NRTF
5 Feb 2025
Are you passionate about the transformative power of the arts in communities? Do you have the strategic vision to champion high-quality cultural experiences for underserved audiences? If so, this is your opportunity to lead a nationally recognised arts organisation into an exciting new chapter.
The National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) is a leading UK charity dedicated to ensuring outstanding cultural experiences reach rural and local communities. As an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation, we collaborate with an extensive network of partners to foster creativity, diversity, and inclusion across the country.
With our current Chair stepping down in June 2025 after nine years of inspirational leadership, we are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Chair of Trustees to guide us into the future.
The Role
As Chair of NRTF, you will:
Provide strategic leadership – shaping NRTF’s vision for growth, innovation, and artistic impact.
Be an ambassador and advocate – championing the vital role of rural touring in the UK’s cultural landscape.
Lead the Board of Trustees – ensuring effective governance and collaboration with a committed team.
Support and challenge the Director and staff team to achieve the charity’s objectives.
Ensure financial resilience and sustainability of the organisation.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants who:
Have proven leadership and governance experience, ideally within the arts, charity, or public sector.
Possess strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement skills.
Share our passion for the arts and rural communities, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities they present.
Bring expertise in governance, finance, fundraising, policy, or advocacy.
Are committed to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, ensuring equitable access to the arts.
Have excellent communication and networking skills, with the ability to inspire and influence.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference in rural communities, shaping the future of an organisation that values creativity, participation, and connection. At NRTF, you’ll be at the forefront of cultural change, ensuring high-quality arts experiences are accessible no matter where you live.
We are committed to ensuring a diverse and representative Board. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of rural life.
Practical Details
Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings (hybrid format).
Term: The Chair is appointed for a three-year term, with the option of renewal.
Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
How to Apply
Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 31 March 2025 (midnight).
Interviews: 14 April 2025.
Informal enquiries: Contact Holly Lombardo, Director & Company Secretary, at holly@nrtf.org.uk
To apply: Please send a cover note explaining why you are interested in becoming our Chair, with a CV and any relevant links or attachments that help us know you better.
Send it to admin@nrtf.org.uk with the subject line:“NRTF Chair Application – [Your Name]”.
Contact name: Holly Lombardo
Contact email: holly@nrtf.org.uk
To learn more about our work, visit www.ruraltouring.org.
Be part of a movement bringing the arts to life in every corner of the country. Equal Opportunities Employer Statement
NRTF is an equal opportunities employer committed to equality, diversity, anti-racism, and anti-ableism and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Equal opportunities mean that everyone should have an equal chance to apply and be selected for posts, and to be trained or promoted equally and fairly. NRTF will only judge performance on the grounds of ability, experience, or potential. All employment decisions will be taken on an individual’s ability to undertake the role in question. If you would like to discuss access needs for the application form or the interview, please contact holly@nrtf.org.uk
To enable us to monitor the success of our EDI policy and inclusivity aims, each applicant, employee, volunteer, partner, and contractor will be asked to fill out an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
NRTF Characteristics
At NRTF, we believe in fostering a culture of conscious leadership and prioritising the holistic well-being of our team. We understand that leadership goes beyond achieving goals; it involves empowering individuals to thrive personally and professionally. We lead with empathy, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility toward our team and the community. We aim to create an environment that values mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By working towards a culture of mindfulness, respect, and inclusivity, we are cultivating a workplace where the team feels valued, inspired, and empowered to contribute their best selves to the collective success of our organisation.
