New Appointments to the Arts Council England Board
Grace Chan, Jonathan Douglas CBE, Jo Verrent, and Jon Gilchrist have been appointed to the Arts Council England Board, enhancing the council’s commitment to cultural leadership across the UK. Their terms span from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2029, for Chan, Douglas, and Verrent, while Gilchrist’s term will run from May 15, 2026, to May 14, 2030.
Profiles of the New Members
Grace Chan
Grace Chan, a chartered accountant and FCA member hailing from Levin, New Zealand, has extensive experience in financial management, particularly within the performing arts and charitable organisations. She has been the Chief Operating Officer of the English National Ballet since 2016 and has previously worked at notable institutions such as the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre. Chan has made significant contributions to the development of the Mulryan Centre for Dance, crucial for the future operations of the ENB.
Jonathan Douglas CBE
As Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust since 2007, Jonathan Douglas has significantly impacted literacy initiatives, reaching over 1.4 million individuals annually. His leadership saw the introduction of numerous community-based literacy strategies and the Libraries for Primaries campaign, which established 2,000 children’s libraries with assistance from the publishing industry. He has also held various public roles, is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was recognised with a CBE for his dedication to education.
Jo Verrent
Jo Verrent is known for her work in promoting diversity within the cultural sector. As the Director of Unlimited, she focuses on commissioning disabled artists and transforming the landscape of arts accessibility. Unlimited has established itself as an independent charity and National Portfolio Organisation since its inception during the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Verrent’s initiatives include creating valuable resources aimed at enhancing inclusion and combatting exploitation in the arts.
Jon Gilchrist
Jon Gilchrist serves as the Artistic Director and CEO of the Birmingham Hippodrome, where he oversees extensive programs that reach over a million people annually. He has previously worked in various leadership roles across notable cultural institutions, including HOME in Manchester and the Bush Theatre in West London. At Birmingham Hippodrome, Gilchrist continues to advance new musical theatre while leading an organisation celebrated for its engagement with local and visiting audiences.
Governance and Remuneration
The recent appointments adhere to the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. Notably, National Council Members of Arts Council England are not compensated for their roles. The appointments board strictly regulates the process to ensure transparency and integrity, requiring appointees to disclose any political activities for the preceding five years.
Background
The Arts Council England plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the arts throughout the UK, managing approximately 400 regulated public appointment roles across various cultural institutions. These appointments are crucial for advocating the arts and ensuring a diverse representation in cultural leadership.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-national-council-members-appointed-to-arts-council-england
