Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership Chair
Independent Chair sought for the Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership
Neath Port Talbot Council and its partners have set out an ambitious Culture Strategy to strengthen the role of culture in the life of the county. At its heart is a commitment to place culture at the centre of public life, shaping our places, supporting our communities and creating opportunities for our people.
To deliver this, a new Culture Partnership has been established to bring together organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. The Partnership will provide collaborative leadership and coordination to support delivery of the Strategy and ensure culture makes a clear contribution to people, place and the economy.
The Partnership is now moving from establishment into delivery, with a focus on setting priorities, building momentum and progressing key areas of work.
We are seeking an independent volunteer Chair to lead the Partnership at a critical point in its development. The Chair will play a key role in bringing partners together and ensuring the Partnership operates as a focused and effective forum to drive forward change.
The Chair will act as an advocate for culture in Neath Port Talbot, supporting collaboration across sectors and helping to build a shared approach to delivering the Culture Strategy. They will work closely with partners to support the development of activity that reflects the needs of communities across the county.
The Culture Partnership will also act as the delivery body for the Port Talbot Town of Culture programme, with the Chair providing leadership during key periods of development and delivery linked to this work.
This is an opportunity to shape how culture is delivered across Neath Port Talbot and to play a central role in delivering change.
We are looking for an independent Chair who:
Essential
- Has a strong connection to Neath Port Talbot, either through living, working or demonstrable links to the area
- Understands and is committed to the role of culture in shaping place, communities and opportunity
- Has experience of working with a range of sectors including public, private and voluntary organisations with the ability to build effective partnerships
- Has experience of governance or board leadership, ideally at a senior or strategic level with the ability to provide strategic oversight and support clear decision making
- Has strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to bring people together, manage differing perspectives and build consensus
- Is able to operate independently and provide constructive challenge where required
- Is able to create an environment where partners feel ownership of the Partnership and are encouraged to contribute actively
Desirable
- Experience of leading or overseeing programmes involving cultural development, regeneration, placemaking or community development
- Experience of working with or overseeing significant investment, including funding and delivery oversight
- Understanding of how to support delivery of complex, multi-partner initiatives and manage risk
Roles and responsibilities
The Chair will provide independent leadership to the Partnership, ensuring it operates effectively and delivers against the NPT Culture Strategy.
The Chair will:
- with support from NPTCBC Officers, lead the NPT Culture Partnership meetings, ensuring they are focused, well-managed and result in clear actions
- work with members and officers to shape priorities in line with the NPT Culture Strategy
- ensure the Partnership operates as a collaborative, partner-led forum
- support the development of clear priorities and oversee progress against them
- act as an ambassador for the Partnership, representing its work where appropriate
- demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice and ensure a range of voices are reflected in decision-making
- encourage participation from all members
- ensure the Partnership maintains a focus on delivery, moving agreed priorities into action
- support the establishment of sub-groups or task-based activity where required to progress work
The Chair cannot be an elected representative, such as a:
- Member of Parliament
- Member of the Senedd
- Local Ward/ Community/Town Councillor
- Member of the Scottish Parliament
- Member of the Legislative Assembly
The Chair must be able to demonstrate independence from the operational delivery of the Culture Strategy and should not hold a position that presents a direct conflict of interest in relation to Partnership decision making.
The Chair will be accountable to the Partnership and will work in collaboration with Neath Port Talbot Council in its role as the supporting body.
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses to fulfil the role of Chair will be paid.
The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of three years, with any extension or reappointment subject to review and agreement by the Partnership.
The role will require attendance at a minimum of four Partnership meetings per year, including preparation time, alongside additional engagement or development activity as required. Meetings will be conducted online and in person, with a minimum of one in-person meeting to be held annually within Neath Port Talbot County Borough.
Time commitment is expected to average 6-8 hours per month, with potential for increased input during key periods, including delivery of the Port Talbot Town of Culture programme.
The Chair will receive ongoing support from Neath Port Talbot Council, taking responsibility for governance arrangements, administration, any financial administration and reporting.
Apply
To request an expression of interest pack, email H.Rees@npt.gov.uk
Applications close at 12pm on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
