Board Opportunities
LEITH SCHOOL OF ART: Recruitment of Directors
Help shape the future of Scotland’s leading independent art school.
Make an impact as a trustee in an important Edinburgh arts charity.
Leith School of Art invites applications from committed and enthusiastic individuals who have a contribution to make in the governance of this highly regarded independent art school.
There is a rotation of Directors on the Board of Leith School of Art, and we are always pleased to receive expressions of interest in joining the Board as and when vacancies arise in the future.
Leith School of Art is a dynamic independent art school, situated in North Leith, which is well-known for its outstanding teaching and vibrant sense of community, warmth, and friendliness.
The Board of Directors works closely with senior management in determining the School’s strategic direction and fulfilling its mission to offer a distinctive range of art education opportunities to all.
Previous experience of Board work is desirable but not a requirement. Experience in the arts, education, business, finance, property/buildings, equality diversity and inclusivity, the third sector and/or fundraising will be an advantage, but all professional backgrounds will be considered. We currently have a particular need for a new Director with a background in HR.
We welcome applications from members of all communities who share our vision, aims and objectives and can offer relevant skills and expertise.
About Leith School of Art
For a comprehensive description of the School and its courses please visit our website at Leith School of Art.
Leith School of Art was founded in 1988 by artist/teachers Mark and Lottie Cheverton, whose commitment to an inclusive, holistic ethos and strong sense of community still characterises the School today.
Leith School of Art’s curriculum includes full-time year-long Foundation and Painting courses; a range of part-time year-long courses including Drawing, Children’s Book Illustration, Contemporary Art Practice, Figure, Landscape and Printmaking; a rich programme of short courses through day and evening classes and weekend workshops; a Schools Programme; and a popular Summer School. Recent innovations include Artist Mentoring and a structured Graduate Residency. Some 300 students enrol each year.
As a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, Leith School of Art operates on a not-for-profit basis. Alongside course fees, fundraising is a vital source of income.
The School occupies the former Norwegian Seamen’s Mission church in Leith. The original building has been adapted and extended to provide a range of attractive studio spaces, a sculpture court, library and gallery areas. From autumn 2024 the School will also have the use of an attractive and spacious studio as a base for the Foundation Course in Albion Road, Leith.
The Role of Directors at Leith School of Art
Governance and leadership
Leith School of Art is a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status (Scottish Charity Number SCO07456). The Directors are the Trustees of the charity.
The Board of Directors is collectively responsible for ensuring that the charity is well administered and compliant with the requirements of OSCR and other relevant statutory bodies. The Board agrees matters of strategy and principle and is accountable for the School’s activities and outcomes, while the day-to-day management of the School and executive responsibility are delegated to senior staff under the leadership of the Principal.
Appointment as a Director
The maximum number of Directors who may serve at any one time is twelve. Each Director is appointed for a term of three years in the first instance. This is renewable for a further term of three years, making six years the ‘standard’ term of office. Thereafter a Director’s term may be extended for up to three more years in three annual renewals, making nine years the maximum term of office.
Board meetings
Full Board meetings are held as a rule four or five times a year - two in the first term, one each in the second and third term, and, if required, one at the end of session. The second meeting (in late November or early December) is held in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of the Company. If circumstances require, additional emergency meetings may be called.
Board meetings are generally held on weekdays in the late afternoon and normally last around two hours. A hybrid model of in-person and remote meetings has evolved since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Board structure
Two subcommittees provide focus and support to the Board in finance and fundraising, while other work is carried out through ad hoc working groups to address specific issues as may be appropriate from time to time.
Directors’ involvement in the wider life of the School
Beyond the formal activities of the Board, Directors are encouraged to discover and share in the wider life of Leith School of Art and to show their support of its work in informal ways.
Directors are particularly encouraged to attend the School’s main exhibitions and are welcome at other events such as Corridor Exhibition openings and Friends and Patrons events. Enrolment on courses is open to Directors. Directors can also keep up to date with news from the School via the LSA website and the School’s social media feeds.
The rewards of being a Director at LSA
Service on the Board of Directors is voluntary. ‘Job satisfaction’ is high, knowing that you are playing a key part in shaping the future of an art school which has had a profound impact for good in the lives of thousands of young people and adult learners, and continues to do so.
Person Specification
To make an effective contribution as a Director at Leith School of Art it is essential above all that you:
- Are passionate about the purposes, vision and values of Leith School of Art.
In particular you should:
- Have an interest in and be committed to art education as a force for good in society
- Identify with Leith School of Art’s aims, especially that of offering a distinctive range of art education opportunities to all, regardless of background and means
- Be respectful towards the heritage of the School, its origins and founding vision
- Be able to contribute relevant knowledge, networks and expertise
- Be a good listener and able to contribute to meetings with cogency, integrity, and tact
- Be a team player, always acting in the interests of the charity
- Have sound judgement and discretion.
The role of Chair
The Board elects one of their number to be Chair at the Annual General Meeting. The Chair’s primary responsibility is to chair meetings of the Board of Directors, while also playing a particular role in supporting the Principal.
Find out More/Apply
If you would like an informal conversation to find out more please request this by emailing recruitment@leithschoolofart.co.uk under the subject Board Opportunities.
Alternatively, please submit a formal application by emailing recruitment@leithschoolofart.co.uk under the subject Board Opportunities, enclosing a CV and a statement outlining your motivation and how your experience makes you a suitable candidate for the role of Director at Leith School of Art.
Any invitation to join as a Director will be subject to approval by the full Board.
Applications may be submitted at any time.