Chair / Co-Chairs of Back to Ours

Help shape our next chapter!

Back to Ours is looking for a new Chair, or Co-Chairs, to help lead our organisation through an exciting new chapter of growth.

We are an independent charity and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, working with and for the people of Hull to create outstanding arts and cultural experiences in the places where people already live, gather and feel at home.

Over the last few years, we have grown significantly. We have become an independent charity, expanded our work across Hull’s neighbourhoods, developed long-term community-led projects including Bransholme Chat, and delivered major citywide work such as Our City.

Now, we are looking for someone to help guide what comes next.

The Chair, or Co-Chairs, will work closely with our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director & CEO Louise Yates BEM FRSA, staff team, Hub Members, volunteers, artists, partners and communities to support the strategic direction, sustainability and impact of Back to Ours.

This is an opportunity to help shape one of Hull’s leading community arts organisations at a moment of real momentum.

About the role

The Chair, or Co-Chairs, will provide inclusive, values-led leadership to the Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring Back to Ours is well governed, strategically focused and able to deliver its mission. You will act as a trusted sounding board and critical friend to the Artistic Director & CEO, support the Board to make strong decisions, and champion Back to Ours locally, regionally and nationally.

We are looking for someone who can bring strategic leadership, curiosity, care and sound judgement. You may already have experience as a Chair, Trustee or senior leader, or you may bring relevant experience from arts, culture, community engagement, fundraising, partnerships, governance or another related field.

We are also open to a Co-Chair model, and welcome applications from people interested in shaping a thoughtful and collaborative shared leadership approach.

We are looking for people who:

• believe in the power of arts and culture to connect people and transform communities
• understand, or are willing to learn about, charity governance and the role of a Trustee
• can support and challenge constructively
• bring strong communication and relationship-building skills
• are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion
• are curious about community-led practice and participation
• can help us think strategically while staying rooted in our values
• knowledge of Hull and its communities would be welcome, but is not essential.

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• a current CV, or equivalent
• a supporting statement outlining why you are interested in the role, what you would bring to Back to Ours, and how your experience aligns with the role

We are happy to receive applications in a format that works for you, including written, audio or video applications.

Please send applications to team@backtoours.co.uk by 5pm, Monday 27 July 2026.

Online interviews will take place on Tuesday 4^thAugust, followed by in person interviews on Monday 10^th August.

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please contact team@backtoours.co.uk to arrange a conversation with our current Chair and/or Artistic Director & CEO.

Access support

We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you need any support or adjustments at any stage of the application or recruitment process, please contact team@backtoours.co.uk.

If you are unable to email, you can telephone 07442 205 524. Please note this phone is not answered every day, but if you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Download the recruitment pack

[Download the Chair / Co-Chair Recruitment Pack]