Opportunities & Jobs

Scratchworks Board Member
(Voluntary role)

Scratchworks are seeking new board members to help steer the company through the next phase of its development, as the company works towards becoming an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation. We are seeking a special group of passionate people who have an interest in our work, a love of theatre and/or reaching communities and a willingness to share their ideas to help Scratchworks grow and develop.

What we do

If you’ve been following Scratchworks’ journey for a while, you’ll know that we’ve been making theatre for over 13 years. In 2023, Scratchworks officially became a CIC (Community Interest Company) and as we go into our fourth year as a CIC, we think it’s the perfect time to set up a governing board. We are also planning to put in an Arts Council National Portfolio application and we’d love to strengthen and diversify our governance. 

Scratchworks has worked collaboratively to create thought-provoking, funny and heartfelt shows, told boldly with plenty of mischief, for audiences of all ages. Our feminist ethos runs through all the projects we create and run. From touring shows, to workshops in women's centres and community spaces across the South West and beyond, our work has always been about giving people a voice. 

Now we're planning our next chapter, and we have big ambitions. If you'd like to help shape the future of an independent, female-led theatre company, we'd love to hear from you.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from people who care about, and are invested in, the kind of theatre we make and the communities we make it with. You don't need to have sat on a board before. We're more interested in your perspective, your curiosity and what you'd bring to the table.

We're especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

  • Making, producing or programming high quality theatre

  • Working with women and communities facing barriers to taking part in the arts

  • Education, training and creative learning, whether as a teacher, facilitator or parent

  • Marketing, audience development and social media

  • Finance, budgeting and fundraising

  • Building partnerships and reaching audiences who don't often see themselves in theatre

  • Governance, strategic planning, or experience of Arts Council funding and NPO applications

If your experience doesn't fit neatly into that list, but you think you could help, please get in touch and tell us!

What we'll ask of you

Board members share responsibility for the company's direction and wellbeing. We'd ask you to:

  • Join our Quarterly Board Meetings, with an option to be online/remote or in-person in Exeter  

  • Bring your own independent judgement to decisions, always acting in the best interests of Scratchworks and the people it serves

  • Keep a close eye on the company's finances, including reviewing and agreeing budgets

  • Help us discuss, agree and review our policies and reports

  • Make sure Scratchworks operates within the law and in line with its governing documents as a Community Interest Company.

  • Support the management of grant funding, including our commitments to funders

  • Support our small team with advice, encouragement and a friendly challenge when needed

  • Come to our shows and community projects when you can, so you see first-hand what we do

  • Be a Scratchworks advocate and help us spread the word about our work

Terms and meetings

This is a voluntary role, and board members are appointed for a minimum 2 year period (after an initial trial period to ensure it is right for both parties). We'll meet quarterly (4 times a year), either in-person or online, so you can take part from wherever you are. We'll make sure meetings and documents are accessible to everyone, and we'll gladly work with you on anything you need to take part fully.

Who we want in the room

We want our board to reflect the people we make work with and for. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences, and particularly from those who are under-represented in the arts. Inclusion and access is part of how we make theatre and how we run the company. If there's anything we can do to make applying or attending easier for you, just tell us. We're happy to talk about access needs at any stage - please get in touch at scratchworkstheatre@gmail.com

What you'll get from it

You'll have a real say in the future of an independent, female-led company at an exciting moment in its growth. You'll be part of lively, honest discussions with a friendly team, and your experience and involvement will actively help grow a company towards bold creative ambitions, meaningful community impact, and a sustainable future for the company and everyone it works with.

How to get involved

To find out more or express your interest, email us at scratchworkstheatre@gmail.com by Friday 30th October at 6pm. Tell us a little about yourself, your experience and why joining Scratchworks’ board appeals. We're happy to have a chat first, if you have any questions.

You can send your expression of interest in whichever format works best for you. It could be: 

  • a voice note, 

  • a short video, 

  • or in written format if preferred. 

Please let us know if you would like to receive or submit information in a way that better suits your access needs.