Theatre Porto is an award-winning charity and specialist children’s theatre based in Ellesmere Port, and a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. From our purpose-built venue in Whitby Park, we create original productions, deliver year-round programmes for children, young people and families, and work in partnership with schools, communities and local organisations to create opportunities that are inspiring, engaging and accessible. 

As we enter an ambitious new phase – leading the delivery of the town’s Gold & Green cultural strategy and expanding our place-based work through the ‘Edge of Wonder’ place partnership programme – we are seeking an exceptional individual to join us as Chair of Trustees. 

This is a key leadership role, working closely with our shared leadership team: Nina Hajiyianni (CEO/Artistic Director) and Caz Brader (Executive Director), to help drive the organisation’s vision, governance and long-term sustainability. 

About the role 

As Chair, you will: 

• Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight 

• Support and challenge the senior leadership team in equal measure 

• Act as an advocate for Theatre Porto and its role within Ellesmere Port and the wider cultural sector 

• Help steward the organisation through its next phase of growth and impact 

• Build a strong and constructive working relationship with the CEO/Artistic Director and Executive Director, including regular 1:1 meetings 

You will be joining a committed and engaged Board, and will take over from our current Chair, Jan Dunn, who will be stepping down in December 2026 at the end of her term as a trustee. 

Who we’re looking for 

We are looking for someone who brings: 

Essential: 

• Strong leadership and facilitation skills 

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement 

• A commitment to equity, inclusion and the power of arts and culture for children and communities 

• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with a range of stakeholders 

Desirable: 

• Local knowledge of, or a connection to, Ellesmere Port and the surrounding area 

Previous Chair experience is welcome but not essential. 

We are open to individuals from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. We actively welcome and encourage applications from people whose lived experience is currently underrepresented in the arts and charity sectors. 

Some meetings are conducted online and some are in-person. 

Time commitment 

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year 

• Additional time for preparation, occasional subgroups, and regular 1:1s with senior leadership 

• A willingness to take an active and engaged role beyond Board meetings where needed 

Process and timeline 

We want to make this a thoughtful and supportive process, with time to get to know each other: 

• Expression of Interest deadline: May 29th 2026. 

• Informal conversation with current Chair, Jan Dunn in June 2026 

• Attendance at Board meeting: 16 July 2026, where shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Board 

• Appointment confirmed by Board vote following this meeting 

• Handover period: July–December 2026, working alongside the current Chair 

Interested? 

Please send a short expression of interest outlining why you’re interested and what you would bring to the role to: admin@theatreporto.org 

If you’d like an informal conversation before applying, we’d be very happy to arrange this. 

If you require this information or the application process to be adapted for you in any way, please get in touch.