London Bubble Theatre is looking to appoint a new Trustee for a one-year term to support and help realise an exciting period of capital investment.
This is an opportunity to support our leadership team and shape how London Bubble Theatre’s premises fulfils its potential for our beneficiaries and wider charitable objectives. We have secured circa £100k of funding for capital investment into our building. This is a crucial time for our small but powerful charity; we have ambitious plans for our space to ensure that our home in SE16 is a thriving space for creativity.
You will have experience in capital projects (e.g. building renovations, expansions, or new facilities) and an interest in theatre and its potential to change lives.
About our premises
We operate from a converted warehouse by the river on Elephant Lane in Rotherhithe, where we have been based since the mid-1980s. It boasts a large open plan office, large rehearsal room, fully equipped workshop, a smaller studio space and several smaller meeting / individual studio spaces. Bubble Theatre has a long lease with Southwark Council for the use of the buildings which includes full repair and maintenance obligations and is due for renewal in September 2029.
Essential competencies and experience:
• Knowledge or direct experience of capital development or construction projects (e.g. feasibility, design, planning, procurement, construction, handover)
• Ability to assess project risk and ensure strong project management oversight
• Strong financial literacy
• Ability to contribute to long-term strategic planning, particularly in the context of physical infrastructure
• Commitment to reducing the environmental impact of construction and operations
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity and uphold its reputation.
Desirable knowledge and skills:
• Knowledge or direct experience of capital projects for theatre, cultural or community spaces
• Understanding of charity governance and the legal responsibilities of trustees
• Architecture, engineering, or construction management experience
• Understanding of sustainable building practices (BREEAM, energy-efficient design, etc.)
• Understanding of capital campaign financing (e.g., trusts, public funding, individual donors)
• Knowledge of inclusive design or accessibility (DDA compliance, neurodiversity-friendly spaces)
• Experience engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders
• Familiarity with safeguarding and compliance (Charity Commission, Companies House, etc.)
London Bubble expects that the Trustee supporting our capital project will:
• Liaise with the Co-CEOs regularly through email, meetings and phone calls as needed
• Prepare for meetings and agree an agenda in advance
• Read and contribute to discussion of all agenda items and papers
• Advise and support senior staff
• Be part of a sub-committee or working group for the capital project (anticipated to meet quarterly ahead of whole board meetings)
• Attend performances, events and appropriate training when invited by the team
• Share contacts and build connections with those who can help provide support, advice or funding to the charity
• Attend stakeholder meetings or networking events on behalf of Bubble
• Be alert to opportunities which would further Bubble purposes
• Become familiar with Bubble’s business and financial models, finances, budget and financial/resource needs
• Understand Bubble’s policies and procedures
• Help communicate and promote Bubble’s purpose and programmes to stakeholders, artists, and audiences
• Support Bubble in a manner commensurate with your abilities and expertise
• Act in the best interests of Bubble
• Declare any conflicts of interest as soon as reasonably practicable when these arise and withdraw from decision-making as appropriate.
The role of Trustees
London Bubble trustees come from different walks of life, both personally and professionally, bringing a range of skills and perspectives.
The role of trustee carries legal responsibility. Under charity law, Bubble trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the company, making sure it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable purposes for which it was established. Bubble trustees have a duty to act in the best interests of the charity, to exercise reasonable care and skill in carrying out their duties and ensure compliance with relevant law and regulation. London Bubble is also a company limited by guarantee, trustees also act as directors of The Bubble Theatre Company Limited for the purposes of company law.
All positions are voluntary and unremunerated, but trustees will be insured and out of pocket expenses reimbursed.
To discuss your interest in this role, please contact:
Lucy Bradshaw, Executive Director
020 7237 4434 | lucy@londonbubble.org.uk