Our offer to the arts

Facebook Twitter

Board services

A service to business and the arts which matches senior managers from business with not for profit arts organisations who are seeking directors with a commercial background.

Through the Board Bank and Young Professionals programmes advisers will be trained in best board practice and matched with a board that suits their skills profile. From theatre, dance and opera, community arts to the cutting edge local music scene, every arts organisation needs a supportive board of directors.

Board Bank 2010/11

In return for bringing their skills, business acumen, and insight in areas such as finance, human resources, law, and marketing, business people get the chance to help shape the cultural life of their community. They also work with committees, creative people, and broaden their own networks and governance experience.

Who is it an ideal professional development opportunity for? Middle to senior level business managers based in Northern Ireland.

For full details, download the information sheet below

Young Professionals on Arts Boards 2010/11

An extension of Board Bank, this bold and unique programme aims to detect the best up-and-coming talents that business has to offer and place them on the boards of leading arts charities in the UK. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this initiative provides extra training and support to ensure young professionals in the early stages of their careers (aged 21-30 years) will truly benefit from this practical, hands-on strategic leadership experience.

In addition to all the Board Bank services, Young Professionals on Arts Boards also receive:

•An experienced mentor paired with each young professional to ensure that s/he is fully supported and able to seek advice and guidance when needed.
•A Board Buddy to help the young professional with their board induction and orientation around the arts organisation.
•3 x Half day Governance training sessions to provide an introduction to the arts sector and insight into strategies for successful governance, clearly outlining the legal and moral requirements placed upon a non-executive board. Specifically developed for this initiative, this training allows for peer-to-peer learning, and develops confidence to ensure participants engage fully in Board business.

As the Young Professionals on Arts Boards is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland both programmes cost £500+ VAT per participant, payable on acceptance onto each programme.

For full details, download the information sheet below

Getting involved is simple

Contact Arts & Business Northern Ireland to find out more about Board Bank and Young Professionals. These programmes involve a careful process of training, matching, monitoring and evaluation to ensure that both parties achieve maximum benefit.

Board Development

We offer a number of courses to aid board members and executive staff in playing their part on a board that runs efficiently, governs effectively and advocates enthusiastically. Thanks to funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, we are able to offer these courses at heavily subsidised rates.

These are bespoke development days tailored towards addressing some of the specific issues facing your board which require more attention than can be devoted to them during the course of a normal board meeting.

The day may take the form of training on specific issues around the board’s legal and financial responsibilities, but may also require facilitation by an external trainer around, for example, reviewing/setting strategic objectives, producing a business plan, exploring issues around capital development, or producing a lobbying strategy.

A board retreat ensures that your board is making the best possible contribution to helping your organisation achieve its full potential.

We are able to offer board retreats to arts and heritage organisations at a reduced rate of only £250 plus VAT. Please allow at least 6 weeks lead in time for scheduling a board retreat.

Introduction to Board Membership

The role of a board member is a complex one. There are many responsibilities that go with accepting a board placement and yet not all-new board members are made fully aware of what those responsibilities are or how to make a positive contribution. This course introduces new board members, and those who would like a refresher, to their roles and responsibilities and to current good practice.

The course covers: