From its beginnings as a project out of the University of Manchester 18 years ago, In Place of War has become an international charity working with entrepreneurial artists and grassroots change-makers in music, theatre and arts industries to transform a culture of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom. In Place of War is an unusual and unique organisation that came from research on how the arts can impact areas in conflict, and has now developed a network of art activists around the world which it supports and helps to make sustainable to improve their reach and impact. In Place of War works primarily with musicians, with a global music industry advisory Board, but also creates cultural spaces, provides education opportunities, supports entrepreneurs, and has formed partnerships around the world.

In Place of War creates cultural spaces in some of the world's most unsupported places. These spaces save lives, give those in the most marginalised communities the opportunity to express themselves non-violently and build new opportunities. In Place of War is co-creating spaces through business planning, funding and the collection of over $500,000 of donated music, theatre and dance equipment. It also provides creative entrepreneur training designed specifically for conflict zones. Giving people the tools and capacity to build their own opportunities and futures is essential for making long term, impactful and meaningful change. It has trained 200 trainers, in 18 countries, developing skills via its Creative and Social Entrepreneurial Training Programme (CASE). Most recently In Place of War has developed modules around the development of cultural spaces, creative organisations and refugee integration. In Place of War is a strong believer of international artistic collaboration as an antidote to violence. It curates artistic collaborations across the world which results in shared skills, knowledge and hope. So far it has mobilised over 1000 artists from 25 countries with the creation of gigs, festivals, conventions, tours, collaborations and theatre performances.

Whilst still a small organisation, In Place of War makes a very large impact. It has large ambitions to continue to grow its partnerships with innovative organisations to create more positive change and increase its impact, as well as continue to develop its spaces, improve its capacity and make itself more sustainable to continue without external support. A key area of focus moving forward is to work with entrepreneurial figures and young people to facilitate the development of the next generation of leaders in new and alternative way — such as artistic activism, and help young people find their voice.  

For more information on In Place of War's impact, please see here.

In Place of War seeks to appoint a new Trustee with a strong alignment with its vision and mission who, in addition to formal Board and committee meetings, will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity and its work, including supporting, as appropriate, the activities of the organisation.

Responsibilities of the Trustee may include:

• Contributing to the Board’s collective role in setting the charity’s strategic direction and providing effective oversight of its operation and governance
• Ensuring that the charity uses its resources in line with its charitable objects
• Carrying out the core responsibilities of charity governance, as set out in Charity Commission Guidance
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the charity and have an active concern for diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to increasing the impact of the charity
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity and using their networks to promote its work
• Have a commitment to integrity, honesty, accountability and openness
• Attending and engaging in training and events as required, for example, safeguarding

In Place of War seeks to appoint a Trustee who will provide relevant insight to its Board, specifically in line with fundraising initiatives relevant to its strategy of organisational growth and development.

The ideal candidate will have the enthusiasm and the energy to build influential relationships with philanthropic decision makers, such as potential donors and high net worth individuals. Upon establishing a mutually beneficial relationship, they will introduce potential funders to the executive team, and advocate compellingly on behalf of the charity. Candidates will ideally be able to demonstrate a successful track record of strong professional fundraising experience. They will have a strong network with individual donors, which can be leveraged to raise funds for In Place of War.

Though not a requirement for this appointment, In Place of War would also be keen to hear from candidates with experience in communications and PR. Candidates will have experience in a senior position and will bring skills and expertise necessary to advise In Place of War on how best it could increase its visibility and public engagement.

As In Place of War has connections with artists, change-makers and innovative organisations around the world, it would be keen to hear from individuals with international experience and connectivity.

In Place of War is committed to improving the diversity representation on its Board. For more information, please see the Diversity section.

For more information about In Place of War's Board of Trustees, please see here.

In Place of War welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and individuals from minority ethnic groups are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. An estimation for the time commitment for this role is one day per month. Overall there are four annual Board meetings but In Place of War would like to appoint a Trustee who engages with the organisation proactively and perform ad-hoc engagement as it is needed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

This organisation is based in Salford, but meetings will take place generally in-person (with the option to attend virtually, especially if the successful candidate is overseas) in London. Ideally candidates will be UK-based.