Derby’s Cultural Education Partnership is a collective of cultural organisations that work with young people: in schools, in cultural settings and in the community.
Vision: Children, young people and students from all walks of life will thrive in our city. They will be able to experience and help shape the widest possible variety of culture and through this, develop their skills, life chances and fulfil their highest ambitions.
Mission: We will build sustainable and resource-rich partnerships between cultural venues, education settings, local businesses and other local organisations that enable all children, young people and students to thrive.
Aims (created by young people)
- Discover your creativity
- Be inspired
- Get involved
- Have fun
- Shape your future
- Develop through the arts
- A place for everyone.
Purpose of the Role
The Chair provides strategic leadership to the Derby Cultural Education Partnership (DCEP), ensuring the partnership operates effectively, collaboratively, and with a clear focus on improving opportunities for children and young people across Derby and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Provide clear, inclusive leadership to the Partnership, ensuring meetings are purposeful, well-governed, and aligned with the Partnership’s vision, mission and aims.
- Uphold the values of collaboration, equity, and cultural access across all partnership activity.
- Support the board to move from discussion to action, ensuring decisions are followed through appropriately.
Chairing and Board Effectiveness
- Chair meetings, setting a friendly and professional tone and enabling all partner organisations to contribute effectively.
- Work with the meeting administrator (currently with Derby Theatre) and partners to co-construct agendas that reflect current priorities, opportunities, and challenges in the cultural education landscape.
- Encourage reflective practice, shared learning, and continuous improvement across the Partnership.
Partnership and External Engagement
- Stay well informed about cultural education policy, funding opportunities, and sector developments within Derby City and the wider region.
- Act as an ambassador for the Partnership, strengthening relationships with partner organisations, funders, and key stakeholders.
- Support collaboration between cultural organisations to maximise collective impact and avoid duplication.
About You
The successful candidate will ideally:
- Have experience of chairing or participating in a voluntary board, steering group, or partnership.
- Demonstrate strong facilitation skills, enabling balanced discussion and inclusive decision-making.
- Possess a good understanding of, or strong interest in, the cultural and creative education sector.
- Be collaborative, diplomatic, and confident in working with diverse organisations and stakeholders.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at monthly board meetings (typically 2 hours). These may move to bi-monthly.
- Additional time for agenda setting with the DCEP administrator, liaison with partners, and staying informed about local and national cultural developments.
Term of Office
- To be agreed (typically 1 – 3 years), with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please email our Community Project Co-ordinator, Tanvir at t.khaled@derby.ac.uk with your cv and a paragraph about why you are interested in the role.
Deadline: Thursday 30 April, 5pm
Meeting members of DCEP: Thursday 14 May