Job Description

We are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees who will demonstrate the passion and commitment to progress the high quality work that Creativity Works is renowned for. You will have the strategic leadership skills and authority that is required for this small but dynamic, and high-achieving, organisation to flourish.

Creativity Works is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supporting and developing artists who work in the field of socially engaged arts. We also deliver creative projects within Health and Wellbeing, including a highly successful commission from B&NES, the Mental Health Creative Support Service.

We are currently in a period of transition, building on our success as we look to secure a sustainable and expansive future. This entails the re-imagining of co|Create, our artists support programme, scoping the opportunities that the new Your Care Your Way commission may bring, expanding the delivery of our services to include young people and families and planning the redevelopment of a high-profile building. We will also be looking to maintain our NPO status beyond 2018 and to secure the funding and profile necessary to achieve our ambitious plans.

For more information regarding the organisation please visit our website.

If you are interested in this role, please send a CV and cover letter illustrating your suitability.

If you require more details or would like to chat about the role, please do email the Director, Oliver Jones to arrange a convenient time to talk with him or one of our current trustees.

Closing Date for applications: Mon 12th Sept 9am

Interview Date: Week of 19th September exact date tbc

We hope the successful candidate will be able to attend the CW staff and trustee away day on the 29th September, however this is subject to availability and by no means essential.  The Chair will officially take over at our AGM at the end of November 2016.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of Role

• To lead and direct the Board and the organisation through an exciting period of development and artistic vision
• To ensure the Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of Creativity Works
• To support the Director of Creativity Works and to ensure the Board works to support all staff  and volunteers

Working with:  The Director and Staff of Creativity Works, Members of the Board

Contract type: Non-executive, voluntary.  For a period of 2 yrs.

Commitment: Monthly meeting with Director, 6 x board meetings per annum, 1 x away day per annum, additional meetings and contact where necessary

Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Creativity Works so that the organisation’s vision and mission are realised and that its objectives and activities remain true to its values
• Act as line manager to the Director including briefing, appraisal, support and general discussion. Act as effective channel of communication for the Board with all staff 
• Provide effective strategic leadership and direction to the organisation
• Lead the Board, including chairing all meetings 
• Represent the work and best interests of Creativity Works at all times 
• Advocate for Creativity Works with supporters and stakeholders, and introduce contacts to Creativity Works for its benefit
• Delegate functions, with the approval of the Board, as necessary, monitoring progress with the Director
• Ensure the Board has on it the skills to govern Creativity Works to the highest possible standard of governance 
• Advise on major issues to the Board
• Regularly attend events

Personal Specification

Consideration will be given to people with some, similar, or other relevant experience

ESSENTIAL

• A track record of high achievement and leadership 
• Strong business background and acumen
• Excellent financial comprehension, particularly of the not for profit sector
• Strong personal networks in relevant sectors 
• Understanding of Governance; compliance & control requirements; policy setting 
• Excellent communication, listening and presentation skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to quickly gain Board and staff confidence
• Decisive under pressure 
• Ability and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to Creativity Works

DESIRABLE

• Broad experience in the cultural/not for profit sector
• Strategic arts and/or health and social care understanding
• Interest and involvement in the cultural arts sector 
• Prior Board experience and skill at managing meetings 
• Demonstrable public presence