The University Brass Band Championships
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Become a Trustee
​In 2014, against the backdrop of ever increasing participation in the annual UniBrass contest, a decision was made to form a new registered charity. That charity, the UniBrass Foundation, was established to ensure the continuing stability of the UniBrass contest, and to support brass banding at university level. The UniBrass Foundation is often looking for new trustees, and it could be you!
What does the charity do?
The UniBrass Foundation engages with the brass community in a variety of ways. Our biggest commitment is supporting the UniBrass contest organising committee, but recently we have also run other projects, such as Band Camp, and the Artist in Association scheme. We also help out at other brass contests throughout the year, which have previously included the National Championships and Youth Championships. The charity aims to support and promote university bands in all that they do, as well as engaging the wider public in university brass bands of all levels. We hope that by pursuing these objectives we will get more younger players involved in brass bands than ever before. To facilitate this, the charity is currently in the process of expanding the work it does through a range of new projects and partnerships.
How does the trustee board work?
The trustee board is made up of a mix of ex-members of the contest organising committee, and people with no previous involvement in UniBrass. Chair of the Board of Trustees, Thomas Hicken, commented, “We know there are lots of people in the brass banding community and beyond who are keen to support the work UniBrass does, and lots of people will be able to offer a range of skills that can help continue the success achieved so far by UniBrass. If you are at all interested, please have a chat to one of the current trustees!”
How can you apply?
Applications to become a trustee are not currently open, but if you are interested we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch for a chat if you have any questions. Potential trustees are not only students and alumni, but might be more experienced brass banders, or individuals who work in the arts world!
The charity would love to hear from anyone keen to help support the student brass band community. The trustees are eager to ensure the trustee board represents the community we aim to support and so welcome applicants from across the UK and/or from any background. Furthermore, individuals from outside the brass band community, who can offer a different perspective but who nonetheless support the work of the Foundation would also be greatly encouraged.
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We could be particularly interested in hearing from interested people who have experience marketing music events/organisations, have success in grant applications (ideally for arts causes), are interested in working alongside others to manage the finances of the charity, or have expertise in the employment of staff in a small organisation.
Applications open regularly, so please get in touch if you think that becoming a trustee might be for you!
FAQs
What does being a trustee mean?
As a trustee you have legal responsibility for ensuring the charity meets its charitable aims as outlined in the constitution. This involves attending meetings of the trustee board and running projects to support university banding. Other duties required of trustees will depend what responsibilities you take on as a trustee, the role will evolve around the successful applicant to work to their strengths.
Does this involve running the UniBrass contest?
No – a separate organising committee run the contest. The Foundation oversee the work this committee does as well as running other projects. However, it is expected that you’ll volunteer to help out at the contest each year.
What is the legal responsibility of a trustee?
As a trustee you take a share of the legal responsibility for the decisions the charity makes. There is lots of guidance available, and we make sure that all trustees understand the legal ramifications before we take a decision. If you want to find out more, we have found the following guide really useful:
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3.
What is the time commitment of being a trustee?
Typically we meet in person four times a year, typically over a weekend with an overnight stay. We also have online meetings approximately once a month. You should be able to attend most of these (especially the in person meetings) and then put in some extra work on top of this (approx. 1-2 hours per week). We understand your time commitments vary and we therefore all work together to ensure that if you’re busy for a while other people will help out with any tasks you have.
Will I be paid for being a trustee?
No – it is a voluntary position, however you will be reimbursed for expenses occurred whilst carrying out your duties as a trustee.
Can anyone be a trustee?
No. Whilst most people are eligible, there are some people who are not, for example if they have serious criminal convictions or have been disqualified from being a company director. See the charity commission website for more details
How else can I get involved?
If you want to support UniBrass, but don't want the responsibility or commitment of becoming a trustee, you can also join the UniBrass Family! There is no requirements or commitments to become a member, but joining the family gives you volunteering opportunities, keeps you up to date with our latest news, and more.
What is the appointment process?
Applications are made by submitting the application form and a CV. All applications are reviewed by a panel of UniBrass Foundation trustees. Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview with a panel of trustees, and their referees will be contacted. Following this, the current board of trustees will confirm successful candidates offers by vote at the next meeting, before applicants are offered a trusteeship.
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Any further question please contact recruitment@unibrass.co.uk.
What are we looking for?
Although we are not currently seeking applications, the person specification for the latest application round is shown below.
Desirable
A successful candidate may have experience in one or more of the following, however if you meet the essential criteria please do not worry if you don't feel any of the below apply to you, we would still love to hear from you!
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Active participation in music (above and beyond simply playing an instrument)
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Experience managing project budgets and/or experience with financial management
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Experience marketing arts events/organisations
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Experience of employing and/or managing staff in a small organisation
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Experience of managing projects, ideally within the arts sector
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Experience of working/volunteering in the arts sector
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Success in grant applications (ideally for arts causes)​
Essential
​The successful candidate is likely to meet almost all of the following criteria:
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A reasonable amount of time available (including set dates), and enthusiasm for, volunteering for the charity
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Ability to work effectively as part of the trustee board
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Clear knowledge of and support for the Foundation’s aims
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Confident in using relevant ICT to facilitate remote working