Luminate
Chair
Voluntary Position with reasonable expenses
About Luminate
Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing organisation – the national leader in supporting and promoting creativity as part of ageing. Working across the country, Luminate ensures that older people’s creativity can thrive, whatever their circumstances, experience, interests or ambitions.
The organisation develops and supports creative practice in many different settings, working with artists, cultural organisations, community groups and social care providers. Its projects explore and test new ways of working, often engaging new communities, while sharing learning to support others across the arts, care, learning and third sectors. Luminate also offers networking, training and professional development opportunities for those involved in creative ageing.
Luminate’s work challenges stereotypes of ageing and advocates for increased cultural provision with, for and by older people.
Recent highlights include:
• Leading Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing network, offering development opportunities for singing group leaders and providing resources for choirs and community groups.
• Awarding bursaries to emerging older artists who have begun their professional arts careers later in life, reaching those who might not access support through traditional routes.
• Launching a Creative Ageing Artist in Residence in Forfar, in partnership with Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action Angus — the first step towards a wider Angus programme planned for 2026.
• Collaborating with We Are Here Scotland on a new initiative bringing together Black and Global Majority artists to explore creative engagement with older people.
The Opportunity
Luminate is seeking a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees as the current Chair’s term comes to an end. The organisation is looking for someone who shares its passion for creativity and ageing, and who can provide thoughtful and inclusive leadership to support its next chapter.
The shortlisted candidate will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer in March 2026.
About the Role
As well as fulfilling the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair provides leadership to the Board and works closely with the Director to ensure that Luminate continues to thrive. The Chair helps to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and supports the Board to carry out its role effectively. They also represent Luminate externally from time to time, acting as an ambassador with partners, funders and other stakeholders, and attending selected artistic events during the year.
The Chair leads four Board meetings each year, along with one awayday. Meetings are usually held in Edinburgh, with the option to join remotely as part of Luminate’s hybrid approach. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
About You
Luminate is seeking a Chair who is genuinely enthusiastic about the organisation’s mission and who brings sound judgement, openness and a collaborative approach.
Candidates for the role of Chair should bring:
• A strong interest in and commitment to Luminate’s work.
• An understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a charity trustee.
• A commitment to being well-informed and engaged with Luminate’s activities.
• Openness, integrity and respect in working with colleagues and staff.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Previous experience of charity board membership.
• Ideally, prior experience of chairing a charitable organisation (though this is not essential).
• Confidence in representing an organisation externally and engaging with a range of stakeholders.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who values creativity, inclusion and the contribution of older people to Scotland’s cultural life, and who would like to play a leading role in shaping the future of this pioneering organisation.
How to Apply:
Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.
Closing Date: Monday 8th December
This search is being conducted exclusively for the Luminate by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.