New Chair Sought for the LEVEL Centre
LEVEL creates, promotes and celebrates the art that ‘difference’ makes.
LEVEL Centre Ltd has undergone a period of considerable change, culminating in a rebrand from First Movement to LEVEL and the appointment of a forward-‐thinking new
creative Director to lead the organisation forward. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, LEVEL benefits from the support of individuals and organisations adding to the voice of an exciting, creative and ambitious organisation.
The LEVEL Centre brings to rural Derbyshire the kind of contemporary arts space, facilities and technical resources normally only found in cities. A development and research centre, LEVEL is home to world-‐leading arts projects with learning disabled people, as well as being a treasure trove of resources and contemporary
workspace for artists everywhere. LEVEL is a workshop and event space, a training
centre and a gallery for artists developing new creative ideas to house their exhibitions and installations. We create stimulating arts with over 6,000 people every year, developing and promoting the creativity and creative culture of ‘difference’.
LEVEL is now seeking an exceptional and dynamic individual to lead the organisation forward at this exciting period in its development. This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to the long-‐term future of a successful creative organisation at a key stage in its development and growth and which makes a real difference to the lives of those who are ‘different’.
Candidates should be committed strategic thinkers who can lead the team at LEVEL and be capable of an outstanding advocacy for the organisation, with access to networks across the public, private and voluntary sectors. The Board meets quarterly with additional
events, sub-‐committees and regular contact with the Artistic Director.
The appointment assumes a commitment to a minimum of one three year term with the opportunity to extend by a second term.
Please see our website www.levelcentre.com for further information about the role.
Recruitment Process:
To be considered for the role, please submit:
• A comprehensive CV
• A covering letter setting out your interest in the role with examples of how you meet the requirements of the specification
Applications should be emailed to janette@levelcentre.com containing the subject line LEVEL Chair and should be received by us no later than 5pm on Wednesday 27th July.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with current members of the Board and the Artistic Director week commencing Monday 25th July and may be invited to attend the next Board meeting on the same evening as an observer.
Chair -‐ Role Summary
To provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of LEVEL.
To work in partnership with the LEVEL Director and to support employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and optimising the relationship between the Board of Trustees and staff.
Key responsibilities
Ensuring that the Board operates effectively
• Provide leadership to the board in their responsibilities for strategic direction and governance
• Create, in consultation with the LEVEL Director, the agenda for board meetings
• Run the board meetings effectively
• Ensure that actions are clearly noted, allocated and carried out
• Identify and act to fill current and future skill gaps in the Board
• Attend and be a member of sub-‐committees or working groups, when appropriate in role as Chair.
Ensuring that Level is managed effectively
• Ensure that Level complies with its governing documents and relevant legislation or regulations, and that pursues its defined objects through the agreed business plan
• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for the effective management of the organisation
• Provide support and supervision to the LEVEL Director, and to provide opportunities for communication between staff members and the Board
• Review and appraise the performance of the LEVEL Director
• Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary issues and grievances
Representing Level
• Interact with stakeholders as needed to further Level’s objectives, e.g. at functions, meetings or in fundraising
• Act as spokesperson and advocate for LEVEL when appropriate
Ideal Qualities
• Commitment to the aims and vision of Level
• Willingness and capability to lead the team and to be part of the team
• Ability to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Chair and trustee
• Tact, diplomacy and powers of persuasion.
• Relevant knowledge
• The skills to run a meeting well
• Independence of thought, willingness to ensure that the views of others are heard and considered
• Relevant contacts and influence
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of the trustees
Relevant experience, knowledge and skills
• Working with an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation as a board member or on the leadership team
• Knowledge of local, regional and national arts networks and organisations
• Fundraising knowledge and skills including from the arts, health, public and private sectors