Role of Trustees

Trustee Recruitment

What We Do

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. We believe everyone should be able to experience the power of live orchestral music, wherever they live, whatever their background, and whatever barriers they face.

We work across England, especially in places that have seen long-term underinvestment. Our projects can happen in schools, care homes, arts venues, libraries, museums, outdoors and online.

We collaborate with a range of partners at every level (local, regional and national) to create programmes that are relevant, inclusive and genuinely rooted in the communities we work in.

We’re proud of the impact we’ve made so far. But there is still much more we want and need to do. We hope you’ll join us on this journey.

Find out more about our history:

https://www.orchestraslive.org.uk/news/our-history


What the Role Involves

As a trustee, you’ll help guide the strategic direction, governance and financial health of the charity. You’ll join a Board of 12 trustees, each serving an initial three‑year term (renewable once).

You’ll be asked to:

  • Attend at least four Board meetings a year (hybrid: Leeds, London or online)
  • Join regular standing committees or working groups (usually online)
  • Attend at least two Orchestras Live activities each year and share feedback
  • Act as an advocate for our work in your networks

The role is voluntary, but we reimburse travel and other reasonable expenses. Meeting papers are circulated by email in good time for trustees to read them thoroughly before the meeting.

You’ll receive a full induction and support as you settle into the role, including informal contact with a current trustee ‘buddy’ who can help you.

Term

Each trustee serves an initial three-year term, which can be renewed once.

What You’ll Gain

You’ll be joining a forward‑thinking and nationally recognised organisation and steering new thinking in the sector.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Shape the future of orchestral work in communities across England
  • Gain insight into the UK cultural and charitable sectors
  • Develop new skills in governance, strategy and leadership
  • Be part of a Board that values diverse voices, lived experience and fresh thinking
  • Contribute to work that genuinely changes lives

You can find out more about being a trustee here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved

Find out more:

Back to Trustee Recruitment information.