Strategy
At Britten Pears Arts (BPA), the power of music, arts, and heritage is harnessed to transform lives, unite communities, and enrich society. Internationally recognised yet firmly rooted in Suffolk, the organisation strives to ensure the arts remain both relevant and impactful, driving positive change for all. Music is at their heart, but they offer many other ways to reach people with a wide variety of interests. Across two beautiful places they offer a cultural playground, embracing heritage, food and drink, art, shopping, holidaying, design, nature, community, education, health and more. All designed for a positive impact on the planet.
The past year has been one of transition. In September 2024, Andrew Comben was appointed Chief Executive Officer, bringing a renewed strategic vision for the organisation. Under his leadership, BPA is developing a bold new strategic plan for 2026–2029, designed to secure long-term sustainability and deepen the organisation’s social influence.
Over the course of 2024/25, BPA has continued to deliver innovative learning and training in music and heritage, collaborating with freelance musicians and artists to create exceptional cultural experiences. More than 76,000 tickets were sold to over 15,000 bookers, including audiences for the critically acclaimed 75th Aldeburgh Festival and year-round performance programme. Notably, 31% of attendees were first-time bookers, reflecting BPA’s ability to engage new audiences while cultivating long-term loyalty. The Red House welcomed nearly 8,000 visitors, while the Archive provided valuable resources for researchers, academics, and the wider public. BPA’s community programme reached almost 6,000 individuals across diverse settings including schools, care homes, and the criminal justice system, underscoring its deep and far-reaching impact.
These achievements have been made possible through the commitment of BPA’s staff, volunteers, artists, and partners, supported by Arts Council England, individual donors, trusts, foundations, and commercial contributions via Snape Maltings Trading Limited. Parallel to its artistic and community work, the organisation has also advanced its ambitious Capital Programme. Construction began in August 2025 on the Britten Pears Building, with £11m already raised toward the £13.8m campaign target.
Explore their latest annual report and accounts here.
At the core of BPA’s evolution lies a recognition that people and culture are the foundation of its success. With an average annual workforce of around 240 employees (140 FTE), including seasonal casual staff, across both BPA and Snape Maltings Trading Ltd, the organisation depends on strong leadership and a high performing, engaged team to achieve its mission.
It is within this context that BPA is now seeking to appoint a Head of People, a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping the organisation’s internal culture and driving both strategic and operational delivery of all people-related functions. This individual will play a vital role in embedding inclusivity, empowerment, and professional growth at every level, ensuring that BPA’s internal culture is as innovative and ambitious as its public mission. The successful candidate will help to build a resilient, forward-looking organisation, one equipped to meet future challenges while remaining true to its commitment to excellence in music, arts, and heritage.
