Non Executive Director Volunteer Roles
Alpine Garden Society President and Board Chair person
Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Board of the Alpine Garden Society as our President and chair. You do so at an exciting time for the charity as it seeks to embed recent changes to thrive for another 90 years.
Since our founding in 1929 we have been a specialist interest society that has aimed to share our passion for growing and conserving alpine plants. With the increased pressures on society with smaller gardens and the advent of social media, alpines are enjoying a resurgence and so we wish to see the society grow from the strong foundations of the past.
The last five years have seen us adapt to change and develop to the modern society we are today. Our switch to embracing digital technology and use of modern communication has allowed us to harness the decades old love of our interest and bring it to new audiences on a global stage. We continue to indulge in traditional activities like garden visits, plant fairs and shows that we are renowned for by our loyal members.
The next chapter on our journey to our centenary sees consolidation of our operation and putting our membership at the heart of what we do to deliver our charitable mission. We wish to grow our membership from a stable base and seek new and exciting ways to inspire people through our passion for plants.
About Us
Welcome to the Alpine Garden Society! We are one of the largest specialist garden societies in the world. The Society has a wide interest in plants that encompass not only true alpine and mountain plants, but also small hardy herbaceous plants, hardy and half-hardy bulbs, hardy ferns, hardy succulents, and small shrubs. We are passionate about plants.
The Alpine Garden Society was founded in December 1929. The main purpose of the Society was, and still is to educate its members and the public on alpine plants, their cultivation and conservation. We achieve our charitable objectives through staging our National Shows, publishing our quarterly Journal, The Alpine Gardener and by organising talks, events and conferences. Ever since its inception the Society has also built displays incorporating alpine plants at various national Flower Shows.
We are passionate about the conservation of alpine plants and as a registered charity, we fund cultivation and conservation projects across the UK and abroad. We also encourage the development of knowledge and skills in the alpine field by funding the AGS Trainee Scheme.
Alpine Garden Society members enjoy exclusive benefits such as expert-led AGS Expeditions tours all over the world and access to one of the biggest seed exchanges in the world.
The Alpine Garden Society is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by a director alongside a small staff cohort and a team of dedicated volunteers.
We are located adjacent to Pershore College in Worcestershire, where we maintain a quarter of an acre alpine garden adjacent to our office. We have a network of AGS local groups located around the country who stage regional shows, talks and events.
Person Specification – who we are looking for
- An inclusive, empathetic, transparent approach to leadership
- A passion for alpine plants
- A balance of independent judgement and an ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive Board
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- A diplomatic, clear, tactful approach, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- A demonstrable understanding of the role of charity Board Members
- Proven experience of working effectively with a Board, with an ability to make the most of the skillsets around the table
- Experience of non-profit governance, ideally in a board capacity
- Experience playing a key role in an organisation’s evolution and growth
Role Responsibilities and Duties (three year term)
The President/Chair of the Society has a dual role. In addition to having the same responsibilities as any trustee they also have to act as a team leader with the extra duties and responsibilities that accompany this role.
General responsibilities of the President/Chair
Providing leadership for the board as it fulfils its governance duties and responsibilities toward the organisation, including :
- setting vision, values, mission strategy and high-level policy in accordance with charity regulations and the governing document
- monitor the organisation's performance against established targets
- securing financial stability for the organisation
- assisting the Treasurer to protect and manage organisation property and investments
- safeguarding the organisation's reputation and values
- must guide the Board to ensure that the Society operates in line with its charitable purposes
- must always act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not allow any personal interest to sway policy making
- making sure all organisational activities comply with regulations and the law
- reviewing major risks and making provisions for the organisation to respond appropriately
- appointing and managing the Chief Executive Officer (Society Director)
- organising and leading board development activities such as self-assessments
- delegating the above duties appropriately
Specific duties:
Meetings
· planning meeting schedules and setting agendas, in close liaison with the Society Director
· leading meetings and facilitating discussion, encourage all trustees to participate and prevent the more talkative members from dominating the debate
Board leadership
· Alongside the society director, lead trustee recruitment and induction
· Ensure that the whole board is engaged - A Chair must not allow cliques or inner circles to form or allow cliques to influence policy to suit their own personal interests or those society activities in which they are interested.
· Utilise the skills and interests of all board members.
· To oversee the establishment and activities of the board committees, ensuring they are accountable and report properly to the board.
· Deal with conflict on the board
· Give direction to board policy -making. Exercises leadership by setting priorities for the board and steering discussion toward strategic issues
· Monitor the implementation of board decisions
· Work closely with other Officers
Representing the organisation
· Represent the organisation at functions and meetings (both internally and externally), and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
Financial & legal responsibilities
· The President must be prepared to be a signatory on the Society bank mandates and other official investment documents.
Limited Companies
· Act as a Director of each limited company and also a signatory on the bank mandate forms.
· Undertake the necessary ATOL training and pass the certification process to be the responsible person ATOL holder on behalf of the limited company. This also involves ensuring that the necessary ATOL quarterly returns are accurately completed and submitted on time to the CAA. In addition to ensure that the correct documentation and renewal forms are completed as part of the annual ATOL licence renewal process.
· Ensure that the necessary insurance policies are in place with regard to AGS Expeditions Ltd.
· Assist and advise with the planning of AGS Tours.
Staffing
· Work closely with the Society Director who acts a the CEO to the Society. Both the Director and the President should liaise regularly and work together as a team on behalf of the board. They should jointly seek ways of improving board effectiveness.
· Recruitment - oversee the selection process when a new Society Director is appointed. This will entail ensuring that an appropriate job description is produced, proper selection procedures are followed and also representing the board on the appointment panel.
Renumeration
The position is a voluntary role although all reasonable expenses in pursuit of exercising the role will be covered
How to Apply
To apply for the president/chair role, please provide the following documents:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A supporting statement. Please submit a PDF document (maximum two pages) that outlines a bit about you, what you feel is your most relevant experience qualifying you to be our president, and why you’re interested in becoming president of the Alpine Garden Society. Moreover, we would like to understand how you perceive the role of Chair of a charity like Alpine Garden Society, how you might approach the relationship between Chair and CEO and what is your vision for the society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, we first helped people fleeing violence and persecution in Europe find safety in the United States.
Today, we work in over 50 crisis-affected countries, bringing ingenuity, fortitude and optimism to making a lasting impact for the people we serve. We arrive at the onset of crisis and aim to stay as long as we are needed. We also help refugees and other vulnerable people integrate into their new communities across dozens of cities in Europe and the Americas.
The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.
IRC UK
IRC UK is a registered charity in the UK and forms part of the IRC’s global network. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.
IRC UK Board of Trustees
Members of our Board of Trustees are the charity’s Trustees and act as company directors. They are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation and guidance, including the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
The primary focus of the Board is on furthering IRC UK’s charitable purposes as set out in the Articles of Association, and in turn growing and improving the support that IRC clients receive. To this end, Board members work closely with IRC UK’s leaders in setting strategic direction in areas such as fundraising, advocacy, communication, people and culture, and also technical oversight of UK programmes. They also work with leaders across the IRC global network who are responsible for delivery of our international programmes. Staff may seek advice and support from Trustees on subjects where they have expertise.
Being a Trustee of IRC UK requires you to:
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- Fulfil the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and act in accordance with these to ensure good governance of the organisation.
- Use your specific experience and skills to provide the Board with strategic advice and guidance and lead discussions on areas relating to your expertise.
- Support the IRC UK Senior Management team and Executive Director.
- Work with fellow Trustees to oversee implementation of the organisation’s strategy.
- Support IRC UK with regard to its Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy, including by holding management and staff to account in delivering on its ambitions and by committing to the Board’s own GEDI action plan.
- Engage meaningfully with the IRC clients through, for example, attending events with our clients in the UK or travel to international programmes.
- Promote the organisation externally – attend/contribute to social events, meetings with donors, and supporters.
In terms of time commitment, Trustees are required to:
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- Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Board meetings per year, plus one development meeting.
- Participate in at least one Board Committee, and as such prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Committee meetings per year.
Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. At the recommendation of the People & Culture Committee, the Board may vote to keep a Board Member (who wishes to stay) for a third term of one or maximum two years. All board members must rotate off the board after eight years.
Skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for
The Board places an emphasis on ensuring that our Trustees provide a mix of skills, knowledge and experience (including lived experience) that are important to the charity’s objectives and activities. All new Trustees receive a full induction programme and training to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities, including with respect to safeguarding and Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
We are seeking up to three Trustees to join the Board as several current trustees come to the end of their terms. The roles are unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with IRC UK’s Expenses Policy.
We are seeking Trustees with strong general governance and management experience, through, for example, membership of other Boards or in senior positions in other organisations (non-profit, public or private). The successful candidate(s) will have:
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- The objectivity and ability to decision-make independently and influence accordingly;
- Ability to communicate complex information to members of the board and other stakeholders;
- Ability to work collaboratively with others; and
- An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.
Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.
The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.
Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
The Board of Trustees
Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.
The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.
The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.
Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.
What are we looking for?
The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.
As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.
The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
- Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
- A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
- Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
- Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
- Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
- Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.
How our Board works
Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm. There is also an annual Strategy day in London.
In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.
Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.
Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).
What Responsibilities will you have?
Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.
ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.
All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.
All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:
- governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
- appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
- recruitment of new Trustees;
- approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
- approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
- approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.
The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:
- working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
- conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
- ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
- ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
- leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
- support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
- working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
- planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
- chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
- acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations
Before you apply
Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.
For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.
Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.
How to Apply
We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).
The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May. Any access requirements will be met.
Please complete the attached equality and diversity form when completing your application, many thanks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Benslow Music is looking for new Trustees to join the charity’s Board of Trustees.
Now is an exciting time to join the organisation as it continues to shape and develop its programme. Following the arrival of a new Chief Executive at the beginning of the year, the organisation is entering a period of strategic renewal and building towards its centenary in 2029.
Benslow Music’s Trustees have legal and financial responsibility for the charity and are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive. Day to day management of the organisation is delegated to a professional administrative team led by the Chief Executive. Trustees are also ambassadors for the charity, supporting the team in fundraising and developing networks that will enable Benslow Music to realise its ambitions.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, lived experience and professional knowledge. Following a recent skills audit, we are keen to hear from individuals with experience in the following areas:
· Professional experience in the cultural/music education sectors
· Finance
· Marketing and communications
· Fundraising
· Strategic development
· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management
· HR
· Charity governance
Application timeline:
Opportunity launched 24 April
Deadline for applications 22 May
Conversations with potential Trustees 3-17 June
Appointment July
Please see the How to Apply section for further details.
About Benslow Music
Benslow Music creates music learning experiences for people of all ages. We support individual development, inspire curiosity, celebrate creativity, and share all the life-long benefits music brings. We do this through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme.
At our campus in Hitchin, we welcome and provide learning opportunities to adult musicians of all abilities. We support everyone from late-starters to early-career professionals in unlocking their potential. We offer around 150 short courses throughout the year, covering genres from classical to jazz to folk, and opportunities to explore solo, small and large ensemble playing. Through regular concerts we provide a platform for emerging and acclaimed artists.
Benslow Music is home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, which holds a collection of over 800 string and woodwind instruments that are lent to young musicians aged 7-25. Each year over 500 loans ensure that borrowers, regardless of background, are able to grow and develop as musicians.
Benslow Music began as the Rural Music Schools Association in 1929, offering musical education to people of all ages who were outside urban centres. In 1952, the four-acre Victorian estate in Hitchin was bequeathed to the RMSA and has since developed into a lively campus for music activity, with two recital halls, practice rooms and accommodation for around 50 people. Renamed Benslow Music Trust in 1986, the Trust subsequently took responsibility for the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme.
Plans for the future include ongoing development of creative music activities for all ages, an expanded online offer, additional collaborative and partnership working, and further development of our site facilities and accommodation. In short, Benslow Music weathered the pandemic and is now poised for continued evolution and diversification to reach new audiences in each area of activity. This is an exciting time at which to be joining the organisation, as we look towards our centenary celebrations in 2029.
About the Trustee role
Trustees play a vital role in ensuring that Benslow Music is able to achieve its vision and charitable objectives, providing critical challenge and oversight. The Board is a collective body. All Trustees share responsibility for decision making, being expected to act in the best interests of the charity.
Trustees have several areas of responsibility, some of which are defined by the Charity Commission. Additionally, Trustees are expected to:
· Ensure that the organisation uses its resources to pursue its charitable objects
· Oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting its development through good governance
· Ensure that the organisation complies with legal requirements, particularly in the areas of finance, health and safety, and safeguarding
· Use personal skills, expertise and time to support the organisation’s development
· Actively participate in board meetings, committees and working groups as required.
· Act as an ambassador for Benslow Music
· Undertake tasks required by the Board from time to time
Time Commitment
The expected commitment is roughly equivalent to one day per month, although more may be required from time to time.
The Board meets four times per year, plus an Annual General Meeting held in June. These meetings are hybrid, and can be attended virtually or in person at Benslow. Where possible we encourage Trustees to attend meetings in person. Time will also be needed to read meeting papers.
Alongside, further informal meetings are held online, designed to give Trustees more space and time to discuss additional strategic areas. Trustees will usually be allocated to committees and working groups with delegated responsibilities based on their expertise and interests. Trustees are also expected to attend events at Benslow as their time permits.
Terms
Trustees are subject to periodic re-election by members on a rotational basis, typically every three years. There is currently no limit to their total length of service but this is under consideration by the Board. All Trustees are required to sign a declaration that they understand the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and meet the eligibility requirements. All Trustees are also required to complete an enhanced DBS check.
Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, however reasonable expenses are paid to Trustees to ensure they can effectively participate in Board meetings. This may include expenses such as travel or a contribution towards childcare.
About you
We are seeking individuals who are forward-thinking, fair-minded and committed to the continued development of the organisation. You will be enthusiastic about the work of Benslow Music, sharing our values and vision and excited to join an organisation going through a period of change.
We are keen to hear from individuals who can show:
· Commitment to Benslow Music and its values
· Curiosity
· Openness and integrity
· Ability to make sound and informed decisions
· Creative and strategic thinking
· Ability to collaborate and communicate with a team
· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
· Strong advocacy skills to act as an ambassador
· Understanding of the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee
We would like the Board to represent a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experiences to help with its critical and strategic oversight. We are open to hearing from all professional backgrounds, in response to a recent skills audit we are keen to appoint Trustees with experience in:
· Cultural, music or music education sectors
· Finance
· Marketing and communications
· Fundraising
· Strategic or business development
· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management
· HR
· Charity governance
There is no requirement to have previous Trustee experience and training will be given to first-time Trustees.
We welcome all applications from people of all backgrounds, in particular from those who will diversify the lived experience of the Board, for example in terms of gender, disability, age and ethnic background.
Organisation structure
Benslow Music is a group of three entities led by Benslow Music Trust, a registered charity (313663) and a company limited by guarantee (408404). Trustees are both Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. Benslow Music Trust is the corporate Trustee of Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme (BMILS), a registered charity (313755). Benslow Music Enterprises (registered company 10967344) is a trading subsidiary of Benslow Music Trust through which we conduct non-charitable activity.
The Board of Trustees currently numbers 11, with a number of Trustees due to retire at our next AGM. The Board is a welcoming and collaborative group which enjoys discussion and debate. Trustees act as critical friends to the organisation while meeting their legal and governance obligations.
Management of the organisation is through the professional staff team. This is led by the Chief Executive with support from senior management team (Heads of Finance, Music, BMILS, Operations and Development) and the wider staff team in administration and hospitality, numbering around 40 people in total.
How to apply
To apply, please see our website for details, which details where to send the following:
· Your CV
· A supporting statement (max 2 pages of A4) explaining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Benslow Music and how your skills and experience will support the strategic oversight of the organisation. Please state in the letter that you are eligible to become a Trustee and your willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check
· A completed equal opportunities monitoring form (this is anonymous and will be stored separately from your application)
Deadline for applications: 10am on Wednesday 22 May
Applications will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee of current Trustees, who will shortlist candidates to invite for further conversations during 3-17 June to be held via videocall.
We anticipate that selected candidates will be invited to attend and observe a Board meeting before being formally appointed as Trustees.
If you would like to arrange an informal pre-application conversation to discuss the role further, please email Michael Duffy.
We are keen to ensure that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements or barriers to application, please contact Michael Duffy to discuss how we might make reasonable adjustments to the process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become the next Chair of The Story Museum, an award-winning one-of-a-kind Museum which immerses thousands of children annually in the world of books, bringing stories to life through boundless creativity and deeply engaging experiences; educating and inspiring the next generation of readers in its incredible reimagining of the written word.
Applications close at: 9 a.m. Tuesday 11th June 2024
Location: Oxford/online
About The Story Museum
The Story Museum exists to enrich lives, especially young lives, through stories. It achieves this from its most unusual Museum in Oxford where great stories are shared in the most incredible variety of powerful, funny and engaging ways.
Thanks to a creative and committed staff, they devise an imaginative programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions, performances, interactive workshops, skills-building courses and online engagement. Located in the heart of Oxford, it brings stories to life, unlocking the next generation’s creativity and imagination.
So much more than simply a ‘museum,’ The Story Museum brings stories to life through interactive exhibits, talks, shows and a beautifully curated collection highlighting the history of storytelling.
The Museum believes passionately in highlighting the human need for stories and takes pride in celebrating and devising the many innovative ways that people can benefit from them. They collect great and diverse stories and share them in the most engaging ways possible.
Founded in 2003 as the first museum dedicated to stories in the world, The Story Museum has grown in scope and ambition. Truly one-of-a-kind, the museum is a fountain of creativity and innovation, rightly recognised with its NPO accreditation, as a Museum of the Year 2022 finalist, the RIBA South Award winner 2022, and a 2021 Civic Trust Awards Regional finalist.
The Story Museum is an innovative, physically engaging world filled with stunning theatrical props, talking trees and incredible attention to detail that bring children’s favourite stories to life.
In terms of outreach, the Museum works with 8 schools and 4 community centres from the Oxfordshire area, offering free activities to the students who need them most.
Children and their education are at the heart of what they do – spaces are designed to stimulate and inspire, and their content is regularly co-created alongside young people who take part in their programmes.
The Museum finds itself at the precipice of the next exciting phase. Following redevelopment, the Museum has set its sights on becoming recognised both regionally and nationally for the iconic work that it does, aiming to be a beacon of education and a cultural leader in the storytelling space.
About the role
With their former Chair stepping down after 3 successful terms, they seek a new Chair to help oversee their governance, prioritise key targets, and drive financial and strategic growth.
The Story Museum is a registered charity with a Board of non-executive trustees who are legally responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the organisation, with day-to-day responsibilities delegated to the CEO and senior leadership team.
The Chair of the Board provides effective leadership by chairing board meetings throughout the year, working closely with the executive leadership team, and scrutinizing the charity’s progress against its strategy and charitable objects.
The Chair acts as an ambassador for The Story Museum, helping to raise its profile, build its network, and provide support to fundraising initiatives. The Board’s governance is strong, and trustees are highly committed and engaged – bringing the necessary energy and scrutiny to meetings. Led by experienced and renowned CEO Caroline Jones, The Story Museum has a dedicated, engaged and talented executive team — all united by a passion for the importance of children’s storytelling.
The Board and Executive have a healthy, amiable and professional relationship, ensuring the organisation has challenge and support in equal measure.
The Chair of the Board is expected to:
- Establish effective partnerships between the Board, the executive, and stakeholders.
- Ensure the Board operates at a high level underpinned by an inclusive atmosphere and active contribution from all members.
- Attend and chair quarterly Board meetings, quarterly committee meetings, the AGM, and an annual inspiration day board meeting.
- Have regular routine meetings with the Museum Director and other senior staff to act as a sounding board, provide additional scrutiny, and assist in response to urgent issues if they arise.
- Act as an ambassador at external events with an eye to secure additional funding.
- Represent the Museum to key stakeholders, including Arts Council England representatives and funders.
Who we are looking for
The Story Museum is seeking a Chair who can demonstrate:
- Corporate leadership experience at a board level (private or public sector)
- Experience in chairing Board meetings with an excellent knowledge of governance.
- Proven ability of helping to define, support and/or drive the strategic direction.
- A proven track record in stakeholder engagement, with a willingness to engage directly with funders, being mindful of TSM’s status as an NPO.
- Ability to listen, to consult and ultimately to be decisive.
- Ability to delegate effectively.
- Experience in monitoring progress against objectives and milestones.
- Experience in building networks and connections with a view to raising funds for charities and good causes across the not-for-profit sector.
- An experience and understanding of charity finance with the ability to monitor and interpret financial data.
- A passion and commitment to the values, purpose and activity of The Story Museum
- Professional or personal experience in one or more of the following: children’s story in its widest forms, publishing, education, media, the museum sector, arts, heritage and culture
- Being within reach of Oxford and Oxfordshire will make fulfilling the role easier.
- Candidates must bring experience of operating at Board level, with previous/current chairs, vice-chairs, and committee chairs especially welcome.
- A passion for the mission is vital, so experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable: children’s stories, publishing, media, the museum sector, arts, heritage, or culture.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of senior strategic leadership experience and have a good understanding of governance oversight in relation to financial and senior management performance.
The Story Museum seek a strategic, collegiate and inclusive leader who can effectively manage change, challenge appropriately, advise, act strategically, and have a consultative and collaborative style.
As a proactive and vocal ambassador for the Museum, the next Chair must be comfortable articulating the vision and direction of the organisation to internal and external stakeholders alike.
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 11th June 2024.