For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (Forward) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 124 million people each year promoting public knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of poetry in the UK and Ireland.

Founded in 1991, Forward is a national charity that has an international impact and is committed to building diverse mass audiences, showcasing the best new work, and supporting underrepresented poets to start and sustain their careers.

Forward helps individuals and communities discover and share new poetry through its flagship programmes: Forward Prizes for Poetry ("the most coveted awards in British poetry" – The Daily Telegraph) and National Poetry Day.

During the turbulence of the pandemic, millions of people turned to poetry to make sense of a rapidly shifting world. Today, guided by experience and agility, the charity is celebrating its 30th-anniversary year. This is propelled by the biggest National Poetry Day ever, and the critically acclaimed poetry of the Forward Prizes and Forward Book of Poetry.

Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews (Head of Learning and Culture at the British Library) who brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other Trustees are Forward’s Founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; and young Trustees Maya Ophelia and Mary Amanuel.

The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors, who bring fresh leadership and strategy. Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England.

The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Omar Fadhil, Finance and Operations Manager and the team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising.

As Trustee, the successful candidate will work with the Chief Executives and other Trustees to support the financial management of the charity. The candidate will be familiar with the responsibilities of a charity trustee, and will seek to actively fulfil them. They will guide the charity as it looks to raise funds and advocate for Forward externally.

The appointed candidate will have the opportunity for induction and training, provided by other members of the experienced Board.

The general duties as a Trustee include: 

• Ensuring that Forward complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring Forward applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its stated aims
• Contributing actively to the Board of Trustees by giving firm strategic direction to the Foundation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the Foundation
• Ensuring the financial stability of the Foundation
• Serving as an advocate for the organisation as required, including for specific issues or events

Forward Arts Foundation seeks to appoint a Trustee with financial expertise to complement the existing Board and replace the Treasurer, who has recently stepped down after 7 years with the organisation, in due course.

The ideal candidate will have experience as an Accountant, Finance Director or in a similar role responsible for financial oversight in a commercial or charitable organisation. They will have a good understanding of charity accounting principles and will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of the charity.

In addition, business development experience and an understanding of income generation from individuals, corporate sponsorship and / or book and event sales is highly valuable to help guide the charity as it seeks to best support its development programmes.

On a personal level, candidates should show interest in, and an understanding of, the literature and arts sector, and / or literacy and education.

Forward is open to receiving applications from those who are seeking their first board-level role, and can provide support and training from early on in the appointment.

Jamie Andrews, Chair
William Sieghart
Mary Amanuel
Kim Evans
Aoife O’Connor
Maya Ophelia
Amelia Richards
Giles Spackman

The Board meets quarterly and there is a strategy away day afternoon once a year. Trustees are appointed for a three year term, with a maximum of two terms.

This role is not remunerated, but reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed where needed. 

All Board Meetings may be attended online. Where possible, the Board will try to meet in person, likely in London or Manchester, depending on where would work best for the Trustees. 

Forward believes poetry is for everyone and is commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. During 2022, Forward is working to embed inclusion in every facet of its practice and welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. The charity particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D / deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.