Following six years of dedicated service from our current Chair, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair- Designate & Trustee to join the Board ahead of formally stepping into the Chair role after the AGM in November.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established and forward-thinking Board at a time of organisational strength and evolution. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping Farnham Maltings’ future direction, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the Executive team to deliver against our charitable objectives.

The Board operates through three committees: Programme, People & Resources and Finance, each chaired by a Trustee who report to the Board.

About Farnham Maltings

For over 50 years, Farnham Maltings has been a pioneering cultural organisation based in South West Surrey, with a regional, national and international reach.

Farnham Maltings runs a multi-purpose Arts Centre with an on-going programme of film, theatre, music, comedy and participative activities for all ages. We also deliver a number of successful Craft Festivals, a monthly market, and have resident studios for artists and associates including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Stopgap Theatre.

Alongside our in-house work, we also run the Museum of Farnham and have a comprehensive Theatre Development Programme, supporting and developing theatre-makers, producing new work and reaching communities locally and nationally.

With the support of Arts Council England, we also deliver house, a South East Theatre Network supporting 180 venues, and caravan, a programme fostering international collaboration between independent theatre-makers and producers.

Our values are to be collaborative and courageous, always with integrity.

The Opportunity

Following six years of dedicated service from our current Chair, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair - Designate & Trustee to join the Board ahead of formally stepping into the Chair role after the AGM in November.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established and forward-thinking Board at a time of organisational strength and evolution. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping Farnham Maltings’ future direction, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the Executive team to deliver against our charitable objectives.

The Role

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Board of Trustees and senior management team, the Chair will:

• Provide visible, strategic leadership to the Board and organisation

• Ensure effective governance and the highest standards of Board performance

• Support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive to drive organisational success

• Help shape and oversee the delivery of Farnham Maltings’ strategic ambitions

• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, building relationships locally, regionally and nationally

• Bring sound commercial judgement alongside a deep commitment to our charitable aims

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing Board culture

A strong and balanced Chair - Chief Executive relationship will be central to success in this role.

About You

We are looking for an individual who brings:

• Significant experience in governance, either in the charity or corporate sector

• A strong track record of leadership and strategic thinking

• The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge at Board level

• Strong local connections and an understanding of the Farnham context (desirable)

• A commitment to arts, culture and community impact

• Excellent interpersonal and ambassadorial skills

Time Commitment

• Approximately 2 - 3 days per month

• Attendance at four Board meetings per year and an annual Board away day

• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is typically scheduled on the same day as a Board meeting in November

• Participation in Board committees where appropriate

• Trustees serve a maximum term of six years

The Board operates through three committees: Programme, People & Resources and Finance, each chaired by a Trustee who report to the Board.

Why Join Us

• Lead a respected and ambitious cultural organisation

• Work alongside a skilled and committed Board and Executive team

• Make a meaningful impact on communities locally and nationally

• Contribute to the future of arts, culture and creative practice

Application Process

To express your interest, please send:

• Your CV, and

• A short expression of interest (no more than 1 page) outlining your suitability for the role

Please send submissions to: chair@farnhammaltings.com

Closing date: 31 May

Following review of expressions of interest, a shortlist of candidates will be invited to an initial informal conversation with the current Chair via Microsoft Teams.

Candidates progressing further will be invited to:

• Meet with the Chief Executive, Peter Glanville, including a site visit

• Attend a more formal panel discussion with Trustees

The Board will then make a final decision on appointment. We aim to appoint ahead of the August Board meeting, enabling the Chair-Designate to attend as an observer.