VOCES8 Foundation

Trustee Application

Background

The VOCES8 Foundation is an outstandingly successful vocal music education charity that leads the music world with its innovative business and education models and delivers world class performances, education programmes and community engagement to ensure ‘Music education for all’. Its worldwide reach, diverse musical offerings and collaborations are supported by its dedicated education team and its highly acclaimed vocal ensembles, VOCES8 and APOLLO5, its new US-based ensemble Lyyra and its VOCES8 Scholars Programmes in the UK and US. Its artists and educators tour the world working with renowned soloists, composers, arrangers and ensembles from world class orchestras to leading artists in the fields of classical music, pop, rock, jazz, dance and film. The Foundation’s entrepreneurial and community spirit and innovative approach are fostered by VOCES8 co-founders, brothers Paul Smith (CEO) and Barnaby Smith (Artistic Director).

The Foundation is seeking to recruit new trustees to its board and strongly encourages applications from qualified individuals from all communities who feel they can help us build an organisation truly representative of all sections of society.  It is keen to receive applications from a range of cultural, business and career backgrounds to help build on its current successes and deliver its ambitious plans. Previous board experience is not essential as training will be offered as appropriate and appointees will receive induction.

Role title

Trustee, reporting to the Chair of Trustees

Location

London, UK. Board meetings are usually held in-person although these can occasionally be held virtually by agreement with the Chair

Time commitment

  • Quarterly evening board meetings for approximately two hours (in- person/virtual)

  • Additional evening board meetings as required

  • Participation in working groups and committees (e.g. Finance, Fundraising, Investment)

  • Regular attendance at events and concerts throughout the year

Remuneration

The role is not remunerated but reasonable expenses and training costs may be claimed

Role description

The Foundation is seeking trustees with experience and expertise in at least one of the following areas:

  • HR management

  • Strategic management/charity management

  • Music/arts performance/education

  • Financial management/accountancy expertise

  • Digital marketing; PR and Communications

All trustees are jointly and severally responsible for:

  • The overall governance and strategic direction of the charity

  • Oversight of its risk profile and the management of its risk mitigation strategy

  • Its financial health

  • The development of its aims in accordance with its governing documents, vision and mission

Trustees are required to:

  • Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents and that all activities are appropriate

  • Oversee the strategic development of the charity in line with its vision and good practice

  • Review regular progress reports of the organisation’s work from the CEO and the Artistic Director and evaluate performance against agreed targets

  • Scrutinise and evaluate the impact of the charity

  • Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies

  • Help foster relations with potential partners, funders and supporters

  • Represent the Foundation at appropriate events, meetings and functions

  • Be a member of committees and working groups as requested

  • Actively contribute to the growth and development of an ambitious and forward-looking arts organisation.

Qualities required

  • Demonstrable experience and expertise in at least one of the functional areas named above

  • Commitment to the charity’s objects, aim and values

  • Commitment to devote time to carry out responsibilities and willingness to be available on an ad hoc basis for advice and expertise

  • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the Foundation’s work

  • Analytical and evaluation skills, sound independent judgment and impartiality

  • Creative thinking in the context of the organisation and the ability to present new ideas effectively to other trustees and the Executive.

  • The ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive team, but with the confidence to challenge the board or Executive as appropriate

  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

It would also be desirable for appointees to have the ability to connect the organisation with potential donors, corporate sponsors or industry contacts.

Recruitment process and timeline

  1. Application by answering provided questions by MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2024 (revised)

  2. Shortlisting by current Trustees and Executive by 18 NOVEMBER 2024

  3. Interview(s) NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER 2024

  4. Offer of appointment by MID DECEMBER 2024

  5. Appointment in JANUARY 2025

How to apply

To apply, please:

Submission format:

  • Word/PDF document (preferred)

Please contact us if you would like to discuss alternative ways to apply. You may include a CV with your application, but this is not compulsory and will not affect the outcome. If you have any questions about the position or would like to arrange an informal conversation before applying, please contact Jan Keliris on 07711979291 and we will arrange a call with one of our trustees or senior executives.

Questions for applicants

  1. How can you demonstrate that you have the skills necessary for this role? Using examples, please describe your relevant experience in paid and/or voluntary positions (500 words max.)

  2. In which areas would you be most committed to supporting the Foundation’s work? (300 words max.)

Basic information:

  1. Name

  2. Email address

  3. Mobile number

  4. Any access requirements relevant to your application

    October 2024