Trustees

Who we are

Founded in 1972 by Dame Bridget D’Oyly Carte, the Trust continues a family tradition of supporting the arts and public benefit.

Our heritage is linked to Richard D’Oyly Carte, who shaped Britain’s cultural landscape through the Savoy Theatre, the Savoy Hotel and the partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan. Today, we operate as an independent grant-making charity, awarding millions of pounds to registered charities throughout the United Kingdom.

Our mission focuses on three key pillars

• participation in the performing arts
• creative health interventions that improve wellbeing
• and the protection of heritage crafts and traditional skills

By funding projects that increase access for those least able to engage, we strive to create lasting impact and inspiration, ensuring the UK’s cultural and social fabric remains robust for future generations.

About the role

Trustees share collective responsibility for the Trust’s strategic leadership and stewardship.

Your primary focus will be setting the Charity’s direction and ensuring resources are used effectively to further our charitable purposes. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational performance.
• Reviewing the annual budget, report, and audited accounts.
• Ensuring compliance with charity law and the Trust’s governing document.
• Bringing independent judgment and professional expertise to Board discussions.
• Acting as an ambassador for the Charity.

This role offers the chance to engage with innovative organisations and influence the strategic delivery of our new three-year plan.

You will work alongside a committed Board and an outsourced management team to ensure the Trust remains responsive to changing societal needs while upholding our core values.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from accomplished individuals currently engaged in senior leadership or executive roles who bring contemporary sector networks and a commitment to charitable impact. While previous trustee experience is welcomed, it is not essential; we seek candidates comfortable contributing strategically at the Board level.

We are particularly interested in candidates with senior-level experience in the following areas:

• Sector Expertise
  Performing arts, creative health/therapeutic expertise, heritage crafts or community-based service delivery

• Professional Expertise
  Digital transformation/AI, strategy and organisational development, education (all levels) or financial governance and investment oversight.

The ideal candidate possesses sound judgment, the confidence to provide constructive challenge, and the ability to interpret complex financial reporting and investment performance.

You should have a collaborative approach and an understanding of the challenges facing the UK charitable funding environment. We are dedicated to building a diverse Board that reflects a range of backgrounds, ages, and perspectives, and we particularly welcome individuals currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Time commitment

Time commitment: approximately 10 days per year.

This includes:

• Three Board meetings annually (usually held in London, with hybrid options available).
• Preparation time for meetings and review of papers.
• Occasional committee meetings, working groups, or Trust events and site visits