Impelo is entering a brand new chapter, and we're seeking a fresh new board of Trustees to take these next steps with us. Will you be part of our neighbourhood?
Who we are
Impelo is a small yet mighty arts CIO, with a reputation for a socially engaged, inventive, and ambitious approach that seeks to redefine community dance and arts in the rural context. Through partnerships, community practice, participants, and audiences, we've introduced fresh, exciting perspectives on dance. The quality and uniqueness at our heart are nurtured in our Powys roots.
If you’d like to know more about our work, please see our website and social accounts;
Context
With the loss of multi-year funding from Arts Council of Wales portfolio earlier this year, we’ve made some big changes which are shaped by everything that’s come before and a vision of the difference we can make in Powys and beyond.
We’re evolving—and it’s in our 45 year heritage. Impelo’s roots are defined by adaptability and our commitment to embracing every experience along the way. We’re all about lived experience here. As part of this shift we are putting our community and our dancers at the very heart of a user-led organisation.
We’re not over egging the pudding when we say now is a really exciting time to join our board!
Our centre
We’ve just embarked on a ground-breaking collaboration with Mid and North Powys Mind, combining the power of arts, dance, and mental health support in a way that’s truly forward-thinking. Together, we’re not just redeveloping our studio space and creating a welcoming new space for our neighbourhood—we’re pioneering a radical approach to community wellbeing.
A learning organisation
But we’re still learning. We’re trying new things, and that means we need the space to experiment, sometimes fail, and find better ways forward. We don’t have all the answers yet, and that’s OK. It’s part of our growth.
That’s why we’re looking for a diverse board—people with different skills, backgrounds, and even a good sense of humour—to help guide us through this exciting and evolving journey. If you think you can bring something special to the dance floor, we’re totally here for it.
By joining our board, you’ll be part of it all.
Who, me?
If this statement sings to you and you’d like to help shape the future of Impelo, we are looking for people who share our values and want to make a difference in our community, are up for contributing to diverse and innovative board discussions and who represent a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
But what does being a trustee mean?
Being a Trustee is a highly rewarding opportunity to work with talented creative people to really make a difference with communities in Powys and beyond through dance.
The perfect house blend
We’re looking for a mix of both experienced board members and those who may be considering a board role for the first time. We believe that this blend of experience and fresh perspectives will bring the unique energy we need to shape our new board, sparking collaboration and harnessing both honed expertise and new ideas.
Our North Star
New Trustees will have an induction and ongoing support, helping them develop new skills. As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in rolling out our North Star Guide—a unique, holistic organisational guide that embodies our deep commitment to the planet, to children and young people, to our role as leaders in dance and to our neighbourhood. This document is our roadmap for positive impact, and we need an equally inspiring board to help launch its goodness into the world.
Real terms
The Board of Trustees meets quarterly, online for the first two quarters.
We are anticipating returning to our dance centre base in Llandrindod Wells in September 2025, so anyone local to there may join us in person when the time comes!
Some of the work you could support Impelo with over the next year;
- Stepping back into our dance centre and the build up to this
- Our ongoing work with schools, embedding creativity and expression into the curriculum all over Powys
- Residencies for dance artists in Powys to nurture their artistic practice and exciting and innovative new participatory projects
- To support the funding application for the development of a brand new tourable performance production for early years
Are we a match?
As a brand new board we welcome a range of different people with different knowledge and skill sets and we really do mean what we say when we need a mix of experience and value applications from a variety of people. However we know we will specifically need a really excellent chair, so if you’ve had board experience before or have been a chair then we’d value your application, we’re imagining someone who can hold their own, ask the bold questions and hold care and real value for the work we do. We also really need to have someone with knowledge of buildings or capital projects as well as someone with a strong financial/ charity governance background.
What if I’ve got 2 left feet?
When we think about where our work takes us—schools, early years settings, healthcare facilities, care homes, and village halls—we know our board will be strongest with voices from these backgrounds. That’s why we encourage teachers, carers, early years practitioners, and others in these fields to consider applying. You don’t have to know about dance - leave that part to us - we’ll get you dancing in no time!
It’s also all about the energy and the values you might have so we’ve highlighted some qualities we are looking for on our Board of Trustees:
- Passion for Community and Dance
Our Trustees should wholeheartedly believe in the transformational power of dance and its ability to promote wellbeing, creativity, connection and community engagement.. just as we do! - Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment in all that we do and are looking for Trustees with an understanding of different cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds and experience working with or representing underrepresented or marginalised communities - Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is at the heart of this community oriented organisation - by fostering a collaborative environment where all voices are heard and creativity is nurtured, we empower all to be leaders in the community - Innovative and Strategic Thinking
Impelo are stepping into the unknown with a brand new organisational model with community at its heart. We are looking for proactive Trustees with solution-oriented mindsets and the ability to think creatively, evolve and adapt to challenges the charity may face whilst we find our feet - Integrity and Advocacy
We seek Trustees with strong personal ethics alongside a passionate commitment to advocating for the charity's mission and actively representing its goals within the community. This will help us stay accountable and transparent in our governance and decision making. - Open-Mindedness and Willingness to Learn
We invite Trustees to view this as a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth. We encourage individuals to apply who would pursue training opportunities relevant to the role and embrace the diverse lived experiences and perspectives of others; challenging personal assumptions to enhance their contributions to our organisation. - Financial and Legal Acumen (Desirable)
Impelo will need individuals with some understanding or experience in areas such as finance, legal matters, or governance to support sound decision-making. - Local Knowledge and Networks (Desirable)
Individuals with an understanding of the specific needs, challenges, and opportunities of living rurally in Powys. It is desirable for Trustees to have existing community or professional networks that could support the charity’s outreach and impact.
Thinking of Applying?
- If you might be interested, we want to hear from you – our first step is just to arrange a chat about being involved - really informal. Send us a message at hello@impelo.org.uk and we will set up an informal chat
We hope that after getting to know us you will want to apply formally.
TO APPLY:
Please submit your interest by telling us more about you and why you’re interested in joining the board, in either;
- a note (max 500 words)
- audio clip (max 2 minutes)
- video (max 2 minutes)
Please submit your interest in a format that suits you.
We ask that, if submitting video/audio or other files, please either attach via a link within your email or via WeTransfer
Deadline: 2nd December, 2024
Informal interview process: 2nd - 13th December 2024
First board meeting: January 2025
- For queries about access, or if you would like to view the recruitment pack in an alternative format, please contact hello@impelo.org.uk / 07967845168
This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses and access support is available.