Chair of The Board of Trustees

Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) is a registered charity which offers an exceptional level of professional music tuition in an informal and friendly atmosphere. 

For over 40 years we have been creating musical opportunities for all ages and abilities, from individual music lessons and group sessions to performances, courses, workshops and masterclasses. Reaching over 2,000 participants each year, we encourage members of the community, from the very old to the very young, to love music and through it, to develop and thrive. GAM is a key strategic partner in tri-county music hub of Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. 

Situated between Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Cathedral, our Barbican House centre has become a focal point for arts education in the county.

Our facilities include a large hall and recital room which are perfect spaces for group rehearsals and performances. We also have nine practice/teaching rooms, all of which contain pianos.  

In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we launched an appeal to raise funds to enable us to purchase Barbican House and develop our plans for its future. Gloucester City Council has given the green light for us to purchase the freehold of the building. Negotiations have been completed and we are in the final legal stages of the purchase. We expect to complete before the end of the summer 2025. 

Once complete we will begin the next phase of our long-term strategy. We plan to launch a new appeal to raise funds to redevelop the building and ensure the facility is fit for the future and allows the organisation continued growth.

The new Chair of the board of Trustees will play a vital role in working with the board and the executive team to oversee the project over the course of the next 3 years. A knowledge of planning & building developments alongside large-scale fundraising would be hugely desirable in this role. This is an excellent opportunity to be instrumental in shaping the future of a wonderful music and arts education charity. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Governance:

o Lead the Board of Trustees, fostering a culture of collaboration and effective decision-making.

o Ensure that GAM adheres to its legal and ethical obligations, maintaining high standards of governance.

o Oversee the Academy’s strategic planning and long-term vision.

2. Board Oversight & Development:

o Ensure the Board is composed of skilled, committed individuals who can contribute effectively to the Academy’s mission.

o Facilitate regular Board meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring follow-up on action items.

o Provide support and guidance to Board members and sub-committees, ensuring their work aligns with GAM’s strategic priorities.

3. Strategic Planning & Advocacy:

o Act as a key ambassador for GAM, advocating for its work and vision in the local community and beyond.

o Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement strategic goals and objectives.

o Assist in fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and potential partners.

4. Financial Oversight:

o Monitor and support fundraising strategies to secure the Academy’s funding and resources.

o Support the finance committee where required.

5. Support to Executive Director:

o Provide leadership, support, and mentoring to the Executive Director, helping to guide their strategic and operational decisions.

o Conduct regular performance evaluations of the Executive Director.

• Experience & Skills:

o Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in the arts, education, or non-profit sector.

o Strong understanding of governance, strategic planning, and financial management.

o Experience in fundraising, partnership-building, and public relations.

o Experience in building planning and development projects.