We are actively seeking new trustees to contribute to our vital work. The commitment involves attending regular meetings, participating in committees, and actively engaging in the governance and strategic direction of the charity.
The role
In 2023, we are looking to recruit Member Trustees.
We would particularly welcome applications from:
•Stage Managers
•Those with connections to/from theatres outside of London and throughout the UK
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.
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 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 30th October 2023 (extended deadline)
Preliminary Interviews with Trustees Unlimited for ABF Members: 13th – 15th November 2023
Nominations Committee Interviews: 27th – 29th November 2023
Actors’ Benevolent Fund AGM and Elections: w/c 15th January 2023
We look forward to receiving your application.
Extraordinary General Meeting
11.30am Tuesday, 27th June 2023 at St Paul’s, The Actors’ Church, Bedford Street, Covent Garden London WC2E 9ED
This web page is to provide you with an update following the Charity Commission’s ongoing engagement with the charity and in particular includes formal notice of the general meeting of members the Commission requires to be held. This will take place on Tuesday, June 27th at 11.30am at The Actors’ Church, Bedford Street, Covent Garden London WC2E 9ED.
The December Annual General Meeting (AGM) was delayed as a result of attempts to resolve the dispute with a number of former members of Council. This delay was further exacerbated by postal strikes and bad weather which disrupted the delivery of proxy forms and voting.
After the AGM was held, the Charity Commission ruled that the resolution to extend the period for counting votes (that those present at the AGM had supported) was not valid, as the AGM was “closed” instead of being “adjourned.” It concluded therefore that all motions at the December AGM were void.
However, it also recognised that the independently monitored ballot showed clear support for change and the election of the current trustees and made an order formally appointing those with the highest votes, considering it “in the best interests of the charity.” The trustees fully accept the Commission’s judgement in this matter and remain committed to a process which fully resolves these issues. The trustees are encouraged by the Charity Commission’s confidence in their leadership and the new direction they have proposed for the ABF. They also know that they have much more work to do if the ABF is to attain its full potential to help our community.
The extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will specifically address administrative issues arising from the previous AGM in December 2022 which had sought to adopt the modern articles of association that the Charity Commission had stipulated as well as electing trustees. Adoption of these articles of association will bring the ABF in line with current standards of charity governance.
There has been well-publicised disagreement with a minority of the membership regarding how the ABF should move forward. The current trustees very much hope that the detailed guidance provided by the Charity Commission review will provide a framework for resolving these disagreements and enable the ABF to focus entirely on providing support to those from the acting and stage management communities who need it most. In this respect, the trustees also believe that seeking to follow best practice in charity governance by following the Charity Governance Code will enable the ABF to continue to implement its plans to help many more people, which the ABF is very well resourced to do.
Participating in the EGM on June 27th
You can participate in the EGM either by attending the meeting or, if you cannot be at the meeting in person, by appointing a proxy to exercise your vote. You may appoint your proxy by post or online. Attached for the purposes of the EGM are:
- The formal EGM notice.
- The proposed new articles of association and an explanatory note about the changes.
- The 2008 Articles of Association.
- Information on how to appoint a proxy either using the PDF proxy form attached, or by following the information to appoint your proxy online.
- The 2021 annual accounts, as made available last year.
In addition, a note is attached seeking your consent to allow the ABF to communicate with you electronically or via the website if you have not already given it.
Moving forward
At the 2023 AGM later this year, and for only the second time in the ABF’s history, any member will be able to stand for election as a trustee. Our new constitution, if adopted at the EGM, will further strengthen your oversight of the charity by introducing limits on trustees’ terms of office. On the ABF website at actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk/news you can find out how to put your name forward to be a trustee for 2023-24.
The current trustees would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Charity Commission’s support and its invaluable counsel during the past year. The EGM on June 27th will be an important step forward for the ABF and we very much hope that you will be able to participate and support the resolutions. The trustees are developing a long-term plan that will further build and extend the ABF’s help and services to actors and stage managers and look forward to sharing their thinking with you in the coming months.
We thank you for your ongoing support of the charity.
Yours sincerely,
The Trustees
Dr Esh Alladi (Chair), Colin Bennett (Hon Treasurer), Marilyn Cutts, Abi Eniola, Nick Fletcher, Peter Harding, Andrew Jarvis, Rebecca Johnson, Karen Gledhill, Amanda Holt, Chris Luscombe, Dipo Ola, Hannah Whittingham.