Time Commitment:
In addition to five formal meetings a year, there are two away days, blue-sky meetings and other sub-committees as required.  Some additional time will be required to study papers, attend events and represent the Arts Council at functions.  In total, a time commitment of 60 days a year is estimated.

Location of Meetings:
Meetings of Arts Council England are generally held within London.  One formal meeting a year is held outside London.  Additionally, two sets of away days are held each year, which may also involve an overnight stay. 

Remuneration:
Remuneration of £40,000 per annum is currently under review.

Duration of Appointment:
The appointment will be for an initial term of four years.

Closing Date for applications:
Wednesday 24 September 2008

Background:
Arts Council England develops and promotes the arts across England, acting as an arm’s length body from the Government. DCMS recently announced an increase in funding for Arts Council England of 3.3% above inflation over the next three years, taking its total grant in aid to £467m in 2010-11. In addition, Arts Council England is expected to have £500m to distribute from the National Lottery between 2009 and 2012. This provides the bedrock of support for the arts in England.

Arts Council England aims for everyone in the country to have the opportunity to develop a rich and varied artistic and creative life.  Its objectives, set out in its Royal Charter, are:

• to develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts;
• to increase the accessibility of the arts to the public; and
• to advise and co-operate with departments of government, local authorities, the Arts Councils of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and other bodies.

It is the primary delivery agent for DCMS’ Departmental Strategic Objectives to encourage more widespread enjoyment of the arts and support talent and excellence.

The Arts Council works in partnership with a wide range of people and organisations, including artists, regional and national development agencies, local authorities, Government Departments and many other organisations in the public, private and voluntary and amateur sector. 

The Role:
Council has a membership of 15, made up of nine people who also chair the Arts Council’s regional councils, five more people and the Chair.  The current Chair and members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing effective strategic leadership to the Arts Council and overall direction of its business, taking account of any requirements imposed by law.
• Being an ambassador for the Arts Council and an advocate for the arts, acting as a spokesman to the national media and a wide range of constituencies.
• Ensuring that the Arts Council leads the response to the McMaster report on supporting excellence in the arts.
• Ensuring the Council is a successful team and that it provides effective corporate governance, in accordance with current best practice.
• Providing leadership for harmonious and effective working relationships between the National and Regional Offices.
• Encouraging high standards of propriety and promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources throughout the organisation.
• Ensuring that the Council, in reaching decisions, takes proper account of guidance provided by the Secretary of State or the Department.
• Providing regular performance assessments of individual Council members.
• Providing advice and support to the executive, monitoring and annually reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive and making a new appointment whenever the post becomes vacant.

The Person:
The successful candidate will have the following skills and aptitudes, gained through experience in the private, public or voluntary sectors:-

• A demonstrable enthusiasm for and understanding of world class artistic excellence and an ability to understand new art forms
• The ability to carry respect within the arts community
• Excellent  communication skills with the ability to act as an advocate for the Council, representing it across a range of communities including the national media
• A proven track record of leadership in a challenging environment
• Understanding of the diverse communities in the UK and a real commitment to promoting diversity within the Council organisation and in its work
• Ability to work in partnership with multiple stakeholders including at national and regional level
• Understanding of the differing priorities of national and regional organisations
• A strong grasp of the principles of public sector propriety, regularity and accountability, and appreciation of effective governance in accordance with current best practice

Supporting Information:
DCMS promotes an equal opportunities policy.  Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, and these appointments are regulated by the Office of 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 dependents. 

Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 24 September 2008

Interviews:
Interviews are scheduled to be held on Thursday 27 November 2008.

How to apply:
Further details and an application form are available electronically or in hard copy.

Please contact;

Sujan Kareer
Public Appointments
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7211 2305
Fax: +44 (0)20 7211 2170
Email: [email protected]

http://www.dcms.gov.uk/working_with_us/public_appointments/5308.aspx