EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: INTERIM CHAIR
Organisation: IRIE! dance theatre
Location: London SE14 6LU
Term: Fixed-term, 6-12 months
Time Commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month
Remuneration: Voluntary (Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. An immediate start is required.
About Us
IRIE! dance theatre is Britain’s leading small/middle-scale dance theatre company working in the field of African and Caribbean dance fusion. Founded in 1985 by Beverley Glean MBE with the principal aim of heightening the profile of Black dance and dancers in Britain. The company set out to create a repertory of works reflecting the influence of African and Caribbean culture has had on the multi-cultural society in the UK. Through IRIE!’s work in accredited training and the performance company. The delivery programme engages across Arts & Culture, Education and Training and Community and Wellbeing, working with over 8,000 people annually. We are currently entering a transitional phase and are seeking a steady, experienced leader to guide our Board of Trustees during this critical period.
The Role & Key Remit
We are seeking an Interim Chair to provide immediate, stabilising leadership for a fixed period of 6-12 months while we conduct an open recruitment process for a permanent Chair.
Your focus will not be on long-term strategic overhauls, but on governance continuity, stability, and executive support. Your core responsibilities will be to:
· Steady the Governance: Chair 3 upcoming Board meetings, ensuring compliance, robust decision-making, and strong alignment among current trustees.
· Support Executive Leadership: Provide a supportive, grounded sounding board for our [Chief Executive / Artistic Director] during a time of transition.
· Oversee Permanent Succession: Work with the other Trustees to launch and steer the recruitment process for the permanent Chair and new CEO.
Who We Are Looking For
This role requires someone who can immediately start contributing without needing a lengthy onboarding process. You should possess:
· Prior experience as a Chair, Vice-Chair, or senior Trustee (ideally within the charity, creative, or non-profit sectors).
· A calm, collaborative leadership style with excellent skills in consensus-building.
· Strong financial literacy and an understanding of charity governance principles.
· Immediate availability to attend online and/or in-person meetings over the next 6-12 months.
How to Apply
Because this appointment is urgent, we have streamlined our process. We are interviewing suitable candidates on a rolling basis.
To express your interest, please email info@iriedancetheatre.org with the subject line URGENT: Interim Chair Expression" including:
1. A link to your LinkedIn profile or a brief CV.
2. A short paragraph (maximum 300 words) outlining your governance experience and your availability over the next 6-12 months.
For an informal, confidential conversation about the role before applying, please contact:
Beverley Glean
CEO and Artistic Director
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBER
