Board Members Wanted!

We are looking to increase and diversify the membership of our Board.

We’re seeking four dynamic and committed individuals to support our further development and growth to build on our achievements. The Courtyard is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Our Board is key to ensuring we deliver our business plan objectives in relation to the Art Council’s 10-year Let’s Create strategy.

Applications are now CLOSED 

I joined The Courtyard board in November 2019. During my time in this role has seen a number of challenges faced. The determination and support shown within the organisation of all levels have enabled success that cement The Courtyards future. Being a board member has given me the opportunity to learn about how important and vital The Courtyard is to the community. The value and spirit this organisation brings into people’s lives is fantastic. To be part of this is a privilege.

Board Members play an important and integral role in providing advice through their personal expertise, robust internal governance and scrutiny, and externally by supporting our future development.

I was motivated to join the board as I wanted to support the Courtyard.  It’s a vibrant arts centre working in diverse areas, but for me it is the youth work that my own children benefited from when younger that was the driver.
The Courtyard is very welcoming and the Board is the same, the Chair and CEO are both dedicated to the organisation and as such ensure board members are made welcome and are able to take part in meetings.  Everyone gets a chance to speak at every meeting, and members are happy to allow you time to speak.  Agenda and papers for each meeting are sent about a week in advance so everyone has an understanding of what is being discussed.
The best part of being on the board is knowing you are part of the team supporting The Courtyard to be successful.  The board has an important job to do and it is a good feeling to give time and talents to ensuring its success, as its impact is felt in Herefordshire and beyond.  Hereford without The Courtyard is unthinkable.

The Board meets quarterly, and in addition members are expected to join at least one of the sub-committees and attend guest nights for each in-house production. These are unpaid, non-executive roles and applicants should be passionate and effective advocates for the arts, willing and able to proactively support The Courtyard. We are seeking those with a wide range of experiences and who reflect the broad range of people and communities in Hereford.

The Board 2

I joined the Board a couple of years ago. My wife and I had been regular users of The Courtyard for a long time and have had many wonderful experiences here – watching shows, enjoying concerts, seeing films, having meals and drinks in the Café Bar, etc. I had just retired as a Senior Project Manager and, within 6 months, I was asked to Chair the new Development Committee, overseeing the expansion of the Courtyard building, which was an immense privilege. This was quite a challenge, and did take up a lot of my time over the 2 years, but it was also an exciting project to be involved in, and the support and encouragement I received throughout from my colleagues on the Board, and amongst the staff, was incredible. I quickly learned that when you become involved in The Courtyard you become part of The Courtyard family, and I can honestly say that I have never worked alongside a more friendly and lovely group of people in all my life. Joining The Courtyard Board was one of the best decisions I ever made!

An information pack containing full details of the role and how to apply can be accessed on the link below. You should apply by completing The Courtyard’s application form and sending this and a covering letter explaining what you could bring to The Courtyard as a Board Member by post or email to the Chief Executive & Artistic Director, The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR, ian.archer@courtyard.org.uk by 30 November 2022.  In the meantime, if you would like to speak to the Chief Executive or a current Board member, please ring or email Mel Langford on 01432 346507, mel.langford@courtyard.org.uk.

Applications are now CLOSED