Lesley Goodburn has worked in healthcare for the last 18 years working locally in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, regionally in the West Midlands, and latterly nationally as the experience of care lead for provider improvement and national clinical programmes at NHS England. She currently works for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as head of public involvement and engagement.
Lesley has a passion for using creativity and art to help people share their experiences of care, and in her time at NHS England she developed a programme of digital storytelling across 150 hospitals. She has also shared her personal experience of the death of her husband Seth from pancreatic cancer, 33 short and heart-breaking days after diagnosis, via ‘Seth’s Story’, which is a play, a film and an educational resource.
She joined FRONTLINEdance as a Director following a collaboration with the ‘Holding On’ project, a contemporary dance and two films, exploring grief and bereavement after the death of a loved one from pancreatic cancer.
Amy is thrilled to return to FRONTLINEdance after a seven-year break from dance, during which she was a full-time carer for her daughter, Peggy. During this time, she also worked at Horton Lodge Community Special School in Staffordshire, supporting children to develop greater independence in both physical and communication skills through conductive education.
Amy holds a First-Class BA (Hons) in Dance from the University of Leeds. She began her journey with FRONTLINEdance in 2002 as a trainee dance artist, contributing to numerous projects over seven years as a performer, choreographer, and facilitator.
She has also collaborated extensively with Restoke, participating in projects such as Mother, You Are Here, Voyagers, Reclaim, and Palace. With Restoke’s support, Amy also led a series of six creative sessions for mothers of disabled children, combining movement, conversation, and craft to foster connection and support.
Amy’s wider experience includes working with a range of artists and companies, including Lucy Suggate, Jordi Cortes Molina, Salamanda Tandem, Beth Cassani, Hull Truck Theatre Company, Lucy Cullingford, and Filip Van Hussel of Retina Dance Company.
Following an organisational development review, FRONTLINEdance is delighted to announce the expansion of its team. This includes the creation of a new senior post of Executive Director and Co-CEO, where we are seeking a considerate, adaptable, conscientious, and confident leader with a passion for driving change and making a positive impact. This position will be pivotal in providing future stability and support while developing exciting 25th Anniversary plans (21st November 2026).
We are seeking an experienced Executive Director and Co-CEO to co-lead our team. This individual should be committed, enthusiastic, an effective manager of people and systems, and able to ensure the smooth and successful operation of our company, both day-to-day and strategically. They should also be able to foster a vibrant and collaborative community through the richness of dance and the arts. In this role, you will drive our vision forward while ensuring operational excellence and engaging with our dedicated stakeholders and the broader community.
As our Executive Director and Co-CEO, you will be at the forefront of planning and implementing programs that inspire creativity and promote disability arts. You will have the unique opportunity to shape strategic initiatives, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and advocate for inclusive arts in our community.
This is an opportunity to take charge alongside our Artistic Director and CEO and make a lasting impact while embracing a friendly and collaborative work environment.
We celebrate diversity and inclusiveness and are committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to succeed. If you are a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a proven track record in leadership, we invite you to apply and help us shape the future of FRONTLINEdance together!
This leadership post is one of a few new PAYE and freelance posts FRONTLINEdance is advertising.
We believe that now is a great time to join us!
For more information and how to apply. Please select from the formats below.
Join FRONTLINEdance (FD) Company’s Advanced Training Programme (ATP) emerging dance training artists Beth Hope, Matt Byatt and Ben Wilson, FD’s Artistic Director Rachael Lines, and researcher Vipavinee Artpradid (Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University) for a 90-minute sharing of our inclusive evaluation project and everyday ATP practice.
Together we share the collaborative process and progress of developing a more equitable training programme evaluation approach. The research project is based on the question ‘How can we shift attention to data that is centred on the body?’ and takes a multisensory educational training programme evaluation approach based on anti-ableism, equity, and phenomenography. It centres neurodivergent and disabled emerging dance artists who prefer movement-based forms of communication.
The project is funded by a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant (SRG 2324\240089).
Schedule:
10:45-11am – Refreshments
11-11.15am – Intro to FD with film screening and intro to the inclusive evaluation project
11.15-11.20am – Aims, objectives, what we did
11.20-11.40am – A look at the evaluation template and discussion of what worked, what didn’t work
11:40-11:45am – Comfort break and ATP dance training artists prep
11.45am-12pm – Practice sharing by ATP dance training artists
12pm-12.10pm – Provocation activity with audience about alternative ways of thinking about evaluation
12.10-12.30pm – Q&A and closing
12.30-1pm – lunch & networking
The venue:
Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 4HG
Parking: Mitchell Arts Centre customers may use the Tesco Extra car park (located to the rear of Mitchell Arts Centre, Clough St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4LS) FREE of Charge. Please ensure you bring your car registration details into the Centre and enter them into the car registration screen on the wall of the Foyer.. Customers park at their own risk. Mitchell Arts Centre does not guarantee parking.
The closest pay & display car park is Brakes car park on Broad Street, next to the Mitchell Arts Centre.
Limited disabled parking is available on Broad Street in front of the venue. With ample additional blue badge parking on Warner Street.
FRONTLINEdance is in the middle of planning and delivering a dynamic program of activity that ensures d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long-term health conditions enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists. It is also preparing for its 25thAnniversary Year (November 2027- 2028).
Deadline for expressions of interest:5pm, Monday 8th September 2025.
Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025.
FRONTLINEdance are keen to ensure that the new Board Director represents who they are as a dance and artist-led company, where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. They’re committed to ensuring that underrepresented groups and communities with whom they frequently work are represented on their Board, whilst ensuring a wide range of skills and experience are collectively held by its members.
As such, we are keen to receive applications from the following:
d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, or those with long-term health conditions
those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
those with sound environmental responsibility, knowledge and understanding
professionals experienced in running arts, community or disability organisations and charities
professionals knowledgeable in HR, employment law and governance
those who work in healthcare, creative health and the arts
time to dedicate to FRONTLINEdance
enthusiasm and belief in the work that we do
THE BOARDS PURPOSE
To support FRONTLINEdance to deliver with quality, an ambitious activity plan that embeds the Arts Council England’s shared Investment Principles and #Let’s Create strategy.
To advocate for access and inclusion widely, and introduce FRONTLINEdance to potential supporters, partners, and investors.
Be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question FRONTLINEdance’s decisions, planning and delivery.
Toadvise the organisation and support its strategic aims for long-term organisational development and sustainability.
Being based in Stoke-on-Trent means that our work is positioned to the Levelling-up Agenda, and therefore the Board should also be strong advocates for programming and connecting to those who are harder to reach (due to geographical, social or economic limitations).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, COMMITMENT TO:
Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do, then advocate this externally. The social model of disability initiates are methodology and decision-making.
Ensuring the board can be a place where d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people can lead, develop and thrive with equity.
Supporting the contemporary dance, arts and disability ecology.
Sector development.
Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy.
Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders / donors.
Ensuring adherence and compliance with key policies exist, in all decisions and discussions within the Board.
BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:
Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
Opportunity to lead and work alongside d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.
Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
Support community engagement and community cohesion.
Develop problem-solving, analytical skills and versatility.
You will play a part in ensuring Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is a place where d/DEAF, disabled people, neurodivergent, and those with long-term health conditions can enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists.
TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS:
2-3 years, with staggered replacement.
You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings, usually held via Teams around the 1st of April, July, October and 18th December. Board Away Days in July and January. Dates TBC.
Environmental Responsibility Board Ambassador to liaise with senior management at least once every 8 weeks.
Communication via email and WhatsApp will be necessary.
Attend at least one performance or event per year. More is desirable, but optional.
Check emails and respond on time.
Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.
FRONTLINEdance is in the middle of planning and delivering a dynamic program of activity that ensures d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long-term health conditions enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists. It’s also preparing for its 25th Anniversary Year (November 2027- 2028).
Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 8th September 2025
Interviews are likely to be held via Teams on: 6pm, Monday 15th September 2025
FRONTLINEdance are keen to ensure that the new Chair represents who they are as a dance and artist-led company, where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. They’re committed to ensuring that underrepresented groups and communities with whom they frequently work are represented on their Board, whilst ensuring a wide range of skills and experience are collectively held by its members.
As such, we are keen to receive applications from the following:
d/DEAF, disabled, neurodivergent people, or those with long-term health conditions
those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
professionals experienced in running arts, community or disability organisations and charities
professionals knowledgeable in HR, employment law and governance
those who work in healthcare, creative health and the arts
time to dedicate to FRONTLINEdance
enthusiasm and belief in the work that we do
THE BOARDS PURPOSE
To support FRONTLINEdance to deliver with quality, an ambitious activity plan that embeds the Arts Council England’s shared Investment Principles and #Let’s Create strategy.
To advocate for access and inclusion widely, and introduce potential supporters, partners, and investors.
Be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question decisions, planning and delivery.
Toadvise the organisation and support its strategic aims for long-term organisational development and sustainability.
Being based in Stoke-on-Trent means that our work is positioned to the Levelling-up Agenda, and therefore the Board should also be strong advocates for programming and connecting to those who are harder to reach (due to geographical, social or economic limitations).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, COMMITMENT TO:
Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do, then advocate this externally. The social model of disability initiates are methodology and decision-making.
Ensuring the board can be a place where d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people can lead, develop and thrive with equity.
Supporting the contemporary dance, arts and disability ecology
Sector development
Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy
Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders / donors.
Ensuring adherence and compliance with key policies exist, in all decisions and discussions within the Board.
Considered strategic decision-making.
Have the ability to chair meetings, ensuring all voices are heard and respected, whilst displaying good time management.
Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with the board and FRONTLINEdance staff.
Liaise regularly with senior management.
Liaise regularly with the treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of FRONTLINEdance’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board.
Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
Support and contribute to strategic plans and conduct regular reviews of the long-term strategic aims of FRONTLINEdance.
Lead and mentor other board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
Annually review the board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
Support recruitment wherever and whenever possible
Encourage teamwork among board members.
Represent FRONTLINEdance as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
Facilitate change and address conflict within the board of Trustees, within FRONTLINEdance and liaise with the appropriate FRONTLINEdance staff to achieve this.
BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:
Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
Opportunity to lead and work alongside d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals’.
Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
Support community engagement and community cohesion.
Develop problem-solving, analytical skills and versatility.
You will play a part in ensuring Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is a place where d/DEAF, disabled people, neurodivergent, and those with long-term health conditions can enjoy arts and culture with ease and thrive as artists.
TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS:
2-3 years, with staggered replacement.
You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings, usually held via Teams around the 1st of April, July, October and 18th December. Board Away Days in July and January. Exact Dates TBC.
4-6 weekly check-ins are required with senior management and the treasurer.
Communication via email and WhatsApp will be necessary.
Attend at least one performance or event per year. More is desirable, but optional.
Check emails and respond on time.
Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.
Each group have worked with their lead artists to explore the theme of ‘journeys’, creating a vibrant colourful mix of thought-provoking and fun dance performed live and on film.
We’d be grateful if you could share our event with anyone who you think might be interested. You can also share and tag us on social media using the handle @frontlinedance1
📍 Sculpture Court at The Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery. Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire. ST1 3DW. (The sculpture court is next to the café)
Cost: FREE – Donations Welcome
11am: ‘The Explorers in Training’, an interactive dance performance for children 11:45am: DJ set from Callaloo Carnival Arts 12:30pm: Sighted Guidance Tour of Work | Audio Described Film of What? Me? Worry? 2pm: ‘The Explorers in Training’, an interactive dance performance for children 2:45pm: DJ set from Callaloo Carnival Arts
The Explorers in Training!
⏰ Performances at: 11am & 2pm
📍 Sculpture Court (next to the cafe in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.)
We’re excited that our “The Explorers in Training” will be making their debut at FAF 2025! ‘The Explorers in Training Cast’ are selected dancers, from our Advanced Training Programme. They have learnt our inclusive children’s show The Explorers! with our new Explorer Connor.
You will be taken on a wondrous adventure to find two books which will be read and explored, using sensory props and dance to bring the stories to life! Within an inclusive, relaxed, and open space, this interactive show encourages the audience to move and explore in the performance space, use their imagination, interact with the performers, work as a team and be creative
The show was co-created with disabled children, hospice/hospital patients and their families. Makaton is signed throughout, AD and BSL is available for anyone who needs it – making it an accessible show to enjoy.
The show is suitable for children aged 3+ (though all ages have enjoyed the show from babies to adults!)
Sighted Guided Tour of the Sculpture Court FAF Exhibition
⏰ 12 Midday 📍 Sculpture Court (next to the cafe in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.)
The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll be guided around each section of the Sculpture Court where you’ll hear from the artists themselves visually describe their work on audio recordings.
You’ll get to interact with Cat McGill’s sound installation and be hosted by audio describer Louise, and FRONTLINEdance’s Artistic director, Rachael Lines.
Music from Callaloo Carnival Arts will be played just before and just after the tour. Anyone with children or grandchildren, that would like to see our Explorers in training performances, these will be audio described at 11am and 2pm. Please book your tickets separately.
Details of the Venue Entry to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery can be made via the main doors on Bethesda Street or via a buzzer system next to the spitfire gallery which has glass windows near to the blue badge spaces. FRONTLINE Arts Volunteers will be at the door, to support and guide anyone who needs it.
Parking: *There are FREE blue badge spaces at the PMAG. You need to access them from Warners Street. As you enter the one way system on Warner Street, drive past the PMAG on your left, and then take your first left into the car park…drive straight then turn left until you reach the marked bays. Blue Badge parking can also be located on Warner Street, and Broad Street.
There are a number of car parks, close by. The ones on broad street are the closest and are reasonably priced.
The museum is a short walk from Hanley Bus Station, or a 20-minute walk / 12 minute bus journey from Stoke Train Station. You can plan your train journey at Trainline.
Accessibility 👉 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, and has disabled parking close by* 👉 BSL interpretation 👉 Audio description (please select as a ticket add-on when booking so we can ensure we have enough headsets) 👉 Chill out room 👉 Bean bags to sit or lie down 👉 Sighted Guiders 👉 Touch tours & visual tours 👉 Easy Read Information and Visual Stories
*Parking ……. We’ll give you a number to call a little nearer to the time if you experience any issues parking on the day.
If you require any further access information or support, please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk so we can put it in place for you ahead of the festival.
FRONTLINEdance is appreciative to be working in partnership with Appetite, Stoke Creates and Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery to make FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s all the FAF about?” happen again this year. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.
FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s All the FAF About? Event! (#FAF2025)
FRIDAY EVENT: Join us at the wonderful Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery (PMAG) in Stoke-on-Trent for an exciting day of performances, panel discussions, and connecting with international, national and regional disabled and neurodivergent artists.
⏰ Time: Arrive for refreshments from 10am, with the event starting promptly at 10.30am. The event lasts until 4:30pm
📍 Location: The Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery. Bethesda St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire. ST1 3DW.
Cost: The festival is ‘pay as you can’, meaning you can select your chosen donation amount when booking. Suggested £2.50 – £50. CARERS are FREE please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk with the name and number of FREE careers tickets that you require.
Lunch: A FREE vegan lunch will be provided. Please select at checkout if you would like it. In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, we’d like to ask all attendees to bring their own hot and cold drinks cup/bottle. Thank You.
Showcasing the talent of UK d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent artists, #FAF2025 event will include a range of performances, arts and sound installations, including spoken word, dance, music, poetry, film, sculptures, photographs, drawings and paintings. It will premiere two FRONTLINEdance commissions and one commission by Appetite.
There will also be the chance to connect with local d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent charities, hear from our featured artists, connect with others in a speed networking session, and engage in a panel discussion.
The whole programme including Saturday and Sunday activities, can be found below. It includes performances for disabled children and their families, DJ Soca Haze, and meet the commissioned artists on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, FAF exhibition will be in the Sculpture Court. You only need to book for Friday and Saturday’s Explorers in Training show.
Accessibility 👉 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, and has disabled parking close by* 👉 BSL interpretation 👉 Audio description (please select as a ticket add-on when booking so we can ensure we have enough headsets) 👉 Chill out room 👉 Bean bags to sit or lie down 👉 Sighted Guiders 👉 Touch tours & visual tours (times and more information to follow) 👉 Easy Read Information and Visual Stories
*Parking ……. We’ll give you a number to call a little nearer to the time if you experience any issues parking on the day.
Entry to the PMAG can be made via the main doors on Bethesda Street or via a buzzer system next to the spitfire gallery which has glass windows near to the blue badge spaces. FRONTLINE Arts Volunteers will be on the door, to support and guide anyone who needs it.
Parking: *There are FREE blue badge spaces at the PMAG. You need to access them from Warners Street. As you enter the one way system on Warner Street, drive past the PMAG on your left, and then take your first left into the car park…drive straight then turn left until you reach the marked bays. Blue Badge parking can also be located on Warner Street, and Broad Street.
There are a number of car parks, close by. The ones on broad street are the closest and are reasonably priced. The museum is a short walk from Hanley Bus Station, or a 20-minute walk / 12 minute bus journey from Stoke Train Station. You can plan your train journey at Trainline.
If you require any further access information or support, please email hello@frontlinedance.co.uk so we can put it in place for you ahead of the festival.
#FAF2025 is open to all, and is set to be an exciting opportunity to experience new work and join in discussions about creativity and the arts. We look forward to seeing you there! We’d be grateful if you could share our event with anyone who you think might be interested. You can also share and tag us on social media using the handle @frontlinedance1
Volunteering at #FAF2025
We’re looking for volunteers to get involved! Roles will include stewarding and event support, to help make sure the day is enjoyable and engaging for everyone. We’re also interested in hearing from volunteers who’d like to help creatively document the day, whether snapping photos, penning poetry, or filming the action.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please drop us an email at hello@frontlinedance.co.uk to have a chat about how you can get involved.
FRONTLINEdance welcomes donations so we can continue commissioning d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent artists and putting on events like this. You can make a donation here: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/wall/frontlinedance or you can select your chosen donation amount when booking.
FRONTLINEdance is appreciative to be working in partnership with Appetite, StokeCreates and Potteries Museum & Arts Gallery to make FRONTLINE Arts Festival – “What’s all the FAF about?” happen again this year. FRONTLINEdance is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.
