NEMO ARTS TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTION

Help Guide a Creative Mental Health Charity in Scotland

About Nemo Arts

Founded in 1998, Nemo Arts (formerly Theatre Nemo) has over 25 years of experience delivering high-quality, participatory arts programmes that support people in recovery from poor mental health. Our innovative work has reached children and families of prisoners, young carers, adults in psychiatric units, people in prison, and those living in the community.

We use a wide range of creative approaches, including music, drama, and visual art, to support wellbeing. Research consistently shows that participation in the arts can improve mental health and wellbeing—no matter the starting point. 

Our programmes aim to:

  • Increase confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduce isolation and stigma
  • Build creative and life skills
  • Improve overall wellbeing

Our mission is to support people in recovery from poor mental health. We aim to:

  • Improve people’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Increase community understanding of mental illness
  • Reduce the stigma and isolation often associated with poor mental health

Most of our participants are referred by NHS mental health services (around 80%), with others referred by social workers, third-sector organisations, or through self-referral. We work with adults experiencing a broad spectrum of mental health challenges, and all are welcome within our service.

The Role: Trustee

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Nemo Arts. You will ensure that the charity is well-run, financially sound, and compliant with all relevant regulations. Most importantly, you will help us continue to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting Nemo Arts’ strategic planning and governance
  • Ensuring financial oversight and sound risk management
  • Upholding the charity’s mission, vision, and values
  • Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Attending four board meetings per year, our AGM, and occasional events or ad-hoc meetings when possible

What We’re Looking For

We are currently recruiting for a Treasurer and additional Trustees to complement our Board. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

For the Treasurer role, we are seeking someone with:

  • Experience in financial strategy, budgeting, or forecasting
  • An understanding of financial compliance and charity finance
  • Confidence in presenting financial reports clearly at board and AGM meetings

For general Trustee roles, we would especially welcome skills in:

  • Finance or legal expertise
  • Charity or company law
  • Governance and board leadership
  • Strategic planning and third-sector knowledge

Above all, we value:

  • A strong commitment to Nemo Arts’ mission
  • Good communication and teamwork skills
  • A desire to help shape a supportive, creative and inclusive organisation

Time Commitment

  • Board meetings are held quarterly, typically between 1 – 2 hours
  • Trustees are also invited to occasional events and ad-hoc discussions outside of these meetings.
  • Estimated time commitment: approx. 12–16 hours annually, plus any additional involvement as available.

Your time will directly contribute to improving the lives of people affected by poor mental health.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete this simple form:

Please briefly describe why our work resonates with you.
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Once an application is received it will be reviewed by boar members, we may contact you for more information or invite you to attend an interview. These are informal and will usually be with the CEO and 1 or 2 current trustees.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board.