The Bright Foundation is seeking new Trustees to join our Board

Download the Recruitment Pack and Role Specification here

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people? Are you passionate about arts, filmmaking and creativity? Would you like to help steer the future of a leading arts education charity based in Hastings, backed and championed by some of the leading figures of UK theatre, film and television?

The Bright Foundation is an arts education charity founded by Academy and BAFTA award winning costume designer, John Bright OBE. From two venues in and around Hastings we offer a programme of creative learning to children and young people experiencing disadvantage, inspired by John’s lifetime work in film, tv and theatre as well as his collections of antique toys, puppets and early cinema. 

The Role

A trustee is a voluntary position in which you offer your expertise and experience to help guide the charity and ensure its long term stability and growth. Being a Trustee with The Bright Foundation offers you personal fulfilment and a chance to give back; professional development; new networks and connections through the charity and Cosprop; a chance to influence the cultural education offer in Hastings and Rother. 

What we are looking for

We are seeking to expand our current founding board and bring on people with the following skills and experience:

•       Legal expertise with knowledge of at least one of the following areas: charity / property / employment / inheritance law

•       Heritage, collections and museums

•       UK arts and/or education sector

•       Film and screen industry with knowledge of training and career pathways

•       Charity finance and fundraising

•       Digital technology and AI

•       Equality, diversity and inclusion

Terms and commitments:

·       This is a voluntary role

·       You will need to attend 4 meetings a year plus a staff and board development day.  Meetings typically happen in-person on Friday afternoons at the Barn Theatre and Museum, Hastings.  

·       Additional on-line meetings are called as required for accounts approval and sub-committees

·       Trustees are also asked to attend occasional events and make time to read papers for meetings

·       A Trustee term is 3 years with an opportunity to review and renew for another 3 years 

·       Travel expenses will be reimbursed 

To apply:

Please send your CV or LinkedIn profile and a short covering email saying why you are interested in joining the board of trustees and what skills and experience you could bring to the organisation.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 20 May 2026, 12noon

Interview: w/c 1 June 2026

Induction: through June

First Board Meeting: Friday 17 July 2026

This is our ideal timeline but can be flexible according to personal circumstances. 

We welcome and celebrate all protected characteristics and wish to build an inclusive board that reflects the rich diversity of our UK communities. We will work with applicants to ensure an accessible selection and induction process relevant to individual needs.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please email Polly on polly.risbridger@thebrightfoundation.org.uk or call 01424 559020.