London Bubble Theatre Company frees people’s creative voices to foster a more connected and equal society. Making theatre with and for its local communities in South East London since 1972, the Company views theatre as a tool to free the creative voices of people of all ages who feel unheard and unrepresented.

The Covid-19 pandemic had seen cultural, social and economic divides increase. This had been matched by London Bubble's determination to promote equality in the Company's work. As the impact of the pandemic becomes understood over time, the Company wants to be here to support its communities to rebuild and reconnect though creative engagement.

The current focus is to strengthen programmes for three groups of people who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic:

• Children - Primary school aged children, particularly those in need of support for social and emotional delays
• Young People - Vulnerable teenagers and young adults who are outside of work and education
• Older Adults - Those living alone and in sheltered accommodation

As the charity celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the priorities are to improve financial stability, increase awareness and the charity's profile and sustain current projects in the most viable way. Their plan also includes strengthening partnerships with arts, education, social, statutory & third sector partners and make new partnerships.

Chair

The Chair at London Bubble will be pivotal in creating the conditions and culture for overall Board and individual trustee effectiveness. The successful candidate will be expected to provide supervision and support to the joint CEOs and help to shape the Board agenda in collaboration with them.

The new Chair will help in fostering and delivering a positive corporate governance culture in line with Charity Commission guidelines and will also work towards supporting the financial development and health of the charity by actively connecting with donors, trusts, foundations and corporations as well as seeking new prospective donors as and when required. 

The role will require the Chair to ensure that the charity has in place, effective lines of communication with all stakeholders and will further encourage positive dialogue with institutional and individual supporters as well as stakeholders.

Challenging the Board of Trustees and Executive team constructively, as well as appropriately scrutinising the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitoring the reporting of performance will also be an important part of the role.

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Trustees

London Bubble's organisational re-design has included a review of the Board of Trustees and governance. As a result, there are a number of new Trustee appointments to be made.

The fundamental role of the Trustee Board is to support the executive management team in generating added value to the company’s long-term performance. London Bubble looks for Trustees from different walks of life to bring new skills and a fresh perspective to its Board. 

To be an active member requires understanding and commitment and a fair amount of time and effort. In return, it is a stimulating, challenging and rewarding role, offering the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisors) in an innovative and challenging environment. 

In becoming a Trustee, the Board will invite its new members to use their skills, experience and attitude to: 

• Make a real difference to the future of theatre practice 
• Help develop meaningful opportunities for community performers and creative practitioners 
• Support the production of theatre which challenges perceptions and pushes boundaries 
• Actively engage with the strategic decisions and planning necessary to ensure Bubble thrives 
• Deepen understanding of the lives of people from a range of social backgrounds and cultures 
• Work with a skilled group of Trustees needing to increase their capacity
• Learn from others in an enjoyable and creative environment

The Board is keen that each and every new appointment reflects the diverse communities that engage with Bubble, who understand and share in its values. It therefore hopes to hear from applicants with culturally diverse backgrounds, who believe their professional talents can help Bubble to realise its ambitious cultural, social and fundraising aims.

Chair

As the current Chair steps down from the position after serving their term, the charity now seeks a new Chair who will head the Board of Trustees which collectively ensures that London Bubble Theatre Company always acts in the best interest of its beneficiaries and meets its strategic objectives. The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience and the gravitas to lead the development of the charity and execution of its strategy to achieve its mission of creating opportunities for people of all ages with limited resources or opportunities to engage with theatre. This is a very exciting time to join the charity as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The successful candidate will be willing to serve as an ambassador for London Bubble. The Chair will bring a hands-on approach with the ability and enthusiasm to commit the necessary time to the role. They will bring experience of chairing and leading charities, companies or other appropriate organisations.

Above all, the successful candidate will be committed and aligned to the core values of the charity with the vision and the energy to move the charity in a positive, forward direction towards its mission of using theatre and drama as a way to engage the community, particularly vulnerable groups of people.

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Trustees

London Bubble Theatre is seeking up to four new Trustees who are aligned to its mission and have the relevant knowledge to specialise in one of the following areas to support the charity with its success. If candidates do not satisfy any of the specific skills mentioned below, those who can contribute to London Bubble's creative strategy are encouraged to apply as well. The charity especially welcomes applications from candidates who are looking to take on their first non-executive role.

Fundraising: This candidate would have demonstrated a track record of successful generating funding for a charitable organisation, including donor introductions, engagement and development. The ideal candidate will have the enthusiasm and the energy to build influential relationships with philanthropic decision makers, chiefly at trusts and foundations. Upon establishing a mutually beneficial relationship, they will introduce potential funders to the executive team, and advocate compellingly on behalf of the charity.

Legal: This candidate will be able to advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the charity looks towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. Although the Trustee will not provide direct advice on legal matters, they will be able to explain and highlight legal and compliance issues to the Board. Trustees will provide advice to the Board on corporate development matters and act as a critical friend to the management team.

Arts/theatre:This candidate will be engaged in artistic practice or will have theatre expertise or a strong understanding and appreciation of theatre. They will be able to guide the Board in order to make decisions with regard to its strategy around its artistic activities that will propel the charity towards further growth and success.

Both positions are voluntary, unremunerated, insured, and out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Standard DBS check. Board members may hold office for three years, plus up to two further terms of three years. Nine years is the maximum standard length of service for all Board members. They are eligible for re-election or reappointment after an interval of four years following their last date of Board membership. For the Chair role, Board meetings are held roughly every eight weeks and last approximately two hours. Trustees will attend a team yearly away-day to review key aims and objectives and participate in at least one sub-committee or working group, involving staff and trustees, on a specific area or project, e.g. Finance and Fundraising. 

This organisation is based in London, candidates will therefore be UK based. Board meetings are held roughly every eight weeks for approximately two hours, normally late afternoon / early evening. Board meeting attendance will ideally be in person, usually at the Rotherhithe base building, and with a virtual option when unavoidable.