Advert
Liverpool’s Unity Theatre is seeking an exceptional individual to become non-executive Chair as the current
Chair steps down after successfully completing a full term of office.
As an accomplished and respected leader in your field, this position will offer the opportunity to use your
strategic skills to provide leadership for the Board and Company. We are seeking someone with experience
of committee work and collective decision-making, and an accomplished communicator. You will also be
well-networked, with considerable diplomacy and relationship building abilities.
Unity Theatre is about to embark on a new stage in its development with the forthcoming retirement of its
longstanding Artistic Director. As Chair of the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Charity you will play
a crucial role in guiding and supporting the company’s strategic direction, and championing its work locally,
regionally and nationally.
If this is a prospect which interests and excites you, please find further information at:
www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463
Job Description
Position: Direct reports: Chair of Board of Directors and Trustees
Artistic Director; Executive Director
Role summary
Unity Theatre is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity with a single Board which performs
the role of Directors of the company and Trustees of the charity.
The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Directors and Trustees. The Chair’s
aim is to enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the
organisation.
The Chair will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, company law, charity law,
and any other relevant legislation or regulations, and that it pursues its objects as defined in its governing
document.
The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the Artistic Director and Executive Director; to support the
employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the
Board and the staff.
In addition to the general responsibilities of a Director and Trustee, the Chair has a number of tasks specific to
that role.
Main responsibilities of the Chair
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Providing leadership for the Board in their role of setting the strategy and policy of the organisation
Planning the annual cycle of Board meetings and setting the agendas
Chairing and facilitating the Board meetings
Giving directions to Board policy making
Ensuring that decisions taken at Board meetings are implemented
Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions
Acting as a spokesperson for the organisation where appropriate
Liaising with Artistic Director and Executive Director to keep an overview of the theatre’s affairs and
to provide support as appropriate
Reviewing and appraising the performance of the Artistic Director and Executive Director
Sitting on appointment panels as required
Acting as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required
Attending and being a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463
Job Description (2)
The qualities we are seeking
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Commitment to Unity Theatre
Leadership ability
Strategic vision
Integrity
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the duties as Chair
Ability to take decisions for the good of the organisation
Good, independent judgement
Good communication skills
Tact and diplomacy
Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
Desirable experience
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Prior experience of committee and/or trustee work
Knowledge of or experience in the arts and theatre
A sound knowledge of and networks in Liverpool and the city region
General responsibilities of a Director and Trustee
In addition to the responsibilities already outlined, the Chair as a Director and Trustee has the following
general responsibilities:
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To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives
To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting
overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
To declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Director or Trustee
To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
To protect and manage the property of the organisation
To attend meetings and read papers in advance of meetings
To attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
To participate in other tasks as they arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping
with fundraising
To keep informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues which affect its work
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463
Job Description (3)
Remuneration and time responsibilities
This is an unpaid post. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
The initial term will be for three years in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
The Board meets at least four times a year with an additional annual ‘Away Day’.
In addition to the Board meetings it is envisaged that the Chair will hold regular meetings with the Artistic
Director and Executive Director, attend shows and other occasions at the theatre, and represent the theatre
at local, regional or national events as required. Time commitments will therefore vary and a flexible approach is essential.
How to apply
If this is a prospect which interests and excites you, please contact Lee Corner (by email) for an informal
conversation or e-mail a letter of application to [email protected]
Please tell us why you are interested in the post, how your experience relates to the Main Responsibilities
outlined above, and what qualities you would bring to Unity Theatre.
Please mark your application ‘Strictly Private & Confidential’.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 27th May at 5pm
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463
About Unity Theatre
Structure and stakeholders
Unity has its roots in the Left Theatre movement of the 1930s and the modern day Unity made its home
in a former Synagogue in Hope Place in 1980. The company is overseen by a strong Board, structured
as follows:
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Full Board – 5 members meeting five times p.a. including an away day to agree future priorities
Sub-committees and Working Groups as required
For many years the company has benefitted from core investment from Liverpool City Council and Arts
Council England.
We have recently submitted a bid to Arts Council England to continue our National Portfolio Organisation
status from 2015-18. We have applied for a similar level of investment and we are confident of success.
Liverpool City Council has confirmed that it will be maintaining investment in the arts at current levels in
2014-15, with the stated intention of doing the same in 2015-16.
The City Council particularly recognises the economic value of the arts to this district.
Key organisational challenges and opportunities
To continue to flourish in the current economic climate, we recognise that we need more robust and diverse
income streams, allowing the company to keep its destiny in its own hands in these testing times.
Challenges and opportunities include:
Financial Profile: Unity has achieved its aim of securing a reserves fund and is not in deficit. This is a
strong base from which to build an improved picture.
Our 2012/13 annual report shows the following income breakdown: core funding 58% - additional projects
7% - earned income 31% - trusts/lottery/foundations 4%. Our 2015-18 Business Plan shows our intention to improve these percentages by increasing earned
income, increasing applications to trusts & foundations and through mutually beneficial partnerships.
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463
About Unity Theatre (2)
Buildings: A major refurbishment was undertaken in 1998, improving all the facilities and robust maintenance
keeps it in good shape. It would now benefit from some internal remodelling to allow us great flexibility to
meet future aspirations.
This would facilitate:
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Improved public and earning facilities
Improving the quality of experiences for children, young people, families, visiting artists, staff and audiences
Becoming a national centre for the support and development of new artists
Improving our resilience and sustainability
Planning is in the early stages and we will make the most of external opportunities and other avenues to
explore how this might be achieved.
Our People: The Unity is a relatively small company delivering a relatively large impact. Our staff,
volunteers and Board members make this happen and the company has the ambition to be an excellent
employer.
Stakeholders: We have strong relationships with existing stakeholders and continue to develop new
ones, symbolised by our new Cultural Partnership with Everton Free School and Everton in the Community. Sourcing new strategic partners will help us grow our impact, as will growing the effect of philanthropy
on the company.
Liverpool: Whilst the wider economic climate is challenging, the city continues to attract new investment.
The Arena and conference centre are securing world class events and Liverpool now features regularly
in international listings as one of the top five cities to visit – all of which has the potential to be of benefit
to the company.
Liverpool City Council continue to put arts and culture at the heart of its offer to both residents and visitors
and has a strategic plan that supports this endeavour – although harsh government cuts are likely to be
problematic.
The city also has an unusual alliance – Liverpool Arts Regeneration Consortium (LARC) – bringing together
the key arts and culture organisations working towards common goals centred around policy influence,
arts & culture as a regional tool, capacity building and city region profile. Unity is an active participant,
contributing on many levels.
Funded by
A private company limited by guarantee number 3333987 | Registered charity number 1062 463