Current Opportunities
Chair / Co-Chairs of Back to Ours
Help shape our next chapter!
Back to Ours is looking for a new Chair, or Co-Chairs, to help lead our organisation through an exciting new chapter of growth.
We are an independent charity and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, working with and for the people of Hull to create outstanding arts and cultural experiences in the places where people already live, gather and feel at home.
Over the last few years, we have grown significantly. We have become an independent charity, expanded our work across Hull’s neighbourhoods, developed long-term community-led projects including Bransholme Chat, and delivered major citywide work such as Our City.
Now, we are looking for someone to help guide what comes next.
The Chair, or Co-Chairs, will work closely with our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director & CEO Louise Yates BEM FRSA, staff team, Hub Members, volunteers, artists, partners and communities to support the strategic direction, sustainability and impact of Back to Ours.
This is an opportunity to help shape one of Hull’s leading community arts organisations at a moment of real momentum.
About the role
The Chair, or Co-Chairs, will provide inclusive, values-led leadership to the Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring Back to Ours is well governed, strategically focused and able to deliver its mission. You will act as a trusted sounding board and critical friend to the Artistic Director & CEO, support the Board to make strong decisions, and champion Back to Ours locally, regionally and nationally.
We are looking for someone who can bring strategic leadership, curiosity, care and sound judgement. You may already have experience as a Chair, Trustee or senior leader, or you may bring relevant experience from arts, culture, community engagement, fundraising, partnerships, governance or another related field.
We are also open to a Co-Chair model, and welcome applications from people interested in shaping a thoughtful and collaborative shared leadership approach.
We are looking for people who:
- believe in the power of arts and culture to connect people and transform communities
- understand, or are willing to learn about, charity governance and the role of a Trustee
- can support and challenge constructively
- bring strong communication and relationship-building skills
- are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion
- are curious about community-led practice and participation
- can help us think strategically while staying rooted in our values
- knowledge of Hull and its communities would be welcome, but is not essential.
How to apply
To apply, please send:
- a current CV, or equivalent
- a supporting statement outlining why you are interested in the role, what you would bring to Back to Ours, and how your experience aligns with the role
We are happy to receive applications in a format that works for you, including written, audio or video applications.
Please send applications to [email protected] by 5pm, Monday 27 July 2026.
Online interviews will take place on Tuesday 4thAugust, followed by in person interviews on Monday 10th August.
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please contact [email protected] to arrange a conversation with our current Chair and/or Artistic Director & CEO.
Access support
We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you need any support or adjustments at any stage of the application or recruitment process, please contact [email protected].
If you are unable to email, you can telephone 07442 205 524. Please note this phone is not answered every day, but if you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Download the recruitment pack
[Download the Chair / Co-Chair Recruitment Pack]
Freelancers – we want to hear from you!
We’re always on the lookout for incredible freelancers to support the team. Doesn’t matter if you’re a producer, tech team, production coordinator or volunteer manager, if you’re a people person keen to work with Back to Ours, we want to hear from you. Email your CV to [email protected] to be kept on file for upcoming projects.
How Do We Work With People?
We’re always working with people in lots of different ways. Sometimes it’s to have a chat about an idea, progress a project or apply for funding, but the main focus is always drawing on our extensive engagement experience and expertise.
We can present talks or run workshops, come and work with you, work on an idea with you, be a Critical Friend – the possibilities are endless.
Our team members are experts in their field and are all incredibly passionate about engaging new audiences. Contact [email protected] to see how we can work together and let’s see where it goes.
We are an accredited Living Wage employer and member of Parents and Carers in Performing Arts
