In April 2023 The Lightbox was awarded Arts Council England, National Portfolio Organisation status along with a significant funding stream lasting until 2026. With this new funding in place The Lightbox celebrates its 15th Anniversary and an exciting moment of strategic innovation allowing it to set the tone for its next stage of growth.

The charity believes in the transformative power of the visual arts and is rooted in the cultural, social and economic life of Woking, Surrey and the South East. The project to build The Lightbox began in 1993, when a group of local volunteers decided to try and establish a cultural centre in the Woking area. The building was designed by Marks Barfield Architects, who also designed the London Eye, opening in September 2007 and winning a RIBA award for innovative design in 2008. 

The Lightbox was pioneering in connecting arts and wellbeing and strives to ensure that this philosophy is at the heart of everything it does. It runs a diverse cultural programme which includes exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists, local heritage, talks and tours, social events, and arts and crafts workshops for all ages. It also hosts special fundraising events to raise money for its charitable ventures such as its Art and Wellbeing initiative, which provides opportunities for those who would otherwise not be able to access arts and heritage services to take part in creative workshops, including free drop-in sessions for families.

In 2008, The Lightbox won the Art Fund Prize Museum of the Year award, and in 2016, it was awarded a Green Tourism silver award. The museum is supported by Woking Borough Council, and also receives support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council. The Chair will join at an exciting moment to drive new funding streams for the charity as it embarks on the next stage of its journey. 

The new Chair will be responsible for working with Trustees, the Director and the senior leadership team to meet the challenges of the post-pandemic world and ensure that The Lightbox continues to play an important role in the local and regional communities it serves.

The Chair will:

• Act in the best interests of The Lightbox, operating within the law and according to the governing documents of The Lightbox, as well as abiding by its policies and procedures
• Support the objects and mission of The Lightbox to provide a heritage and visual arts service for the people of Woking and the wider region
• Be an active leader of the Trustees and a spokesperson for the Board, as well as a champion and representative of the organisation with stakeholders, a manager and mentor for the Director, and a liaison and support for colleagues within the organisation  

The Chair’s key responsibilities are to:

• Set a clear vision, mission and strategic direction for The Lightbox, and ensure that the necessary structures are in place to deliver those as part of the strategic management of the charity
• Hold the Director and executive to account for the performance of The Lightbox
• Ensure that The Lightbox complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as guardian of The Lightbox’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application
• Ensure that The Lightbox’s governance is of the highest possible standard
• Engage with external stakeholders and draw on their larger network as needed

The Lightbox is looking for a Chair who can provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, taking forward its vision and strategy and building on its social purpose to improve wellbeing and quality of life within the communities it serves. The successful candidate will bring high financial acumen and experience of managing people effectively to the role. They will be able to use their experience to support The Lightbox, leveraging their own networks and developing new ones for the gallery's benefit.

While experience in the arts sector is welcome, particularly in a commercial perspective, it is not essential; The Lightbox is keen to hear from those with an interest in the arts and who are passionate about its mission. It is hoped that applicants will be familiar with Surrey or at least willing to engage and become familiar with the county and key stakeholders.

The new Chair will possess an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the work of The Lightbox and an undertaking to remain well-informed about the work of the organisation. They will be able to work in a collegial manner, dealing openly with the executive team and other members of the Board, whether in matters of confidentiality or conflict.

It is expected that the new Chair will bring prior Board experience. Additionally, prior Chair experience would be a major benefit.

Cherry-Anne Russell, Interim Chair
Chris Lacey
John Siebert
Richard Browne
Richard Bolton
Barry Cook
Andy Bell
Nathalie De Potter

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Chair is appointed for a three-year term, which is renewable once.

The Lightbox is located in Woking, Surrey. Board meetings are currently held in-person, with other board responsibilities held in a hybrid format. Time commitment is estimated at 12 days annually, including six Board meetings, monthly meetings with the CEO, in-person exhibitions and events, and further ad hoc support. 

The Lightbox welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.