Chair of Trustees, Koestler Arts
About Koestler Arts:
We are renowned for our impactful work within the criminal justice system. From our new premises just outside HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs in East Acton, our team collaborates to unlock hope, talent and potential in the lives of people in the criminal justice system.
We provide an annual awards programme — the Koestler Awards — open to people in prisons, secure mental health hospitals, immigration removal centres, and beyond; a postrelease arts mentoring scheme; arts membership for people in prison; family engagement opportunities; and a programme of exhibitions, events and publications.
We extend our impact through partnerships. Recent exhibition curators include Ai Weiwei, Jeremy Deller & John Costi, Inua Ellams and women in prison. Our recent poetry anthology was edited by Lady Unchained. Our public programme is built on a long-term partnership with Southbank Centre, alongside one-off and recurring partnerships with organisations such as Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Tramway in Glasgow, John Hansard Gallery in Southampton and the Old Fire Station, Oxford.
Our Board currently has 11 members from the arts, criminal justice, and business sectors. It meets four times a year (twice online and twice in person at our London premises). The Board currently includes subcommittees representing finance & HR, arts, outreach, the building, and Board nominations. There are currently two Vice-Chairs.
Our main funders are Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Arts Council England (we are a National Portfolio Organisation), and the Ministry of Justice. Our biggest income stream is from trusts and foundations, followed by public sector and corporate support. We also count on the public to donate to our work and run Patrons and Friends programmes.
Role purpose:
The Chair is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees of Koestler Arts and ensuring that the organisation is well-governed, financially sustainable, and true to its charitable mission. Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO, the Chair supports Koestler Arts to champion creative expression within the criminal justice system, enabling people affected by imprisonment to share their voices.
Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring it operates effectively and in accordance with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Set the tone for a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven Board culture.
Ensure that the Board provides clear strategic direction while maintaining appropriate oversight of the organisation’s work.
Act as a sounding board and source of support to the CEO, offering challenge and guidance as appropriate. Oversee a CEO performance review process and a recruitment process where necessary.
Strategy and direction
Work with Trustees and the CEO to shape, agree and monitor Koestler Arts’ strategic priorities.
Oversight and accountability
Ensure high standards of financial stewardship, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties as charity trustees, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and reputational responsibility.
Ambassadorship and external relations
Act as an ambassador for Koestler Arts, representing the organisation externally when appropriate.
Support the organisation’s profile, credibility and influence across the arts, criminal justice, funding and policy sectors.
Assist with fundraising efforts, including cultivating relationships with funders, partners and supporters, as appropriate.
Person specification
Essential
• Senior Leadership experience gained in the criminal justice sector.
Demonstrable experience of board-level leadership.
A strong commitment to the mission and values of Koestler Arts, including social justice, creativity and inclusion.
Excellent leadership, facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus and manage constructive challenge.
Good understanding of charity governance, trustee responsibilities and ethical leadership.
• Sound judgement, independence of thought and integrity.
Desirable
Experience in one or more of the following areas: arts and culture, lived experience–led practice, fundraising, finance, or public policy.
Experience of supporting or overseeing an organisation working with marginalised or under-represented communities.
An active network that could support the organisation’s reach, partnerships or fundraising.
Time commitment
Approximately 1 day per month, including:
Quarterly Board meetings
Regular meetings with the CEO
• Occasional sub-committee work, events or external representation
The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in line with Koestler Arts’ policy.
Term of office
The Chair is typically appointed for a three-year term, renewable twice, subject to the charity’s governing documents.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Koestler Arts is committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the communities it serves. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and from groups currently under-represented in charity governance.