Month: August 2023

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FRONTLINEdance, as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), 2023-2026, is recruiting for Board Members and a new Chair of the Board.  As a not-for-profit company ltd by guarantee (no shareholders), voluntary board members will support growth and stability to ensure FRONTLINEdance remain a permanent fixture in the arts and disability ecology of the West Midlands and Nationally.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 11^th September 2023

Find out more about FRONTLINEdance, by clicking the link.

We are keen to ensure that the new Chair and Board members represent who we are as an artist-led company. A dance company where d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, and those with long-term health conditions are at the core of the organisation as leaders, dancers, artists, participants, and audiences. We are also committed to ensure underrepresented groups and communities with whom we frequently work, are represented on our Board. As such, we are keen to receive applications from: 

• people who represent groups from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from the Global Majority, who are d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse, and/or have long-term health conditions 
• those who have strategic experience of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area
• single parents and parents of d/DEAF, disabled, neurodiverse children including children who have a health condition.   

THE BOARDS PURPOSE: to support FRONTLINEdance to deliver with quality an ambitious activity plan that embeds the Arts Council England’s shared Investment Principles and #Let’s Create strategy.   To advocate for and introduce to potential supporters, partners, investors; to advocate for access and inclusion widely, be objective with the ability to scrutinise and question FRONTLINEdance’s decisions, planning and delivery, to advise the organisation and support in its strategic aims for the long-term organisation development and sustainability.

Being based in Stoke-on-Trent means that our work is positioned to the Levelling-up Agenda, and therefore the Board should also be strong advocates for programming and connecting to those who are harder to reach (due to geographical, social or economic limitations).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDE, COMMITMENT TO:

• Inclusion and access being embedded and at the centre of all we do and then advocate this externally. The social model of disability is central to all our thinking
• Ensuring the board can be a place where d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent people can lead, develop and thrive with equity.
• Supporting the contemporary dance, arts and disability ecology
• Sector development; carer pathways where barriers are removed for those where academic attainment is not possible. 
• Arts Council England’s Investment Principles and #Let’s Create Strategy
• Sound business models for the arts and not-for-profit sector
• Sector development; giving others the tools, skills and confidence to make their practices accessible and fully inclusive
• Ability to objectively scrutinise and hold the company to account
• Supporting FRONTLINEdance staff, to help achieve the aims of the organisation.
• Fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.
• Ensuring adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Equality and Diversity, Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board.
• Stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.

ADDITIONAL FOR THE CHAIR POSITION:

• Have the ability to Chair meetings where all voices are heard displaying good time management.
• Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with the board and FRONTLINEdance staff.
• Liaise regularly with the treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of FRONTLINEdance financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board.
• Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
• Support and contribute to strategic plans and conduct regular reviews of long-term strategic aims of FRONTLINEdance.
• Lead and mentor other board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
• Annually review the board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
• Encourage team working among board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.
• Represent FRONTLINEdance as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
• Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
• Facilitate change and address conflict within the board of Trustees, within FRONTLINEdance and liaise with the appropriate FRONTLINEdance staff to achieve this.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR BOARD:

1. Your professional networks will be enhanced with opportunities for skills development and career progression.
2. Develop your sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
3. Opportunity to lead and work with d/DEAF, disabled and neurodivergent professionals.’
4. Make a difference to the local community! Your role helps ensure that FRONTLINEdance remain viable and sustainable.
5. Support community engagement and community cohesion.
6. Develop problem-solving, analytic skills and versatility. 
7. You will play a part in ensuring Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is a place where d/DEAF, disabled people, neurodivergent, and those with long term health conditions can thrive.

TIME COMMITMENT AND TERMS

• 2-3 years, with staggered replacement
• You are required to fully participate in quarterly board meetings usually held via zoom: 20^th September 2023, 20^th December 2023, 20^th March 2024 & 19^th June 2024
• Communication via email and Whatsapp will be necessary.
• Attend at least one performance or event per year. More is desirable but optional.
• Check emails and respond in a timely manner.
• Ensure that FRONTLINEdance pursues its objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm, Monday 11^th September 2023

Interviews will be held via zoom on Friday 15^th September

To express your interest please fill out this form and email it back to Company Development Manager Brian Kokoruwe: brian@frontlinedance.co.uk  

Please let us know if the application form is not accessible to you. We welcome alternate methods of applying.

For your information, we will be holding our AGM and next board meeting on Wednesday 20^th September at 6pm via zoom.

Please reach out if you have any queries. You can contact Rachael rachael@frontlinedance.co.uk | 07484 874335 and Brian on the details above.

Thanks you in advance for your time.

View our newsletter here – Find out how you can join us at The Big Feast 2023 plus information about our Connected Communities Summer Celebration Project!

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