Who we are
For over 140 years, the Actors’ Benevolent Fund has supported actors and stage managers experiencing hardship due to injury, illness, or old age. In today’s challenging climate, the ABF also provides emergency grants in the face of the cost of living crisis. The ABF plans to expand and broaden the amount and forms of help it provides to meet the needs of today’s actors and stage managers and support them to sustain viable careers, as well as continuing to help those no longer able to work.

The ABF is managed by a small staff team at Adam Street just off The Strand in London and led by a Council of trustees who are all also members of the ABF.

The actors and stage managers we support today fall into two main groups:
• Some are unable to work because of their health, an injury or old age
• Others have immediate needs because of the cost of living crisis.

The role
In 2023, we are looking to recruit new member trustees and co-opt additional trustees who do not need to be members but who, as supporters of the theatrical world, bring essential skills to the board.

Most of all, we are looking for trustees who are allied with our aim of helping actors and stage managers of all ages and backgrounds, and who empathise with the culture of today’s most effective and forward- looking charities. Our recent skills audit has shown that we would especially welcome applications from people who have professional knowledge and experience in:

• Investment Management
• Finance
• Marketing / Social media / Brand Awareness
• Legal

And from within the theatrical world, we would particularly welcome applications from:

• Stage Managers
• Those with connections to/from theatres outside of London and throughout the UK

To read more about the role, please download the Candidate Information Pack.

Time commitment:
Council meetings are every two months at the Adam Street premises, with an option to join virtually. Council meetings normally take place on the last Thursday of the month. You are expected to attend all meetings. If you are not available, you can pass on your apologies, but must read any documents supplied and pass on any comments you may have.

How to Apply:
Please state in the heading of your application whether you are applying as a Co-Opted Trustee or a Member Trustee, and provide us with:

• An up-to-date CV; and
• Either a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 or, if you prefer, a video of no more than 4 minutes long, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise, what you think you can bring to the role and what you hope to gain from the role.

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and Actor’s Benevolent Fund in the subject heading.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter or Ian Joseph on: melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk | 07789 985 229 , ian.joseph@russam.co.uk | 07825 267 500

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd October 2023 (time frame has been extended by one week in light of delays with post being received)

Preliminary Interviews with Trustees Unlimited for ABF Members: 9th - 12th October 2023

Preliminary Interviews with Trustees Unlimited for Co-Opted Candidates: 12th - 18th October 2023

Nominations Committee Interviews: 30th, 31st October and 1st November 2023

Actors' Benevolent Fund AGM and Elections: 11.00 am on Thursday, 7th December, at The Actors' Church, Covent Garden.