Be United – Recruiting a New Chair of Trustees 

Join Us at a Defining Moment for Be United 

This is an exciting time for Be United. Having recently secured £559,829 in Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland, we are entering a new phase of growth, and we’re looking for a bold, strategic leader to help shape our next chapter.

As Chair of Trustees, you will play a key role in driving our mission forward—championing and empowering Scotland’s Black creative community while ensuring Be United continues to grow as a leading force for equity in the Scottish Cultural Sector.

Who We Are Looking For 

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader who shares Be United’s passion for shaping an equitable cultural sector in Scotland. 

Candidates should have: 

• Proven leadership experience at a senior level (governance or operational). 

• Strong knowledge of the arts, charity sector, or relevant fields such as creative industries and business. 

• High financial acumen, with the ability to understand and navigate budgets. 

• Experience in recruitment and board or organisational development is particularly welcomed as we continue to strengthen our governance structure. 

As Chair, You Will: 

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring they offer strong strategic direction and fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively. 

• Hold the Board and Senior Leadership Team accountable for delivering Be United’s mission, ensuring that trustees are engaged and leading with excellence. 

• Work closely with the CEO to ensure the organisation is thriving and growing. 

• Support with recruitment and development to maintain a diverse, skilled, and engaged team that reflects the needs of the organisation. 

• Act as a key ambassador for Be United, representing the charity at events, networking opportunities, and meetings with funders and stakeholders. 

• Strengthen partnerships with the arts, education, and community sectors, working alongside the CEO to build strategic relationships that advance Be United’s mission. 

• Leverage networks to support fundraising efforts, whether through connecting with funders, corporate partners, or high-value individual donors. 

• Maintain oversight of the development of trading arm, supporting the CEO and team to establish and develop Be United’s trading ability. 

About Be United 

Be United is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation founded in 2014. We believe that ensuring diversity in the creative industries is not just a matter of fairness or representation—it is crucial for the vibrancy of the arts, the health of the economy, and the progression of an equitable Scottish society. 

We are committed to advocating, nurturing, and championing Black people working in the performing arts, screen, and event sectors in Scotland. We create platforms and opportunities that empower people to define their own success. 

Our values are: 

Equity: Creating a more equitable world, society, and sector. 

Empowerment: Enabling ourselves and others to reach their fullest potential. 

Excellence: Striving to go beyond expectations and make an impact. 

For the last decade, Be United has actively provided opportunities for Black artists working in the Scottish creative sector. Our impact includes: 

• 27,000+ audience members engaged through our performance development programmes. 

• £180,000+ in earned income generated for Scotland’s Black community through film and television work having cast 500 people in Amazon Prime’s Anansi Boys. 

• 400+ creatives employed through Be United initiatives. 

• A growing portfolio of high-profile events, including Edinburgh Festival Carnival, Edinburgh Fringe events, Key Creatives, and Producing the Future. 

With the backing of Multi-Year Funding, our key objective for 2025-28 is to support 500 Black people in Scotland to enter or progress in the creative industries. The next three years will mark a major step-change for Be United, delivering an ambitious plan that expands our reach and deepens our impact. 

In a recent survey by Creative Scotland, Arts & Diversity Survey, half of respondents in the minority ethnic or mixed groups state their ethnicity was a barrier, with a quarter stating it is a significant or very significant barrier. This compares with 5% of white respondents. 

The need for change is clear. As Chair, you’ll play a vital role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive creative sector in Scotland. 

What you will receive: 

• Opportunity to lead a dynamic team. 

• Be part of leading strategic change within Scottish creative sector. 

• Access and opportunity to enjoy a range of music and live events. 

• Visibility as a leader working within a growing charity in Scotland. 

• Ability to contribute to the mission and ambitions of Be United. 

• In person team training in Edinburgh or Glasgow. 

Next Steps 

Both the Executive Director and Interim Chair are available for informal chats and to answer any questions potential candidates may have. You can reach Emma at [email protected] and Louis at [email protected]. 

To apply, please submit a CV and a brief Expression of Interest (~500 words) outlining your experience and motivation for the role to [email protected]. 

Deadline: 10 AM, 3rd April 2025. 

Interviews: Scheduled the following week. 

Start Date: We aim for the new Chair to take up the position from 18th April 2025. 

We look forward to hearing from you!