The National Opera Studio is the UK’s foremost professional opera training institution, providing intensive, individual training at the highest level to emerging opera professionals who have the potential to become the leading artists of their generation.

The NOS is unique, being the only studio of its kind to work in partnership with not one but six leading opera companies: English National Opera (ENO), Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Opera North, Royal Opera House (ROH), Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera (WNO). In partnership with these companies, and supported by Arts Council England, the NOS plays a leadership role in the development of operatic talent for the resilience of the art form, through high-quality training, support and dialogue. Unlike any other young artist programme, it is not subject to mainstage activity and does not cast dependent on productions: it selects artists purely on merit.

The NOS's independence, the strength of its opera company partnerships and world-class coaching is key to its success. It trains 12 singers and four pianists each year on its Global Young Artist Programme, and through its National Diverse Voices programme it also works in partnership to develop and create diverse pathways for emerging talent from under-represented backgrounds in the UK.

The governing body of the NOS is the Board of Trustees, which is the ultimate decision-making body and has overall responsibility for the general control, effective management of resources, and governance of the NOS. The Board comprises the heads of its six partner opera companies and up to six appointments drawn from the business and charitable sectors, including an independent Chair, currently Nicholas Allan.

There are currently four standing sub-committees, reporting to the Board, formed of Trustees and ex-officio members. These are: Finance, Audit, Remunerations, and Nominations. The Studio also has an Inclusion Group. Other sub-committees are formed as required.

The day-to-day management of the NOS is the task of the senior leadership team, led by the Chief Executive, who is appointed by the Trustees. The team comprises the Chief Executive, the Director of Artist Development and the Executive Director. The NOS has a small staff, some of whom are part time, and engages external coaches and other freelance industry experts who, together with the permanent artistic staff, deliver the training programmes.

Trustees have overall responsibility for the governance of the NOS, bringing insight, focus, and a commitment to supporting the organisation in delivering its vision and mission of delivering a pipeline of high quality, diverse talent to the profession.

The National Opera Studio is looking for one Trustee to further strengthen its Board. The successful candidate may have strategic experience in higher education and / or professional training, participation and engagement, or legal expertise, but applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds are encouraged.

The NOS welcomes interest from people who are collaborative, collegiate, and enthusiastic about opera as an art form, as well as its vision and mission. Candidates will have the capacity and desire to give their time, share their skills and experience and contribute actively as a member of the non-executive team.

The National Opera Studio welcomes skilled candidates with the capacity to offer a positive and active contribution as a Trustee. It highly values diversity on the Board, as a multiplicity of perspectives is key to its future success. The NOS would particularly like to encourage:

• People from diverse ethnic backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ people
• People with disabilities and long-term conditions
• Neurodiverse people

The NOS welcomes interest from those who can bring fresh and relevant perspectives to the organisation through their lived experience and consequently ensure that the NOS is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

This is a voluntary position with allowable expenses being paid. Trustees can serve up to two consecutive four-year terms. There are four Board meetings per year, with up to three sub-committee meetings. Board meetings take place in London (Zoom is available as an alternative), during office hours (usually 11-1 or 2-4pm) between Tuesdays and Thursdays. One or two meetings per year are held in person at the Opera Studio, followed by a recital by Young Artists for Trustees.