Chair of Trustees (Co-Leadership with Disabled Co-Chair) – Uncurbed Collective

What will you be doing?

Uncurbed Collective is a Salford-based, disability-led arts charity. We support disabled people to lead bold, creative lives and challenge who gets to shape culture. Our performances shift perceptions, and our programmes support disabled artists to develop as leaders, performers, and change-makers.

We are recruiting a Chair of Trustees to co-lead the board in partnership with a Co-Chair who brings lived experience of disability. This is a shared leadership role that balances responsibility, supports inclusive governance, and ensures access, care, and trust are embedded at every level of the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Chair, board lead or senior governance role
• A commitment to access, inclusion, and disability justice
• Experience supporting strategic growth and change in charities or creative organisations
• A collaborative and open approach to co-leadership
• Confidence in decision-making, clarity in communication, and a values-driven mindset

You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and the Co-Chair to:

• Support the governance and strategic development of the charity
• Hold space for collaboration, creativity, and challenge
• Guide the board through periods of organisational growth
• Champion inclusive leadership within and beyond the organisation

Our board meets quarterly in hybrid format, with in-person attendance preferred (in Salford or Greater Manchester), alongside regular Chair-to-Chair and Chair-to-CEO conversations.

We aim to appoint in September and begin induction ahead of the October AGM.

To apply or ask questions, contact us directly. Access support is available throughout the process.

What are we looking for?

This is a non-executive leadership role. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, your focus will be on supporting strong governance, holding space for inclusive strategy, and ensuring the board functions well.

We are looking for someone who can bring clarity, structure, and values-led leadership — and who is confident sharing power within a co-chairing model alongside a trustee with lived experience of disability.

You don’t need to be an expert in disability or the arts — but you do need to be open to learning, able to hold a strategic view, and committed to changing who gets to lead.

You should bring:

• Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in a charity, cultural, or values-led organisation
• Knowledge of good governance and the responsibilities of a non-executive board
• Skills in strategic planning, organisational development, or scaling with integrity
• Confidence in chairing meetings and supporting a group to make clear, inclusive decisions
• A belief in equity, accessibility, and co-leadership as core parts of good governance
• Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience of:

• The arts, access, or cultural policy
• Strategy, finance, legal structures, or fundraising
• Public health, education, or community development
• Systemic change or inclusive leadership development

You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and Co-Chair to lead the board well — helping us grow sustainably, stay aligned with our mission, and centre lived experience in decision-making. You’ll also play a key role in recruiting and supporting new trustees as the board evolves.

We know leadership is a learning process. If you bring curiosity, commitment, and clarity — we’ll support you to grow with us.

What difference will you make?

You’ll co-lead a board committed to access and culture change — supporting disabled artists to lead, and ensuring the organisation continues to grow with integrity, purpose, and shared power.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance with a short message outlining your interest and relevant leadership experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a conversation with our CEO and Co-Chair. If you’d like an informal chat before applying, please contact us via Reach.

We will share the full recruitment process and timeline with shortlisted candidates.