Join the Board of Animate

Introduction

Animate Projects is an East Midlands based, LGBTQ+ and woman-led arts organisation, founded in 2007. Animate exists to support artists to experiment, collaborate and produce bold animation projects. We make artists’ animation to empower people to see their world differently.

We are a catalyst for connection. We produce thematic projects that invite artists to respond to a specific theme, location, or idea. These projects are collaborative, often working across disciplines (science, heritage, environment) to engage the public in the creative process.

Animate is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and our work is supported by funders including the BFI (British Film Institute), Wellcome Trust, and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

About the Board

Since April 2023, Animate Projects has been an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), with independent leadership provided by a Board of Directors.

The Board has collective responsibility for overseeing the organisation’s NPO funding agreement and takes an active role in ensuring that Animate meets its objectives. The Board works alongside the organisation’s leadership to support the strategic development of Animate and its programme. The company’s two directors also sit on the Board.

As Animate enters its fifth year as an NPO, we are now seeking up to three new directors to join our existing five non-Executive Board members. We are looking to strengthen the Board’s range of skills, perspectives and experience as we continue to develop the organisation and its programme.

Who are we looking for?

We are especially interested in hearing from people with specialisms in one or more of the following areas:

• Film Distribution & Exhibition: in Visual Arts and Independent Cinema contexts
• Audience Development & Engagement: place-based working and exhibition
• Human Resources
• Finance / Accountancy
• Digital Communications

You do not need to have any previous experience of being a director. We welcome applications from people of all ages and all levels of professional experience who are interested in this opportunity. We recognise that valuable experience and expertise can come from a range of professional, creative, community and voluntary contexts, and we encourage people to draw on these experiences when considering their application.

We are committed to developing a board which reflects a broad range of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as LGBTQ+, working-class people, neurodivergent and/or disabled people, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, as these groups are under-represented within the arts and cultural sector and within our Board membership.

Role and responsibilities

As a Director, you will have the following responsibilities and authority:

• Provide independent oversight: work independently of Animate Projects’ executive leadership and provide constructive challenge and support where appropriate.
• Oversee NPO funding: take collective responsibility, as a member of the Board, for overseeing Animate’s Arts Council England National Portfolio funding agreement and ensuring that the organisation meets its commitments.
• Monitor progress: meet with the organisation’s leadership at least four times a year to review progress against the NPO funding agreement and Animate’s wider objectives.
• Review organisational and financial information: receive and consider regular reports on Animate’s progress, finances, risks and activities, and ensure that required reports are submitted to Arts Council England in a timely manner.
• Oversee policies and procedures: ensure that Animate has appropriate policies and procedures in place, complies with relevant legislation and good practice, and reviews these regularly.
• Support the organisation’s values and commitments: take an active role in ensuring that Arts Council England’s Four Investment Principles are reflected in Animate’s culture, decision-making and working practices.
• Contribute to strategic development: use your skills, knowledge and experience to help shape Animate’s future direction and development.
• Maintain a relationship with Arts Council England: communicate directly with Arts Council England where required, including independently of the executive leadership.
• Act in Animate’s best interests: exercise independent judgement, maintain confidentiality and act in the best interests of the organisation and its public benefit.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

We are looking for Directors who can:

• Think strategically: understand the wider public, political and cultural context in which Animate Projects operates, and contribute to the organisation’s strategic development.
• Understand and assess complex information: interpret and evaluate complex information and assess risks relating to the operation and policymaking of Animate Projects.
• Use sound judgement: make informed, objective decisions and contribute constructively to Board discussions.
• Support Animate’s mission and values: have a genuine interest in Animate’s work and a commitment to its aims.
• Commit to the role: have the time and availability required to prepare for and attend Board meetings and contribute between meetings where needed.

Desirable skills and experience

We particularly welcome applicants who:

• Have expertise in the aforementioned priority areas: Film Distribution & Exhibition, Audience Development & Engagement, Human Resources, Finance / Accountancy and Digital Communications.
• Bring an artist/animator perspective: have experience as an artist or animator, or a strong understanding of artists’ practice.
• Understand governance issues: have knowledge or experience of governance issues and the responsibilities of a Board.
• Understand the cultural sector: have knowledge of the UK visual arts, animation and/or film sectors, and Animate’s history and position within this ecology.
• Bring relevant professional or specialist knowledge: have experience in areas such as fundraising, legal matters or organisational development.

Previous experience of being a Director or Trustee is not required.

What we can offer Directors

As a Director of Animate Projects, you will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the future direction of a nationally recognised organisation with 19 years’ experience commissioning and supporting artists’animation.
• Develop your skills and experience in governance, strategic planning and organisational leadership.
• Access induction, training and ongoing support to help you succeed in the role, including support for those with no previous board experience.
• Gain insight into the operation of an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and the wider cultural sector.
• Build relationships with artists, cultural organisations, funders and sector peers.
• Attend Animate Projects exhibitions, screenings, talks and public events.
• Work alongside a committed Board and executive team with a shared interest in supporting artists and developing contemporary animation practice.
• Contribute your expertise to an organisation committed to experimentation, artist development and public engagement.
• Have reasonable travel and access expenses reimbursed.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out Board duties will be reimbursed.

Successful applicants will be formally appointed as Directors of Animate Projects Limited. As company directors, their appointment and certain information about them will be recorded on the public Companies House register.

The appointment is subject to the roles and responsibilities outlined above, and is subject to change as the needs of the organisation develop.

Time commitment

We anticipate:

• Board meetings: four meetings per year, held quarterly, primarily online, typically lasting 1.5 hours.
• Meeting preparation: time to read Board papers and reports in advance of each meeting.
• Between meetings: Directors may be asked to contribute to or attend specific discussions such as our EDI and Operational Oversight working groups, events or activities between formal Board meetings, depending on their skills, interests and the needs of the organisation.
• Overall commitment: approximately 1-2 days per month on average, including meetings and preparation. This is an estimate intended to give applicants a clear understanding of the expected time involved, rather than a fixed requirement.

The next board meeting will be in December 2026, date TBC.

We recognise that Directors have different work, caring and personal commitments and will work with Directors to support their participation in the role.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send us:

• your CV, your LinkedIn profile or an equivalent summary of your relevant experience
• either a written statement or a video/voice note of up to three minutes explaining:
  • why you are interested in joining the Board
  • what skills, knowledge or experience you would bring
  • anything else you would like us to know about your interest in the role

You can apply using either a written statement or a video/voice note – you do not need to provide both.

If you have any access requirements or would like an adjustment to the application or interview process, please contact us in advance or let us know when you apply.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation before applying, please contact us at info@animateprojects.org.

Applications should be sent to: Jim Read, Operations Manager, at info@animateprojects.org

Applications close: Monday 16 November at 23:59

Interviews will be held online, projected to be held during the week commencing 23 November.