The Writers Workshop is seeking two new directors
About The Writers Workshop
The Writers Workshop Community Ltd is a social enterprise which aims to provide access to the joy and power of creative writing for all, both in Sheffield and beyond via our online platforms. The Workshop has strong community values and a commitment to inclusivity both in terms of writing styles, genres and experiences across our Sheffield communities. Following its initial growth from the sole-trading business of Beverley Ward, our current goal is to establish our recently incorporated organisation as a social enterprise with clear policies, strong financial and operational management and which responds to the needs of its member and non-member communities.
The Writers Workshop generates its own revenue through a membership programme, and we currently have over 180 members. Our strategic priorities for the next 3 years are to scale up our existing operations with the aim of moving to a new venue which offers greater accessibility and a larger space in the long-term.
We are a collaborative organisation which is built on a community of like-minded creatives who believe in the social impact of writing. While we have extensive experience in the writing sector, we are seeking two non executive directors to strengthen our team and bring alternative expertise.
The Roles
We are recruiting for two non executive director roles to join our existing three directors, with responsibility for:
Strategic oversight of the organisational business plan
Monitoring performance against milestones and monitoring risks
Providing independent challenge for the Management Team
Maintaining best practice governance and compliance
Contributing to design-making for the organisation
Be an active champion for The Writers Workshop within your networks in Sheffield and beyond
Additionally, we are specifically keen to hear from candidates with the following experience:
HR & Payroll in start-ups/SMEs - as the organisation is likely to take on its first employee over the next three years
Financial Management
Arts & cultural organisations in Sheffield beyond writing
We anticipate you will be required to attend 3 board meetings per financial year and one Annual General Meeting with our members. The term of appointment will be 3 years with the opportunity to continue beyond this term subject to board agreement.
Who we’d like to hear from
We’d love to hear from you if you have experience working with start-up organisations in the cultural sector, particularly social enterprises and/or membership based organisations, particularly as an NED. You will be a strategic thinker who enjoys working collaboratively, and understands the importance of social impact and the balance between revenue-generating activity and community engagement. You will be a strong communicator and able to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and compassion. You will demonstrate a commitment to our organisational values: community, craft, career and creativity.
It is essential that you have experience overseeing finances for a social enterprise.
The Writers Workshop is committed to providing access to writing for all, and we want our board to represent the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those who are underrepresented within arts organisations.
Compensation & Benefits
Reasonable expenses occurred as part of your role will be reimbursed. You will also receive a membership for The Writers Workshop, allowing you to be part of our community and get to know what we do, free of charge.
Find out more and apply
To find out more, contact Beverley Ward at beverleywardwriter@gmail.com to arrange an informal conversation.