ISTA Board of Trustees — Educator / Artist Trustee

• Role type: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
• Time commitment: ~5–7 hours per month; quarterly online meetings (weekends) and occasional international travel
• Location: Remote / global

‍

At a glance

• Profile sought: Practising educator and/or artist with a passion for theatre and arts education
• Core skills: Strategic thinking, governance awareness, advocacy for arts learning, intercultural perspective
• Term: Four years, with the possibility of renewal
• Travel: Occasional attendance at ISTA events and meetings to connect with our community and see the work first-hand
  
  

About ISTA

ISTA Global Arts Learning is a UK charity that inspires young people through transformative theatre and arts experiences. Through the ISTA Ensemble Method, we bring students and educators together across borders to spark creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange. ISTA is entering an exciting phase of growth—expanding our reach, deepening teacher support and amplifying our global impact.

‍

The role

We’re seeking an Educator / Artist Trustee to bring professional insight from the classroom, studio or stage into board-level decision-making. You’ll help ensure ISTA’s programmes remain artistically excellent, pedagogically rigorous and aligned with our charitable purpose.

‍

Key responsibilities

• Champion the arts and education lens in board discussions—keeping student learning, teacher practice and artistic integrity at the centre of strategy.
• Contribute to programme oversight, quality assurance and ethical practice across festivals, PD, on-demand learning and resources.
• Support intercultural learning and safeguarding by reinforcing best practice and inclusive approaches.
• Act as an ambassador for ISTA—helping us build partnerships, widen access and tell our story to new audiences.
• Fulfil core trustee duties in line with UK Charity Commission guidance (strategy, oversight, risk, compliance).
  
  

Experience & qualities

• Significant experience as a teacher/lecturer, artist, director, facilitator or arts leader (international or intercultural contexts welcome).
• Credible understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and/or creative practice in theatre and the wider arts.
• Strategic mindset, sound judgement and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding and student wellbeing.
• Prior charity governance experience is helpful but not essential (induction provided).
  
  

Commitment

• Quarterly online board meetings (weekends).
• ~5–7 hours per month for reading, committee work and ad-hoc consultations.
• Occasional international travel to ISTA events and meetings (by agreement).
  
  

How to apply

We welcome informal conversations before you apply.

Please email our Executive Director, Mike Bindon, at mike@ista.co.uk with:

‍

• A short cover letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and fit
• Your CV (max 2 pages)
  

Application deadline: 1 December 2025

‍

Inclusivity & eligibility

ISTA welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We particularly encourage interest from global majority artists/educators and those under-represented in charity governance. Trustees must be 18+ and eligible to serve under UK charity law. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Safeguarding commitment and references will be required.