THE PROCESS
We partner with 2-10 theatre and live performance organisations across the UK, both members and non-members. The programme is open to any arts organisation interested in expanding their networks or diversifying its board.
The shadowing placements are exclusive to ADF members Black, Asian and ethnically diverse (Global Majority) arts professionals and career changers with great insight or experience to offer a board. Membership is free, with optional paid subscriptions. Our current members are a mix of creatives, performers, Artistic Directors of small theatre companies and career changers from across the UK.
For the shadowers to experience a variety of organisational operations they will attend board meetings from at least two organisations. We advise the partners to host at least three shadowers at each board and sub-committee meeting. This flexibility will ensure organisations have at least one attached shadower and two rotating shadowers at each meeting.
A key element of the programme is for the organisations to schedule additional engagement opportunities. The organisations take the lead on how they engage with the shadowers outside of the board meetings. By the end of the programme each shadower will have attended board meetings for at least two organisations and engaged with all the hosting organisations at some point during the programme.
Hosting organisations pay a fee to join the programme.
KEY DATES
Organisations
There is flexibility around the hosting organisation meeting and workshop dates.
- Oct 2021: Hosting Organisations confirmed
- Mid Oct 2021: Hosting organisations meeting (to be scheduled according to availability
- 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th Jan: Diversifying Arts Boards workshops
- Week commencing 24th January 2022 Interviews for shadowing applicants
- 31st Jan 2022: Induction Day
- Feb 2022: Meet the Team days (dates are scheduled by the hosting organisations and take place in London or online for organisations outside of London)
- Mar 2021-30th Nov 2022: Board shadowing programme placements
Individuals
- 15th Dec 2021 Shadowing applications open
- 17th Jan 2022: Applications close for shadowers
- Week commencing 24th Jan 2022: Interviews annd shadowers confirmed
- 31st Jan 2022: Induction Day
- Feb 2022: Meet the Team days
- March-Nov 2022: Board Shadowing placements
PREPARATION
Partner Meeting
Once we have confirmed the hosting organisations we meet with the hosting organisations as a group to discuss the next steps of the Board Shadowing Programme in more detail. This will also present the opportunity for each organisation to ask any further questions they may have. The meeting date is 4th Oct 2021.
Applicant Briefing Day
We hold a briefing session for any individual members interested in taking part in the programme. This will be an opportunity for the members to meet senior staff from the hosting organisations and ask any questions before submitting their applications. Attendance is optional for members and will not inform the selection process.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for Shadowing Placements
Applicants fill in a short application form, submit their CV, profile picture and an equal opportunities form. ADF shortlists the applicants for the interview.
Interviews
Interviews are held in London or online over 2 days. Each organisation attends at least one interview day and are involved in the final selection process.
THE PROGRAMME
Diversifying Arts Boards Workshop
The organisations attend 4 half-day Diversifying Arts Boards workshops, in which they will engage in discussions, talks, peer-to-peer learning, and action-planning activities.
Induction & Meet the Team Days
At the start of the programme we host an induction day, which includes training for the shadowers and the chance for the organisations and shadowers to get to know each other.
The organisations will also schedule a Meet the Team day, using a format created by ADF.
Shadowing Placements
The shadowers attend board meetings, sub-committee meetings and other selected activities over a 9 month period.
