Policy/Research Volunteer Roles
General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (executive position)
Minimum: 2 days per week
The current Secretary is stepping down after twenty years of service to ICOMOS-UK. We are looking for someone to fill the position starting in July 2024. This is currently a part-time un-paid executive (equivalent to a CEO) role with reasonable expenses for out of the office work. It is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wishes to work as part of an international organisation and bring international heritage conservation ideas and knowledge and practice to the UK. It could suit someone who has part-time availability or has recently retired and wishes to retain an active involvement in the heritage sector within an international dimension. Experience of working in sectors relating to the historic/built environment and/or culture and heritage would be desirable. Experience in managing the development and delivery of governance, policy and operations for a small or medium sized organisation or as part of a larger organisation would be essential. We envisage that an increase in membership which ICOMOS-UK is working towards may generate funding to make the role paid in the future.
The Secretary reports to the President and manages a member of staff (part-time paid staff member) and volunteers who undertake work intermittently.
We are expecting to fill this post by the beginning of July 2024 and would be happy to arrange an informal chat with ICOMOS-UK’s President about the role, on request.
Application process: closing date for the application is 17th May 2024. Candidates should send a CV, no longer than 2/3 pages, setting out why they wish to apply for the post and all relevant skills, knowledge and experience that support the application. Interviews are scheduled during first week in June 2024. The successful candidate will be notified soon after the interview date.
Job Description
The role of the General Secretary
The role of the General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (equivalent to a CEO of a small organisation) is to take responsibility for the day-to-day function of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), to manage the secretariat (including the Operations Manager and volunteer staff), to support the work of the President and Executive Committee, and to oversee the national and international activities of ICOMOS-UK. The General Secretary will report to the President.
The organisation has been through a review and has been implementing its revised vision to increase ICOMOS-UK’s membership, (which currently stands at 470-500), and raise the organisation’s profile. We are a broad church and our members come from a variety of background and includes architects, archaeologists, geographers, engineers, project managers, curators, planners, carpenters, specialists in intangible cultural customs and traditions etc. Unlike many heritage organisations which were forced to close down during the pandemic, we were fortunate to retain our members throughout the lockdown and since which demonstrates the loyalty and support we already garner from our members. The General Secretary would work with the membership committee in sustaining this trend and identify new ideas to retain existing members and recruit new ones.
Main Duties / Key Responsibilities
- To support the President and Executive Committee in the delivery of the work of ICOMOS-UK.
- To develop, co-ordinate and present policy, as agreed with the Executive Committee.
- To co-ordinate and manage the secretariat function of ICOMOS-UK including the Office Manager. To oversee the governance arrangements for ICOMOS-UK.
- To work with the Treasurer on the budget, income generation and expenditure for ICOMOS-UK, including support for fund-raising activities and applications.
- To help drive the recruitment and support of members of ICOMOS-UK.
- To help coordinate and promote events supporting and disseminating the work of ICOMOS-UK.
- To coordinate, promote and report on the activities of ICOMOS-UK committees to the membership, stakeholders and potential interest groups; to work with the committees on the implementation of their recommendations.
- The post holder will be the secretary of the International Monuments Trust (IMT), convene meetings, take minutes and organise the transfer of payments.
Person Specification
You will have or develop:
- strong drive and initiative
- strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all tasks
- experience in using your own judgement
- familiarity in reporting to and taking direction from the President and Executive Committee.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Required knowledge, skills and experience for the suitable candidate can be found on the attached Job Description.
Competency Framework
The competency Framework for the role can be found on the attached Job Description.
Dimensions
- Understanding of the work of ICOMOS, using knowledge and experience to proactively engage with Executive Committee and stakeholders.
- Supporting and undertaking work and providing reports to President and Executive Committee.
- Acting as a champion for ICOMOS’s work.
Background
What is ICOMOS?
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was set up in 1965 and is a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites. With around 11,000 individual members active in over 150 countries and a network of 130 National committees (similar to the one in the UK) spread across the world, ICOMOS is one of the most highly regarded conservation organisations in the world. Its 31 International Scientific Committees made up of heritage conservation specialists from across the globe are responsible for developing charters, principles and guidelines on conservation and management of cultural sites. It is one the three advisers to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on cultural World Heritage properties (the other two being IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)).
What is ICOMOS-UK?
ICOMOS-UK is one of the 130 national committees of ICOMOS. It is an independent charity, set up in 1965. We have an active membership of individuals and institutions who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and worldwide. As a national committee based in the UK, ICOMOS-UK promotes appreciation and understanding of our built environment and landscape associated with it and UK’s diverse intangible cultural heritage. It mirrors the structure of the international body. We have a UK board, a small Secretariat comprising an Operations Manager (OM) and a General Secretary. There are eight scientific committees which report to the Board. Our focus is on providing advice on good practice through the dissemination of ICOMOS’s international Charters, Principles and Guidelines and regular national and international events (conferences, lectures, panel discussions etc). We are also the only independent adviser on the implementation of 1972 World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines to the UK Government and the 33 World Heritage sites situated across the UK. The Board and the eight scientific committees collaborate with the heritage, arts and education sectors in the UK and internationally in developing new thinking and making ICOMOS’s international standards relevant to the national context.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Outside Edge Theatre Company are seeking new Trustees who share our passion about changing lives through the power of theatre.
We are looking to broaden our Board’s diversity of thought with creative and strategic thinkers, including the appointment of two new roles: Treasurer and Deputy Chair of the Board.
We’re particularly interested in the following experience: Fundraising, Charity Finance, Drug & Alcohol services, Participatory arts, Theatre making, EDI and CSR. The most important factor, however, is that you bring energy and commitment to the role and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
Outside Edge is the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity working with those affected by and at risk of any form of addiction.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a team player, who is able to support our board to grow the charity over the next few years. Our aim is to break down barriers which prevent people accessing the arts – as well as enriching our community with our workshops, community events and gallery space. We are a passionate and dedicated team in need of support embedding new procedures, strategies and development plans to help the charity grow. We welcome hand-on trustees who wish to come and help at workshops and events, but this is not expected or a requirement of the role.
If you have a background in any of the following it would be very useful for our board: charity experience, marketing and communications, human resources, inclusion and diversity and/or finance. Previous trustee experience is not necessary and we are actively seeking applications from all ages and backgrounds. Having a board with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences will enable SCIP to improve decision making to be more inclusive whilst having better understandings of potential barriers people have experience accessing arts. SCIP are focused on working with people who share our vision and values.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you use your skills and experience to support Signals?
We’re looking for new volunteer Trustees who are interested in helping to develop the organisation.
Signals is a registered charity, established 35 years ago. It specialises in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs. Signals works across the region but with a focus on Essex.
Signals works with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. Signals is committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences. Signals vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging creativity, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education. This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.
Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.
Signals is seeking new volunteer trustees to diversify and bring additional skills to the board.
Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including young people, Tendring residents and people from the global majority. We are also looking for those with legal, marketing, community work, funding and building management skills.
The time commitment for trustees is the attendance at quarterly evening meetings (approx. 2 hours per meeting) inclusive of the AGM, occasional attendance of subcommittee and adhoc meetings. Trustees will also be expected to review a range of reports and strategy documents and review and develop policy.
We look forward to hearing from you.
If you are interested and wish to have an informal discussion about how you could be involved as a trustee then please contact Signals Director Rachel Hipkiss.
We’re a multi-award-winning digital arts and education charity that provides courses, workshops and projects across the eastern region.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee
Unremunerated (reasonable expenses paid)
4 meetings per year
Based Northampton
Passionate about the past? Interested in inspiring current and future generations? Relish the challenges presented by transformation and change?
This is your opportunity to play a crucial role shaping the future of one of the UK’s leading archaeological practices and education charities.
MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) has been providing independent professional heritage advice and services for over 50 years across the UK and internationally. In this time, we have delivered some of the largest archaeological projects ever undertaken. This includes excavations ahead of new developments such as Crossrail, HS2 and the A14 Huntingdon to Cambridge scheme.
But that’s not all. As the only British archaeological practice to be awarded Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status, our research and its impacts are recognised worldwide. Our fieldwork and research feeds into driving our award-winning public impact programmes – inspiring current and future generations about the past and the places they live. We genuinely believe archaeology has the power to change people’s lives for the better and as such seek to embed partnership and participation throughout our work.
With a new Chair of Trustees and Chief Executive in post, we are about to embark on a significant programme of transformation and change - and have big ambitions.
Whilst archaeology deals with the past, we aim to continue leading the way when it comes to innovation and impact. Are you the right person to support us on that journey?
About the opportunity
We are seeking up to four new trustees to join our board. After a period of significant change in 2023, we are seeking innovative and experienced individuals as we enter a new and exciting period for our world-leading charity. We are particularly looking for individuals with the following experiences and skills:
·Digital and Technological Innovation – we are seeking support from an individual with a strong background in tech/digital, with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to advise and guide us on our programme of digital transformation.
· Finance and Commercial – Although we’re a charity, 90% of our funding is generated through commercial activities. We’re looking for a trustee with a sharp eye for the numbers who can help us push the margins on our commercial activities.
We also welcome trustees from a variety of backgrounds, and we are keen to boost the following skills on our board:
· Legal and HR
· Research and grants
· H&S and environment
·Media and communication
An understanding of or a background in the archaeology sector is not necessarily required – however, a passion for the past is a must!
Commitment
We anticipate that Trustees will need to participate in a minimum of 4 meetings per year, but there will be the opportunity to play a broader role, including attending board sub-committees, staff committees and working groups.
Why become a Trustee at MOLA?
As a Trustee you can make a difference – you will play a crucial role in guiding MOLA’s strategic direction and help make important decisions that will have an impact on both our organisation and the wider archaeological sector.
Becoming a Trustee for MOLA will be a fulfilling role and you’ll have the opportunity to see and hear about some of the fascinating archaeology discoveries we encounter every day.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about the trustee roles and for more information about MOLA and how to apply please visit the MOLA website.
Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 28th April.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!
The Cultural Me helps our subscribers learn about the arts and culture the same way they would learn a new language. We are a tech company and are developing artificial intelligence-assisted learning.
We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 300–350 words) on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.
If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.
Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:
- Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
- How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
- A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
- The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
- Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
- A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
- A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.
In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.
COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS
Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University
‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’
Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge
‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’
Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol
‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’
Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford
‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’
Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield
‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’
Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge
‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’
SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES
Please see the attachment.
SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES
Ugne — https://thecultural.me/people/Ugne-Civilyte-109496
Isabella — https://thecultural.me/people/Isabella-Barber-109388
Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470
Judith — https://thecultural.me/people/Judith-Kuthy-109397
Ashly — https://thecultural.me/people/Ashly-Cork-109382
Christina — https://thecultural.me/people/Christina-Apostolidou-109357
Katerina — https://thecultural.me/people/Katerina-Koukouthaki-109393
Satkartar — https://thecultural.me/people/Satkartar-Chaggar-109383
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.