Appointment of Additional Trustees (Volunteer roles)

OYAP (Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership) Trust is a small Oxfordshire-based charity committed to transforming lives through creativity. Its expertise lies in delivering projects which support some of the most disadvantaged young people in the county in a unique way.

Since becoming an independent charity in 2005 OYAP Trust’s artists and volunteers have worked with over ten thousand young people in Oxfordshire. We strive to give all people, especially those most isolated, vulnerable and at risk, the opportunity to learn and develop confidence and skills through irresistible creative projects. At OYAP Trust young people come first. Our experience shows that with a sprinkling of creative magic and plenty of support anything is possible. We exist to help young people be the best they can be, to be inspired and to aim high no matter what obstacles stand in their way. We introduce young people to irresistible arts activities and nurture young talent; we reach out to the most socially and economically deprived children in the county to offer inclusive, educational and inspirational projects that raise confidence and achieve qualifications; and we work with young people to design creative projects which celebrate the individuality and particular interests of young people with special needs. Our projects have creativity and community at their heart.

OYAP Trust is at a very exciting stage in its development, new opportunities are opening up and we are currently undertaking our own organisational transformation project. At the same time our tiny staff team must continue to deliver a range of important projects in a variety of locations throughout Oxfordshire.

We currently have a small but very focused board of Trustees and we have recently carried out a review of the skills of our current Trustees. As a result of this review we are now seeking to recruit up to two new Trustees with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: fundraising, current education strategy and policy with particular regard to youth arts, communications and marketing, and finance. OYAP Trust is based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the Board of Trustees has formal meetings four times per year. In addition we hold occasional awaydays and fundraising events at which our Trustees play an important part.

As an organisation we are particularly keen to ensure that our board of Trustees is fully representative of the community in which we work and at the current time we would warmly welcome applications from those from ethnic minority backgrounds, women and young people within the community