VACANCIES

The BIT Collective is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in employment. No discrimination will be made throughout the recruitment process based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender or socio-economic background. 

  • Position: Chairperson

    Location: Remote but based in Scotland

    Hours: Approx 4 hours per month

    Pay: Voluntary

    About The BIT Collective

    The BIT Collective is a grassroots organisation working to advance gender equity, safeguarding, and inclusion across the Scottish traditional and folk music sector. We deliver events, mentoring, upskilling, research, and sector-wide engagement to drive meaningful and lasting cultural change.

    Our work is grounded in community, guided by evidence, and shaped by the people who make up this sector. The BIT Collective is committed to the highest standards of transparency, governance, and ethical practice.

    Role Overview

    The Chair provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for The BIT Collective, working in close partnership with the board and any employed or contracted staff. The Chair ensures the organisation remains true to its values and mission, and that it is well-governed, financially sustainable, and effectively led.

    The BIT Collective has a growing national profile, an established body of research and sector influence, and an active programme of activity. The new Chair will lead from a position of strength, with the groundwork already done.

    Where We Are Now
    The BIT Collective is in a strong position for its incoming Chair. The organisation currently holds funded project activity, and a new funding application will be submitted in April that will carry the programme through to February 2028 - giving the incoming Chair a clear runway and an established foundation to build from. The BIT Collective is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), with governance structures, policies, and documentation in good shape. This is not a rebuilding role - it is an opportunity to lead an organisation that has done the hard work of getting its house in order and is ready to focus on impact.
    The outgoing chair will be on hand for a full handover and any questions arising.

    Key Responsibilities
    Strategic leadership

    • Work with board members and any staff to set and deliver the strategic direction of The BIT Collective

    • Ensure the organisation's activities remain aligned with its mission, values, and governing documents

    • Build on an existing funding strategy, with a new application in progress to carry the programme through to February 2028

    • Act as an ambassador for the organisation across the sector, building relationships and raising the profile of BIT's work

    Governance and board leadership

    • Chair board meetings, ensuring they are productive, inclusive, and focused on strategic priorities

    • Ensure the board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities

    • Support the recruitment, induction, and development of board members

    • Ensure robust policies are in place across safeguarding, EDIA, finance, and risk

    • Oversee compliance with any funder requirements and reporting obligations

    Sector engagement

    • Represent The BIT Collective in sector spaces, including at events, partnerships, and stakeholder meetings

    • Build and maintain constructive relationships with peer organisations, funders, researchers, and sector bodies

    • Support the development and communication of BIT's position on key issues including safeguarding, gender equity, and inclusive practice

    • Engage with the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the BIT safeguarding report and relevant sector research

    Operational oversight

    • Work closely with any contracted staff, freelancers, or volunteers to ensure effective programme delivery

    • Hold responsibility for board-level decision-making between meetings where required

    • Support budget oversight and financial governance

    • Ensure the board and organisation are appropriately insured and constitutionally compliant

    Person Specification

    Essential

    • Commitment to the values of The BIT Collective - equity, inclusion, safeguarding, and community

    • Experience of governance, board leadership, or senior strategic responsibility in a voluntary, public, or third sector context

    • Understanding of the folk and/or traditional music sector, or a closely related creative sector

    • Strong communication skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively

    • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders

    • Willingness to represent the organisation publicly and act as a visible champion for its work

    • Practical and solutions-focused approach to challenges

    Desirable

    • Experience of chairing a board or committee

    • Knowledge of safeguarding policy, EDIA practice, or sector research in a music or arts context

    • Existing networks within the Scottish or UK traditional or folk music sector

    • Experience of fundraising or funder relationships

    • Familiarity with SCIO governance and Scottish charity law

    Equity and Inclusion

    The BIT Collective is an equity-led organisation. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in leadership roles, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and those from working-class backgrounds.

    We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please get in touch.

    How to Apply

    To express interest in this role, please send a short covering statement (no more than one side of A4) outlining your interest and relevant experience, along with a brief CV or professional biography, to:

    thebitcollectiveboard@gmail.com

    Closing Date: 13th April @ 12pm

  • Position: Trustees

    Location: Remote but based in Scotland

    Hours: Approximately 1-2 hours per month

    Pay: Voluntary

    About The BIT Collective

    The mission of the BIT Collective is to catalyse progressive and intersectional structural change in the Scottish Folk and Traditional Music community. The objective of BIT Collective is to support, platform and advocate for projects by women, non-binary, and trans musicians, or by their clear allies.

    Focusing on the Folk and Traditional music scene in Scotland, the Organisation will:

    • Research equity and inequality issues

    • Discuss inequality issues

    • Facilitate learning for the public, organisations and individuals about inequality issues

    • Address equity and equality issues through the media

    • Inspire progressive action towards intersectional gender equality

    In this way, our vision is to increase the recognition, achievement, safety and enjoyment of an ever more diverse set of people in the Scottish Folk and Traditional music scene.

    Role Overview

    As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to provide strategic oversight, ensure good governance, and act as a champion for The BIT Collective’s mission. Trustees work collaboratively to guide the organisation's vision, monitor its progress, and uphold its core values.

    This is a voluntary role; however, reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed.

    Responsibilities

    • Contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of The BIT Collective.

    • Ensure the organisation operates within its constitution, legal framework, and regulatory obligations.

    • Safeguard the organisation’s values, mission, and reputation.

    • Provide oversight of financial sustainability, approving budgets, and monitoring expenditure.

    • Support and guide the Freelance Coordinator and other contractors, offering mentorship and advocacy.

    • Attend quarterly board meetings, annual strategy sessions, and occasional project-related events.

    • Promote equality, inclusion, and best practices in the traditional arts sector.

    Key Commitments

    • Attend at least 75% of board meetings annually (held remotely or in person).

    • Devote approximately 1–2 hours per month to board responsibilities, with occasional additional time during strategic planning or major events.

    • Actively participate in sub-committees or working groups where needed.

    What We’re Looking For

    We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

    • Governance and charity leadership.

    • Advocacy for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

    • Financial management, fundraising, or strategic planning.

    • Arts and culture, especially traditional music or folk arts.

    • Marketing, PR, and digital communication.

    • Safeguarding or working with vulnerable groups.

    Essential Attributes

    • A commitment to The BIT Collective’s mission and values.

    • An understanding of the role of a trustee and willingness to uphold legal and ethical responsibilities.

    • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

    • A creative, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for equality and inclusion.

    Desirable Skills

    • Knowledge of the Scottish traditional music sector.

    • Previous board experience or familiarity with charity governance.

    What You’ll Gain

    • The chance to shape and influence meaningful change in the arts and cultural sector

    • Opportunities to develop leadership, governance, and strategic thinking skills.

    • Collaboration with a passionate, supportive, and creative board and staff.

    • Insight into the operations of a dynamic and growing organisation.

    The BIT Collective is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in employment. No discrimination will be made throughout the recruitment process based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender or socio-economic background.  The BIT Collective values the understanding that lived experience brings. To apply please email a CV and cover letter/video to thebitcollectiveboard@gmail.com