Who we are
Marlborough Productions is a catalyst for queer culture and community. As a leading UK producer of queer-led, intersectional performances, parties, heritage and radical community gatherings, it has commissioned and supported critically acclaimed theatre works from award winning artists Emma Frankland (No Apologies, Galatea), Harry Clayton-Wright (Sex Education, The Fortnight, Mr Blackpool), Ray Young (Nightclubbing, OUT), Krishna Istha (First Trimester), Lucy McCormick (Post Popular) and more.
The role
We’re currently recruiting three new volunteer Trustees, including a Chair. Do you share our commitment to champion queer culture, inclusion and social justice? We want our trustees to feel invested in helping to shape the future of Marlborough Productions. You don’t need previous trustee experience—we’ll provide an induction and ongoing support.
You don’t need previous trustee experience but we are particularly interested in hearing from people with knowledge, skills or experience in:
- Finance and accounting
- Charity governance or organisational strategy
- Legal, HR or organisational development
- Fundraising, philanthropy or income generation
- Public policy, advocacy or campaigning
- Arts, culture or the creative industries
- Producing, programming or artist development
- Community engagement and partnership building
If you’re passionate about queer arts and want to help make a real difference in the UK creative sector and beyond, we’d love to hear from you! We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds who can represent a global majority, and can align with the wide variety of communities we engage with.
Trustees serve a four-year term, with two terms recommended. Re-elections and departures are managed at our AGM. You can step down at any time, or the board may request it, with three months’ notice preferred.
We hold quarterly, two-hour Zoom meetings. A quorum requires at least three trustees (including one Chair). Prior to meetings, we circulate agendas, previous minutes, finance documents, fundraising reports, and programme updates. We occasionally seek feedback on other business, like the NPO annual survey.
Beyond scheduled meetings, trustees may attend events, offer advice, or join sub-committees (such as finance, fundraising, or specific projects) to stay closely connected to our work.
Trustees are asked to advocate for Marlborough Productions externally, introduce potential supporters, maintain confidentiality on board matters, and optionally support us financially as a “Marly Mate”.
This role is voluntary. We reimburse travel for those outside Brighton and provide refreshments during meetings. We respect your external commitments; if you cannot help with a request, please notify us.
The board may occasionally choose to seek external professional advice on specific issues.
Please disclose any external activities that might conflict with Marlborough Productions’ work.
Trustee induction and support
We want trustees to feel confident, informed and connected. New trustees will receive an induction programme including:
● An introduction to Marlborough Productions’ history, vision and current strategy
● Meetings with the Chair, Co Creative Directors and Executive Director
● An overview of our programmes, finances and governance responsibilities
● Access to key policies and organisational documents
● Introductions to staff and fellow trustees
● An appointed ‘board buddy’ to support you in your first year with us
● Opportunities to attend performances, events and projects
We recognise that trustees bring different experiences and levels of governance knowledge. We encourage questions and will provide support throughout your journey as a trustee.
The Perks
● Join an inspiring, diverse group of trustees to expand your professional network and engage with new ways of thinking
● Collaborate with a progressive arts charity that has an established reputation for driving change in the cultural sector
● Directly support the long-term sustainability and success of a pioneering queer arts charity
● Gain valuable experience and new skills in governance, strategic oversight, and leadership
● Be part of a dynamic team actively shaping the future of intersectional arts and communities
● Access professional training opportunities to build confidence in your leadership role as a trustee
● Receive complimentary invitations to attend our performances, events, and creative projects
● We host an annual board away day, with catering and refreshments provided. This session provides dedicated time for collaborative reflection and active contribution to our long-term strategic planning.
Find out more, and to download our Recruitment Packs, visit https://marlboroughproductions.org.uk/were-looking-for-trustees/
