Department for Culture Media and Sport
The Department for Culture Media and Sport would like to invite applications for two Trustee roles at the National Portrait Gallery.
The equivalent of two days every three months.
London
Board appointments are not remunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
Appointment is for a period of up to four years with the possibility of re-appointment at the end of that term. Post 1 is expected to begin in September 2012 and Post 2 in October 2012.
Trustees are appointed by Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
The National Portrait Gallery holds the largest and most distinguished collection of portraits in the world. The principal aim is to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture, and to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media. As an institution it fulfils a number of roles relating to the historic and contemporary aspects of this collection: a research and academic role, an educational role, and a wider role within public life.
Following a period of unprecedented growth, the continuing challenge is to strengthen the organisation and reduce areas of risk. At the same time the
Gallery is developing the imaginative and distinctive aspects of its display, exhibition, education, research and access programmes, with a greater national presence and an increased recognition of the quality of its work and its collection, and the skills and knowledge of its staff.
Following the launch of the Ondaatje Wing in 2000, the Gallery has increased its level of visitors despite the unfavourable economic climate and difficulties with international tourism and travel. There are now at least 1.8 million visits each year to the St Martin’s Place site and the Gallery employs around 250 staff, with an average annual turnover of £16 million. The Gallery has also demonstrated its ability to make acquisitions of national importance, such as the portraits of John Donne, to revitalise its regional work at Bodelwyddan, Montacute and Beningbrough, to complete the buildings at St Martin's Place with the opening of the Regency display in the Weldon Galleries, to establish new sponsorship partnerships, and to collaborate on major projects. To continue with such successes, while coping with limited staff and resources, requires a determined sense of direction, clear planning and continued efficiency across the institution as a whole.
The National Portrait Gallery’s core purpose is to:
The Gallery’s six strategic objectives are:
General
The chief role of Trustees is to assist the Chair in meeting the Board’s overall responsibilities under the Charities Act and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Trustees offer guidance and expertise on the Gallery’s strategy and its practical implementation. They must be positive advocates for the Gallery, representing it to ministers, officials at DCMS, and others. They must also assist the Chair in ensuring that the Gallery’s affairs are conducted with probity.
Trustees must be able to attend Board meetings and such other sub-committee meetings as may be necessary. Board meetings are normally held four times a year in London, with one additional review day. Some additional time will need to be devoted to studying papers, attending events at the Gallery and occasional visits to regional partnerships.
The successful candidate will have the following specific expertise:
Additionally, the successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following other essential criteria:
Trustees are appointed by the Prime Minister, and the Chair is decided amongst themselves. Further information can be found on the National Portrait Gallery website.
Board of Trustees
Professor Sir David Cannadine FBA FRSL (Chairman)
Zeinab Badawi
Allegra Berman (Chair of the Investment Committee)
Professor Dame Carol Black DBE
Sir Nicholas Blake
Dr Rosalind (Polly) Blakesley
Dr Augustus Casely-Hayford
The Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP (Lord President of the Council)
The Marchioness of Douro OBE
Kim Evans OBE
The Rt Hon The Lord Janvrin GCB GCVO QSO
Christopher Le Brun (President of the Royal Academy)
Mary McCartney
Sir William Proby Bt CBE DL (Deputy Chairman)
David Ross (Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee)
Marina Warner CBE FBA
The followin forms cannot be filled in online. To use the forms right mouse over the link, select 'Save Target As...' then save to your computer. The forms can then be completed at your convenience. Both completed forms, along with your CV, should be returned to: les.pedrick@culture.gsi.gov.uk
You should also refer to the following guidance that is also available for download on this website:
Completed forms should be received by Monday 5 March 2012
Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held on one or more of the following dates: 25 April, 26 April & 2 May 2012.
For information on the role and the National Portrait Gallery please contact: Helen Hillman 020 7312 2477 hhillman@npg.org.uk
For information on the process or if you are having difficulties completing the form please contact
Les Pedrick, DCMS Public Appointments Unit 020 7211 6378 les.pedrick@culture.gsi.gov.uk
DCMS promotes an equal opportunities policy. Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, and these appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants.