ESW is seeking a financial specialist board member

ESW is seeking a financial specialist board member

Deadline 30 March 2025 but early applications are encouraged.

JOIN OUR BOARD

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop is seeking a new board member with an accounting background to join our board.

This is a unique opportunity to shape Scotland’s only purpose-built sculpture hub and support a vibrant artistic community. No prior board experience is needed—just a genuine interest in our mission and a commitment to making a difference.

ABOUT US

Located in Newhaven, Edinburgh, ESW offers extensive facilities for artists. This includes a foundry, specialised workspaces, artist studios, exhibition spaces, and residency apartments. Our site supports collaboration, learning and community engagement, with spaces for both relaxation and creativity.

HOW WE WORK

Supported by a dedicated team, our community thrives on shared resources and a collective ethos. We engage the wider community through courses, school programmes, and partnerships with third sector organisations. We also offer a range of workshops, events, talks, and exhibitions.

OUR IMPACT

ESW has significantly enriched Scotland’s artistic landscape, providing a dynamic platform for both new and established artists. We help artists thrive and connect with their peers both nationally and internationally through subsidised studios and support programs like international residencies, tutoring, and mentoring.

The ESW is a membership organisation that began as an artist-run collective in 1986. It remains committed to its founding ethos and continues to be a vital part of Edinburgh’s cultural community.

HOW WE ARE FUNDED

ESW is a Scottish-registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee.

We receive support from Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council. Additionally, we secure funding from trusts and foundations to cover our running costs and programme activities. We also generate income through space rentals, specialist services, and learning activities.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Due to normal Board Member retiral we’re looking for a new trustee with an accounting background.

No prior experience as a charity trustee is needed—we’ll help you get up to speed. What is important is a genuine interest in ESW’s mission and a commitment to actively contribute to our work.

As an equal opportunities employer, ESW is committed to enhancing diversity within our board, staff, programmes and audiences. We welcome applications from individuals from groups underrepresented in our sector.

 

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees hold the ultimate legal responsibility for the organisation. They ensure that ESW has a clear strategy and that our activities align with our charitable purpose, in accordance with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Responsibilities include:

  • Set the strategic direction aligned with ESW’s ethos and values, and develop clear purposes, aims, and objectives.
  • Ensure effective use of assets and resources to support our goals, maintaining financial health through careful budgeting, management, and fundraising.
  • Monitor, review, and ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory, and health and safety requirements.
  • Ensure the Director and team are equipped and held accountable for delivering the organisation’s objectives. Provide support and development opportunities for staff and manage pay and workforce planning.
  • Promote equality, diversity, and best governance practices within the organisation, and act as ambassadors for ESW’s mission and values.
  • Attend and actively contribute to Board and committee meetings, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment, always acting in the best interests of the charity.

The Board does not involve itself in the daily operations of the charity, which are managed by ESW’s team.

YOUR COMMITMENT

The role is a part-time, unpaid, non-executive position. Trustees, are Members and directors of the company.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years, after which they may either step down or be reappointed. While trustees are not paid for their time, we can reimburse reasonable expenses for attending meetings, including travel, access and childcare costs, in line with our finance protocols and charity law.

Meetings of Trustees of the Charity

  • We hold four to five Board meetings annually, including the AGM in autumn. These are either in person in Edinburgh or online. They are usually during late afternoon or early evening on weekdays.
  • Some trustees sit on sub-committees and this will be especially relevant to this finance specialist trustee who will be the Chair of the Finance & Governance Sub-committee. The Finance & Governance Sub-committee will meet four to five times a year in addition to the board meetings.
  • Trustees with relevant experience may be asked to sit on selection panels for studios, funding, and opportunities.
  • A meeting schedule is set in advance to accommodate trustees’ commitments.
  • Trustees receive meeting documents, such as reports and minutes, one week in advance to allow sufficient time for review. This is to avoid an overload of paperwork.

Events and advocacy

  • Trustees are asked to attend events like exhibition previews and meetings with funders.
  • Trustees are expected to join ESW as a member and are encouraged to join classes and use the facilities.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Deadline for note of interest: Sunday 30 March 2025
  • Informal interviews: Week beginning 7 April 2025
  • Decision reached: May 2025

Please get in touch with Laura Simpson if you would like to discuss this on the phone.

To apply, send a note of interest to Laura Simpson, Director, at laura@edinburghsculpture.org with the subject line “Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Board note of interest.” Complete our anonymous equalities monitoring form to support our commitment to diversity.

Selection will be conducted by John Matheson, Chair of the Finance & Governance sub-committee; Eddie Frizzell, Chair of the Board, and Laura Simpson, ESW Director. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role before applying, please contact Laura at laura@edinburghsculpture.org.

DATA PROTECTION

All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence and will be held for recruitment purposes only. Equalities information, when offered, is gathered anonymously and is held for statistical purposes only to help us know if we are reaching and encouraging a wide range of people to apply.