying, please contact us at the above address.

We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require this information in another format, or have access needs for applying, please let us know.