Chair of Trustees

At Creative Mentor Network, we are driven by a bold vision: a future where there is no class ceiling in the UK’s creative industries.

We champion socioeconomic diversity, equity, and inclusion by dismantling systemic barriers. Our focus is empowering young people (aged 16-25) from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access and thrive in creative careers.

How We Drive Change:

• Mentoring with Purpose: We design dynamic mentoring programmes that not only connect young talent with industry leaders but also train professionals to become inclusive, accessible, and empathetic leaders.
• Building Inclusive Cultures: By equipping both mentees and mentors with the tools for change, we are simultaneously creating more inclusive workplace cultures and making the industry genuinely accessible.

Our Impact

Founded in 2014, CMN has connected over 2,500 young people with an equal number of mentors. We partner with some of the most influential organisations in the creative industries, including Sony Music, Google, Amazon Prime Video, Soho House, and many others.

In the last year alone, we delivered significant results:

• 317 mentees gained work or critical industry experience.
• 96% of young people felt a creative career was accessible to them.
• 97% of mentors reported feeling confident advocating for socioeconomic diversity in their workplaces.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an inspirational and strategic Chair of Trustees to lead our governance and spearhead our next phase of growth. This is a critical role for an individual passionate about systemic change and dedicated to tackling class inequality head-on.

As Chair, you will be the ultimate champion and visible advocate for CMN's mission. You will work in close partnership with the CEO and the executive team to ensure robust governance, provide clear strategic direction, and leverage your expertise and network to amplify our impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Ensure the Board operates within our charitable objectives, setting an ambitious, clear, and focused strategic direction for the charity.

• Board Stewardship: Lead and inspire an effective and diverse Board of Trustees, chairing quarterly meetings and fostering an inclusive dialogue that leads to decisive, effective decision-making.

• Governance & Risk Management: Establish and uphold the highest standards of governance, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and actively reviewing and mitigating risks while maximizing strategic opportunities.

• CEO Partnership: Act as a dedicated mentor and partner to the CEO, meeting for regular 1-to-1s and conducting the annual appraisal to support their leadership and the organisation's operational success.

• External Advocacy: Be a leading voice for CMN, utilising your established networks and influence to enhance the charity's visibility, presence, and fundraising potential across the sector.

Essential Skills:

• Proven Senior Leadership: Extensive leadership experience at a senior level, with prior experience serving on or attending board meetings in a comparable organisation (charity or commercial).

• Financial & Governance Expertise: Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of board governance and risk management, ideally in a regulated setting.

• Resource Mobilisation: Demonstrated success in diversifying and growing revenue streams, whether in the charity or commercial sector.

• CEO Mentorship: Significant experience partnering with and mentoring a CEO or equivalent leader through periods of organisational growth and change.

• Mission Alignment: A deep and unwavering passion for combating socioeconomic inequality, coupled with lived experience or a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Networking & Ambassadorship: Exceptional communication, networking, and ambassadorial skills, with a demonstrable openness to leveraging your personal and professional networks to support CMN's development.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in the creative industries, with an understanding of the sector's unique dynamics and challenges.

• A solid grasp of the current operational and fundraising challenges facing the wider charity sector.

Commitment Details

Time: The equivalent of approximately 1.5 days per month, with flexibility (mostly remote).

Meetings: Quarterly Board meetings are held at Creative Mentor Network’s office in London Victoria.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses incurred while conducting charity business will be reimbursed.

Term: Initial three-year appointment.

Ready to Lead the Change?

We would love to hear from you if you feel you have the time and expertise. 

To apply: Please submit your CV and a concise supporting statement outlining your relevant skills, experience, and your motivation for applying.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be offered as applications are received.