In a rapidly changing world, adaptability has become the key to thriving in any field. At Barbican Theatre, we’re embracing this change by transforming the way we work—prioritising flexibility over fixed roles and focusing on dynamic responsibilities that empower our team to respond to new challenges and opportunities. This shift is about more than just improving efficiency; it's about ensuring we remain an inclusive, innovative space that is responsive to the needs of our community, audiences, and artists.

We’ve taken inspiration from pioneering movements such as Corporate Rebels (we can’t help getting drawn to other rebels!), a global group of forward-thinking business leaders who reject the status quo in favour of more flexible, people-centred ways of working. Their approach—focused on dismantling rigid hierarchies and fostering a culture of trust, responsibility, and continuous learning—deeply resonates with us. Much like Corporate Rebels, Barbican Theatre has always identified with a rebellious spirit, challenging traditional methods to find what works best for us and our creative community.

We’ve also worked closely with Claire, our Business Development Consultant to shape a model that aligns with our mission. This process has involved workshops on business planning, audience development, and redefining our mission and values. Through these shared sessions, we’ve explored what truly matters to Barbican Theatre and our community, leading to a more holistic, adaptive approach to how we run our theatre.

A major change we’ve introduced is the concept of personal role profiles, replacing fixed job descriptions. These profiles focus on the individual's strengths, responsibilities, and growth areas. Unlike traditional roles that stay static, these profiles will be reviewed regularly, allowing our team to pivot as needed and take on new challenges as the theatre grows and evolves. We believe this will foster personal development, trust, and accountability across our organisation, while allowing for a greater degree of creativity and collaboration.

This flexible structure is a significant departure from traditional working models but one that aligns with how we see the future of Barbican Theatre—open, adaptable, and people-focused.