Established in 2013, Xpress-Yourself Dance is one of the West Midlands’ leading dance companies specialising in working with older adults. We have been operating for ten years and registered as a Community Interest Company in August 2021. Xpress-Yourself dance works inclusively to ensure that everyone is a dancer. Our aim is to make dance accessible for all, no matter the age or ability of an individual. We are currently seeking two new volunteers to join our board.
We are passionate about delivering dance classes and workshops to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults. Xpress-Yourself dance delivers weekly “Keep Dancing” classes (sessions) which are suitable for over 60’s in a face to face and online capacity. We also deliver community events and tea dances across the West Midlands. We are a dementia and disability friendly organisation and our inclusive workshops/dance classes are delivered in community venues, care homes, hospitals, day centres and dementia cafes. Starting at a zero basis in 2013, the organisation has weathered COVID-19 and grown significantly. We are currently looking to drive further forwards and develop our work with volunteers.
Over the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was quickly recognised by the Xpress-Yourself dance management team that we were an organisation with charitable purposes, working for the good of the community. Our objectives have always been to develop and deliver dance services to meet the needs of older adults whilst reinvesting into projects that benefit and give opportunities to participate to our elderly population.
In 2021 we registered as a Community Interest Company. We work with approximately 80 – 200 dancers per week, with an average of 15 beneficiaries attending per class across the West Midlands, with a total of 280 older adults attending per year. We are a professional member of “People Dancing” the Community Dance Foundation. We have a loyal customer base and some of our participants have been dancing with us for a number of years. Some of our classes even have a weekly waiting list to attend.
In recent years we have worked hard to develop our funding pipeline and to help build financial stability for the organisation. We are extremely proud to have been awarded funding from National Lottery, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, Allen Lane Foundation, Barchester Healthcare, Fairer Future Fund, Sutton Coldfield and Hall Green NNS.
Alongside our weekly Keep Dancing classes, we also run our own tea dances across Sutton Coldfield and host Building Community Together tea dances throughout the year. Our organisations proudly supports local freelance community dance artists with professional dance qualifications, and we also have a part time admin and marketing assistant.
With falls costings the NHS an estimated £2.3 million per year, Xpress-Yourself supports older adults as part of their Keep Dancing classes to keep strong and steady. Furthermore, our dance classes provide opportunity to combat social isolation. Our work in care homes, Dementia cafes and hospitals has achieved break through moments with people who living with disabilities, and dementia and ensured that they feel a valued member of our community.
Xpress-Yourself now have board member vacancy as we continue to grow and develop. We are seeking someone with the skills and commitment to provide leadership into the future.
What Will You Be Doing?
The role requires experience and skills in business development and planning, financial acumen, marketing, HR , public health or an understanding of the challenges facing any small business seeking to grow. It would be favourable if you have an interest or passion for dance or how exercise can benefit your mind and body in addition to the above experience and skills listed. Furthermore, prior experience within the adult social care sector or in a governance role would be preferred but is not an essential requirement.
As a board member you would be asked to regularly commit two hours to our bi monthly board meetings which run online on Zoom. In return, working with our established and enthusiastic team, you’ll be making a huge difference in the local community and ensuring Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC are able to continue to build shared communities through movement and dance and further sustainability for the future of the company.
Who Are We Looking For?
Essential:
- Commitment to Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC’s vision.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, and participate actively in the work of the Board.
- Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad-hoc basis.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Good, independent judgement.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Ability to galvanise external relationships and build support for Xpress- Yourself Dance CIC.
- Experience and knowledge of finance and fundraising.
- Experience in organisational development and strategic planning.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance.
- Knowledge of West Midlands.
- Experience in community development.
- Interest in dance and public health.
- Experience of business development and financial management.
- Experience in ethical fundraising.
- Experience in ensuring institutional accessibility (physical and cultural).
Eligibility:
- Priority will be given to those who are live in the West Midlands, however applications are welcome from people located anywhere across England as board meetings are remote.
- Board meetings are usually held online on weekday evenings, though board members would ideally be available some weekends on an ad hoc basis.
Accessibility:
We would like Xpress-Yourself Dance board to reflect the diversity of the West Midlands and welcome interest and applications from people from all ages, stages and backgrounds. If you are interested but feel you have specific barriers to applying, please let us know so we can talk about how we can address these and make it possible for you. Whilst the role itself is voluntary, expenses will be covered when possible.
Time commitment is a big question – Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC will be rewarding and beneficial to you, however, we will do our best to make sure the role can work around your life, work and other commitments.
What Difference Will You Make?
As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose to encourage older adults to have access to dance, and work towards helping older adults overcome loneliness, social isolation, health inequalities, encouraging them to maintain independence and age well.
This is a vital role, helping ensure we can continue our support for older adults across the West Midlands. As a director, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of our social enterprise.
Experience working in finance is so important to us – not only do we need someone to keep us on track financially and keep us viable, but even more significantly we are looking for someone to help us formulate our vision for the future.
The Board of Directors is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.
Tempted?
We’d love to hear from you. Message or call Faye O’Connor (Operations Manager) on 07984423534 or email her on hello@xpress-yourself.co.uk
Closing date for applicants: 31st July 2024
We welcome applications from individuals who are representative of the communities we serve. Please note the successful applicant will be required to have a full enhanced DBS check prior to commencing the role.
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