Chair and Trustees

Bright Shadow is a creative organisation where people with dementia and our supporters live well and enjoy making our own high quality art in Kent and Medway. We are seeking to add up to five new trustees, including at least two people living with dementia, to our board alongside a new Chair.

Trustees are integral to Bright Shadow's success; volunteering their time to ensure the work we do is meeting our charitable objectives. 

In conducting a wide search for new trustees, we're hoping there will be people who put themselves forward that we may never otherwise have been in touch with. So, if you don't see yourself represented here please do put yourself forward; this is in no way an exhaustive list. And if you are new to being a trustee, don't worry, training and support will be provided.

We are keen to hear from people with lived experience of dementia, whilst also recognising that other life experiences may give you insights and understanding that could help the organisation to develop.

• Do you have experience of working in or supporting, larger charity structures, the health and social care sector, or fundraising and philanthropy?
• Are you an artist or arts sector leader?
• Are you living with dementia, or supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis?
• Are you a disabled person and/or someone who in other ways has rights under the Equalities Act 2010?

What being a trustee at Bright Shadow entails:

• Champion the values and work of Bright Shadow, including but not limited to our position as a disability equality driven, anti-racist organisation
• Ensure that Bright Shadow pursues our stated objects (purposes), as defined in our Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governing document, and does so complying with relevant charity law
• Ensure that Bright Shadow runs well, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensure our financial stability through good governance
• Bring strategic influencing skills and contacts

Additionally, as Chair:

• Provide leadership to the organisation and the board
• Chair and facilitate board meetings, including agenda setting with the Chief Executive
• Support the Chief Executive including through an annual appraisal
• Represent Bright Shadow at functions an meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision making

Length of service: This is typically an initial three-year appointment; you may choose to stand down or be re-appointed after this time

Time commitment: There is a board meeting each quarter, one of which is also our AGM. We'd anticipate contact between meetings, typically via email. We will also have an annual away day.

Recompense: This is a voluntary position; Bright Shadow reimburses expenses incurred whilst carrying out trustee duties

Personal development: Training, support, and mentoring are available to all trustees.

For more information including letters from our Chair, and Chief Executive, please download the information pack PDF.