We’re looking for a new Chair for the Board.
We create clown theatre performances and creative engagement programmes for babies, children, young people and their families. Our shows involve gentle, character clowning that creates naïve, optimistic, fun, light, strong characters. We develop our shows and films with the help of children and young people to access and explore their thoughts, experiences and passions at key stages in their lives, and our engagement programmes are based in creative and immersive clowning.
Beginning in 2016, Dirliebane Theatre Company has toured productions to schools and venues throughout Scotland, tickling the funny bone of thousands of babies, children and young people.
In 2024 Dirliebane became Perth Theatre’s first Children’s Theatre Company in Residence.
In 2025 Dirliebane became part of the multi- year-funding portfolio at Creative Scotland.
We are a small, passionate team with a large, growing family of long-term artists.
We are keen to meet a wide range of people and build the diversity of our Board. If you are interested and keen but not sure your experience matches, please still do get in touch. We are keen to get different perspectives and experiences represented amongst our Trustees.
You can find lots of information about our work and view all our films and resources on our website. You can also access information about us on the OSCR website; https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC047455
Dirliebane Board
Dirliebane’s Board of Trustees is made up of a brilliant group of committed individuals who bring a wide range of skills in support of Dirliebane including arts management, Human Resources, Evaluation and Public Relations. The role of Chair of the Board is vital to the leadership of Dirliebane and essential to the good governance of the organisation.
As well as chairing the quarterly meetings of the board and AGM, the Chair provides support and guidance to the two Co-Artistic Directors.
The Chair of the Board will champion Dirliebane and theatre for babies, children and young people and bring skills of leadership, facilitation and collaboration to the organisation.
The Chair of Board can serve for a maximum of three years. They can then remain on the board as a trustee if they wish.
We are looking for people with:
- an enthusiasm for and commitment to the work of Dirliebane
- a commitment to champion Scotland’s children and young people’s theatre sector
- an understanding of the importance of good governance
- leadership qualities and skills
- strategic planning skills
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- an ability to be a mentor to the Co-Artistic Directors
Key responsibilities of the Chair are:
- Attendance and Availability
- To attend 3 Board Meetings online and 1 AGM/Board Meeting in person annually.
- To attend four pre-board meetings with the Co-Artistic Director/s two to four weeks in advance of the board meetings. Online or by phone.
- To be available to sign funding applications, important documents etc.
- To occasionally attend Dirliebane performances and creative sessions in and around Scotland.
- To provide advice and support to artists/contractors either by telephone or online, as appropriate and if convenient.
- In addition to the scheduled board meetings there may be some informal check-ins or additional meetings required.
- Expected time commitment is on average 10 hours per quarter.
- Advocacy
- To talk about Dirliebane at every opportunity and to network on behalf of the organisation where possible.
- To support the Co-Artistic Directors of Dirliebane to reach the widest possible audience including press, funders, arts venues, sponsors, politicians, governmental representatives and strategic bodies.
- Finance & Compliance
- To support the Co-Artistic Directors in setting the long-term financial strategy of Dirliebane.
- To lead the board in ensuring that Dirliebane’s financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for, independently verified and made publicly available.
- To lead the board in ensuring that Dirliebane operates in accordance with company and charity law.
- To lead the board in ensuring Dirliebane applies its resources exclusively for the objectives as defined in its charitable purposes.
- To lead the board in ensuring that Dirliebane’s assets are safeguarded and are well managed and maintained.
- To lead the board in ensuring that funds are spent appropriately and in line with various funders’ expectations.
- To lead the board in oversight of organisational risk i.e. financial and reputational risk
- Management
- To lead the board in ensuring that Dirliebane has appropriate policies and procedures which comply with current employment and equal opportunities legislation.
- To take part in recruitment as required and lead in succession planning.
- Behave in accordance with the agreed upon Code of Conduct.
- Governance
- Chairing the Board Meetings and AGM efficiently.
- Ensuring Board Roles are filled in alignment with the Constitution.
- Ensuring conflicts of interest are declared.
We are a team of genuinely curious and caring humans that love making people laugh and helping children access theatre at all ages.
If you are interested in applying, please send the following to info@dirliebane.org.uk:
• Your current CV (max 2 pages).
• A statement outlining your interest in the role and the skills and experience you can bring to the role.
These can be sent as letters or a (no more than) 5 minute video.
We’re committed to ensuring our application and recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to everyone. We are aware that people may encounter barriers in accessing voluntary or work opportunities. To support us in taking positive action where appropriate, we encourage you to tell us about any such barrier and their effects, if you would like to do so. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodation for applying and/or interviews, please let us know. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Deadline for Applications extended to: Saturday 28th February 5.00pm