We are looking for new trustees to join our small but committed board to provide strategic oversight and practical support and guidance for the Joint CEOs and staff team.
Pegasus is about to embark on the first steps on its exciting new journey. Significant work has been done to adapt the organisation’s business model to ensure that it is fit for the future and our vision, mission and values have been reviewed and reimagined.
Overview
Pegasus has been creating theatre for, by and with young people in the heart of East Oxford for over 60 years. We provide young people from diverse backgrounds with creative opportunities, inspiring imagination and aspiration, and ensure that their voices are at the heart of everything we do.
Pegasus’ striking new purpose-built venue opened in 2010. The 133-seat Pullman Stage regularly hosts productions from the very best small-scale touring theatre companies producing work for young audiences. Together with our Clore Studio, our spaces provide a home for our three flagship Young Companies, a range of drama and dance classes for young people of all ages, and room for our supported artists, associates and partners to flourish creatively. More than 16000 people engaged with our programme in 2024-25.
Pegasus strives to be inclusive, accessible and affordable for all. Through our inclusion and community projects, we actively reach out to those young people and families that are most excluded and vulnerable within society, and work with them to provide safe spaces where they can grow and express themselves. We offer fully supported places across our creative learning programme to anyone facing significant hardship. Much of this work happens away from the public eye, but the depth of our approach means the impact is far-reaching and long-lasting.
We are committed to ensuring that Pegasus is a secure, sustainable and resourceful organisation. We set high standards for ourselves and are mindful of our responsibility to steward the organisation for the next generation. We listen to the strategic suggestions of young people through our Youth Advisory Board, and Pegasus works with local schools to offer up to 40 young people work experience at the theatre every year, giving time and expertise to inspire future arts and culture workers.
Pegasus Theatre Trust is a company limited by guarantee (no. 03038190), a registered charity (no. 1055305) and VAT registered (no. 210914055). It is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and also receives annual support from Oxford City Council. In September 2024, Pegasus changed its leadership model in conjunction with a new business plan and is shared jointly by its Artistic Director/Joint CEO and Creative Learning Director/Joint CEO. In a similar image of collaboration, the Pegasus Board has two co-Chairs. Income in the last financial year was around £600,000 generated through a mix of grants, ticket sales, trading activity, donations and sponsorship.
VISION
Our cultural offer is the gateway to more fulfilled lives. Pegasus will be the inclusive, creative centre for successive generations of young people to connect, participate, share stories and have fun.
MISSION
Pegasus will be a beacon of creativity for young people and communities, through the work that we make, opportunities we offer and the ambition we inspire. Our artistic programme and creative learning offer is rigorous, relevant, inclusive and fun. Our approach to income generation is enterprising and will establish a sustainable, positive future for the organisation.
Our Values
Vibrant- we are curious, playful, excited and inspiring
Ambitious– for young people, communities, the work we create and our future plans
Open– welcoming, safe, supportive and inclusive in all that we do
Responsive– we listen, reflect and take positive action
Role overview
Pegasus Theatre Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Board Members, who are also trustees, are personally liable to contribute up to £1 each in the case of the company’s closure. This is a voluntary role, but expenses are payable to cover approved travel and accommodation costs incurred in the pursuance of the work of the Trust.
Overall Responsibilities:
- Legal and financial oversight of the Pegasus Theatre Trust
- The continued development of the work and functions of Pegasus Theatre Trust within its stated policies.
- The efficient running of the operation with full accountability to its funding bodies.
General Responsibilities:
- To work in partnership with other trustees and the Executive Team to realise the vision, mission and responsibilities of the Pegasus Theatre Trust.
- To develop and sustain positive relationships between the trustees’ and staff members
- To ensure that Pegasus Theatre Trust complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations
- To contribute actively to the board of trustees’ to provide firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating against agreed targets
- To promote and safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation and its financial stability
- To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
- To aid in the appointment of the Executive Team and monitor and support them in their roles.
In addition, trustees are asked to use their relevant skills, specialist knowledge and experience to help the board to reach sound decisions. This includes attendance at sub committee meetings and away days and involves:
- Scrutinising board papers and financial information
- Leading and/or contributing to discussions on specific topics
- Providing guidance on new initiatives and key issues
- Taking a lead role on behalf of the trustees (e.g. finance, HR, development, environmental and safeguarding)
Person Specification
Pegasus Theatre is looking for new Trustees who are willing to offer their qualities and capabilities.
- Commitment to the organisation’s development and success
- Willingness to devote the necessary time
- Strategic vision
- Good, independent judgement
- Ability to think creatively
- Willingness to contribute openly and honestly to the work of the Trust
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Ability to work effectively as a member of the team
- Observing Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- Tact and diplomacy, good communication and interpersonal skills
- Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
Trustees do not need to have any previous experience of committee work; we will provide training and mentorship from other trustees as necessary.
Pegasus Theatre Trust is actively committed to maintaining a diverse and skilled board. As we seek to better represent our diverse community, we particularly welcome applications from people who come from global majority backgrounds.
We are particularly looking for board members with skills in one or more following areas of expertise:
- Financial planning, financial management and accountancy
- Fundraising
- Communications, brand management and PR
- Entrepreneurship
How to apply
Pre-discussions
If you would like an informal discussion about the role of Trustee, please email executivedirector@pegasustheatre.org.uk. Your enquiry will then be passed on to the Joint Chairs who will be in contact to arrange this.
Applications
To apply for the role, please submit a short CV together with a covering letter or email that explains why you are interested in becoming a Trustee and what you might bring to the role. If you are more comfortable, you might instead want to make a short video that gives us your details.
Please send these to executivedirector@pegasustheatre.org.uk
Closing Date
This is an open-recruitment.
Interviews
Successful applicants will be asked to attend a short interview with the other Board Members and will also be offered to observe a Board Meeting