English Folk Dance & Song Society

The English Folk Dance and Song Society is the national folk arts development organisation for the folk arts of England. We run a venue, library and archive, national learning and artists’ development programme and are a membership, lobbying and advocacy body. Our applauded 1930s Grade II listed arts centre, Cecil Sharp House in North London, is home to much of our annual programme of events and to the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library which is the designated library and archive for the folk arts.

We deliver learning and participation activities for all ages and abilities, and in all settings, and teacher and educators training. Our artists’ development programme seeks to encourage and support creativity and the sustainability of a professional career as a folk artist through creative bursaries, performance, commissions, residencies, and other support. We have developed the largest freely available digital on-line archive of folk materials and a growing on-line free Resource Bank for teachers and educators. Our acclaimed National Youth Folk Ensemble celebrates excellence in youth folk music and encourages progression from earliest grassroots activity in schools and community settings on to lifelong engagement.

EFDSS now wishes to appoint a new Chair of the Board to lead the organisation in its next phase of development. This is a wonderful opportunity for the right person to work with this unique organisation and develop a sustainable, innovative new business model for the future. Candidates should have an enthusiasm and support for the aims of the EFDSS, a belief in the power of culture and education to transform and enrich people’s lives, and a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and widening access. Candidates should bring senior leadership experience as a non-executive, excellent communication and ambassadorial skills and a collegiate and inclusive approach.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the English Folk Dance & Song Society on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBILA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 26^th May 2023.