The Word Association CIC is seeking three experienced and committed non-executive members to join our Board of Directors. 

At The Word Association we bring writing workshops and opportunities in publishing and performance to under-represented groups. Our passion is celebrating the stories of marginalised communities and making sure their voices get heard. 

We publish anthologies of our workshop participants’ work and distribute them at Pride events, literature festivals and throughout Worcestershire Libraries for National Poetry Day, National Coming Out Day and World Mental Health Day. 

This combination of expression, interaction and growth (through our programme of regular workshops, meet ups and events) is vital in helping these individuals to feel less isolated, more part of a community, to improve mental health and build self-confidence.  

Our aim is to help the individuals from our targeted communities to thrive and reach their full potential, while feeling connected with others.  

The new board members will join the organisation at an important and transformative juncture. We recently secured National Lottery Community Fund funding for a programme of events that will take us until Sept 2024. We are laser-focused on future-proofing the organisation and bold in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.  

You will have relevant knowledge and skills to support our mission, a passion for poetry, and an understanding of the transformative power of the arts in community.  

The Directors of a CIC occupy an important position of trust and are also responsible for ensuring that the company meets its statutory and other obligations. In addition to these general responsibilities CIC Directors are also responsible for ensuring that the company is run in such a way that it will continue to satisfy the community interest test. In practice, this will mean prioritising the interests of the community the CIC is intended to serve. 

Most importantly, we are looking for board members who will be taking an active role in creating a diverse and effective Board, being a part of open and inclusive discussion, and helping to provide strategic direction to challenge and support the executive team in formulating and delivering viable business plans that will see The Word Association continuing to thrive. 

We are dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce, amongst our audiences, and across our community programmes. As a new board member, you will be deeply committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and able to amplify the voices of people currently underrepresented in our workforce, our audiences, our communities and our thinking. 

The anticipated time commitment for board members will vary but be around 8-16 hours per year. This will include attending 4 board meetings a year. We also encourage board members to attend book launches and public performances where possible. Each year you will be offered the chance to reapply as a director. 

This is a voluntary position. 

The deadline for applications is Midnight GMT Friday 17th March 2023. 

Please send an expression of interest to the Chair of the Board, William Finn at info@the-word-association.com including why you’d like to become a Director of The Word Association CIC and what relevant skills and experiences you can bring to the position.