Are you passionate about the arts, particularly in the digital realm, and eager to support your local community? Lighthouse is a Brighton-based charity that supports young people from all backgrounds to access digital technology, mentoring and experiences to help find routes into and succeed within the creative and cultural industries.

Our vision is a diverse and inclusive creative sector where digital artists are valued and thriving, where everyone, regardless of class, gender or ethnicity, has the confidence to enjoy cultural experiences, the opportunity to unlock their potential and where every young person is empowered to explore a creative career.

We’ve been pursuing our vision for over 40 years and are at a pivotal stage of our story, having recently agreed a 4-year grant from Innovate UK to deliver Pathways Not Projects, a transformative initiative to reshape the creative sectors by fostering innovative pathways for talent development.

We are also selling our building in Kensington Street, releasing a significant amount of capital and reshaping our operations.

We are looking for new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our board as we enter this exciting new chapter and help shape the future of Lighthouse.

Diverse Expertise: We are seeking FOUR new Trustees with experience in:

• Accountants or Finance Directors: Your financial insights will be crucial in sustaining our financial health. Download the job description here
• Solicitors: Your legal expertise will guide us through compliance and operational efficiency. Download the job description here
• Artist: Your creative vision will support our commitment to digital culture and artistic development. Download the job description here
• Digital producers, technologists, product managers: Your passion for designing/developing accessible, ethical and compelling digital products and services will support our Innovate UK-funded programme Pathways Not Projects. Download the job description here

Who we are as a board

We are an active and engaged board of eight Trustees, each bringing different professional backgrounds and experience to the board, including arts, digital, and radio to finance and strategic leadership. While many of us are first-time Trustees, we are united by a shared commitment to Lighthouse’s vision and values.

We work collaboratively through sub-committees, supporting key areas of the organisation’s strategy and operations. Our board culture is one of listening, openness, and co-creation - we are passionate about shifting traditional power dynamics and creating space for collective decision-making. We actively welcome people who want to make their first step into a trustee or director role and offer support and guidance to help your development. This is not a bunch of stuffy suits!

We work closely with Lighthouse’s Youth Steering Group, who regularly join our meetings, offering vital insights into the programme and helping to shape the direction of the organisation. Their presence ensures that the people we are here to support are central to our governance and our future.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: As a trustee, you'll gain invaluable strategic and leadership experience. Whether you're an accountant, finance director, solicitor, artist, or product development specialist, this role will enhance your knowledge and expertise while expanding your professional network. No previous Trustee experience is necessary.
• Community Impact: Contribute to projects that blend art, technology, and society. Your expertise will help Lighthouse foster creative innovation and enrich our city's cultural offering by supporting young creatives of all backgrounds to contribute to the creative and cultural economy.
• Connections and Insight into Brighton & Hove’s creative and cultural landscape
• Influence: Lighthouse has a 40-year heritage of creating opportunities for Brighton’s young creatives. We play an important role in a city whose creative community needs support to continue to flourish.

Trustee Responsibilities 

All Trustees are asked to attend a minimum of two Board meetings a year (normally two hours every quarter on a Friday lunchtime, held in person with an option to join online), as well as occasional ad-hoc meetings as needed. There will be a series of induction meetings (online and in person) at the start of your appointment, and ad hoc training when available. We also ask that Trustees give around four hours a month in additional support.

You will need to either live in or near Brighton and Hove and have an understanding of, or a strong interest in, issues affecting young creatives and the arts in general.

We ask all Trustees to commit to an initial two-year appointment in the role.

Together, we are responsible for:

• Strategic Oversight:  Help set the charity’s direction and ensure it's aligned with our mission and vision.
• Financial Stewardship:  Oversee our financial health, ensuring resources are managed responsibly.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure we operate within legal and ethical guidelines, maintaining transparency and integrity.
• Support and Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for our organisation, promoting our work and mission.

Commitment Expected 

• Board Meetings: Attend four quarterly board meetings a year, including one half day strategy day with the team.
• Representation: Represent and advocate for Lighthouse at events, such as private views, exhibitions and fundraisers.
• Subcommittee Participation: Engage with subcommittees and groups, like the Finance Subcommittee, which meet monthly and take responsibility for specific tasks.
• Strategic Contribution: Advise on and help develop organisational strategy and policies, bringing your insight, and experience..
• Compliance and Accountability: Help ensure compliance with governing documents and the law, and maintain accountability to Lighthouse members and funders, with support from the Chair.
• Financial Oversight: Maintain proper fiscal oversight, reviewing reports s to ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Risk Management: Oversee the management of risks to Lighthouse’s funding, reputation, and delivery.
• Cultural Leadership: Exemplify Lighthouse’s values and culture in all interactions.
• Board Performance: Maintain effective board performance through active participation, including appointing new board members.
• Collaboration with Staff:  Work effectively with and respect the expertise of the Lighthouse team.

Connection to Lighthouse’s Mission 

Trustees share and support Lighthouse’s dedication to supporting emerging artists and exploring the intersection of art and technology. By joining our board, you'll help drive initiatives that reflect this spirit.

How to Apply 

• Complete our online form explaining:
  • What excites you about Lighthouse and what we do
  • Why you’d like to join our board
  • What you think you’ll bring, in terms of relevant experience, professional or otherwise
  • We welcome CVs to be included, also
• Be ready to discuss: We're eager to hear more about your ideas and how you can help us achieve our mission.

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll contact you for an initial chat over the phone. The next stage will be to visit our office in Brighton, to meet some of the team and to discuss things in more detail.

The final stage is a more informal meeting with our Chair of Trustees before co-opting you onto our Board of Trustees.

Different Perspectives 

While serving as a trustee is rewarding, it requires dedication and strategic foresight. Those who thrive in collaborative environments will find this role especially fulfilling.

What next? 

1. Review your experience: Align your experience with our goals and Lighthouse’s mission.
2. Reach out for information: Contact us for an informal chat about our current projects and vision.
3. Prepare your application: Reflect on your unique contributions to our board.

Are you excited to influence the creative and cultural scene in Brighton and beyond? Join us!