Interested?
Friends of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection is looking for a Treasurer to join our governing Council. We are seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Treasurer to oversee the financial health of the Friends organisation.
The role is a voluntary position and involves leading on the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring they are conducted within the legal, accounting and good practice conventions.
You don’t have to be a chartered accountant, but experience in finance, managing charity budgets, accounts, or day-to-day finance would be valuable.
The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place and reports to the Council of Trustees about the financial health of the organisation. They work in partnership with the Chairperson and fellow trustees to ensure the financial viability, ongoing development and long-term strategy of the charity.
Reasons to apply
As a voluntary role, it is an opportunity to expand your portfolio of skills and experience, supporting one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre.
Established in 1976, the Friends of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection is a charitable membership organisation which has been active in fundraising and giving grants to the Theatre Collection for the conservation, purchase and display of artefacts, as well as organising events for members. This is a great time join the Friends as we prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Theatre Collection, which the Friends Association supports, was founded in 1951 and has grown to become one of the world’s leading collections relating to the history of British theatre and live art. The Collection holds artworks, audio visual material, costumes, designs, set models, playbills and programmes of this most ephemeral of art forms. It provides a unique insight into theatre and live art, creative processes and broader cultural contexts.
The holistic approach to collecting archives and objects, and the interconnectedness between the collections, make it an outstanding research resource. The collection is visited and used by students, the theatre community, both professional and amateur, academics, artists, designers and historians, as well as enjoyed by members of the public - open to all and free to access.
The Theatre Collection holds both Accredited Museum and Accredited Archive Service status. In 2020, its collections were Designated Outstanding by the Arts Council, England.
How to apply
If you’re interested in supporting one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre, please read our Trustee Recruitment Information and email your expression of interest detailing your relevant experience, as per the Treasurer role requirements.
We welcome applications from individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Prior trustee experience is not essential. New trustees are provided with a full induction prior to assuming their duties.
Download & read: Trustee Recruitment Information (PDF, 147kB)
Email application to: theatrecollection-friends@bristol.ac.uk
Apply by: 23:59 on Sunday 24 August 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 15 September 2025. Most likely in person at the Theatre Collection, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LT