Candidate Information Pack. For the position of. Chief Executive (Re-Advertisement) Belfast Community Circus School

Transcription

1 Candidate Information Pack For the position of Chief Executive (Re-Advertisement) Belfast Community Circus School Completed Application Forms must be returned to CO3 by 12 noon on Wednesday 4 July 2018 Previous applicants need not apply 1

2 Contents Foreword from Chair Page 3 History of Belfast Community Circus School Page 4 Finances, Ethos and Mission and Values Page 5 Organisational Structure Page 6 Job Description Page 7 Person Specification Page 12 Shortlisting process Page 14 Guidance notes on completing your application form Page 15 Monitoring, Disability & Equal Opportunities Page 16 Timescale for Interviews Page 17 2

3 Foreword from the Chair Dear Applicant, Thank you for expressing your interest in the post of Chief Executive at Belfast Community Circus School ( BCCS ). It is an exciting time for the Charity as we seek to build on our success to date. We are looking for an outstanding strategic leader with integrity, energy and resilience, who will passionately promote our vision and mission, to transform lives and communities through the power of circus, arts and street theatre. We are focused on building the next phase in the evolution of the Charity across its commercial and charitable activities. We are ambitious to continue to grow and diversify, to serve more people in different ways. The position is a prominent, strategic role in the sector, which offers the right person an opportunity to lead the Organisation to its next stage of development. The person will be a strong ambassador for the Charity, supporting and promoting the public reputation of the charity, extending networks of influence, telling the charity s story and explaining the value and impact of our work. If you share a commitment to the values and ethos of our Charity, and have the leadership skills and experience, we want to hear from you. Please find enclosed relevant information relating to our Organisation and the role including the selection process. I am delighted that we are working with Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3), to help with the recruitment process. If you have any initial queries relating to the post in the first instance, please contact Nora Smith at nora@co3.bz or telephone / Yours sincerely Alison Anderson, Chair Belfast Community Circus School 3

4 History of Belfast Community Circus The Belfast Community Circus School was established in 1985 by Donal McKendry and the late, Mike Moloney. At the time Northern Ireland was still wracked by conflict and community division and the pair saw circus as a vehicle to promote shared learning for young people. As in so many cases throughout the world, the lure of the circus has proved irresistible, and Belfast Circus has grown and developed beyond its founders wildest dreams. Some 33 years later BCCS is one of the most vibrant performing arts companies in Northern Ireland and is recognised for the quality of its teaching and performances. The ability of circus to provide an equal platform for people regardless of where they come from has long been evident in traditional circus with its international artists - a diversity reflected in the tutor team for the School where we have teachers from Northern Ireland working alongside people from Sweden, Germany, Australia, England, Republic of Ireland, United States and Canada. To this end, the Belfast Community Circus acts not only as a vehicle for teaching children and young people in some of our most deprived communities, but also as a training school for professional teachers and circus performers. In addition, the Circus acts as a promoter and bookings agency for our professional performers, in the form of our social enterprise Premiere Circus. Our Youth Circus is diverse and cross community and has operated continuously from the dark days of the Troubles through to today s more peaceful environment. We also offer Itty Bitty, an introduction to circus skills for children 0-7. Since 1999, we ve operated the circus school from our purpose built circus premises in Gordon Street, in what is now known as Cathedral Quarter. In 2004, Belfast Circus launched the Festival of Fools - an annual street theatre festival -showcasing the best of international and local circus and street theatre performers. Belfast Community Circus has been awarded the highest arts award in Northern Ireland, the Bass Ireland Arts Award for the work with adults in pioneering circus theatre in Ireland. In 1999, Belfast Community Circus was one of the recipients of the final Guardian Jerwood Award for Excellence in The Community - a UK wide award. In 2006, the work on Festival of Fools received an Arts and Business award for work in the community undertaken with the Laganside Corporation. Belfast Circus is committed to the highest quality in terms of its tuition and its public performances. Our reputation has gone global both through the Festival of Fools brand and through Circus playing a primary role in the establishment of Carnival the European circus network. Locally, where Belfast Circus led other arts and community groups followed helping to transform the north inner city into a vibrant arts and entertainment area. The late Will Chamberlain, our Director until his passing in October 2017, was deputy chair of the Cathedral Quarter Trust with a 4

5 keen eye on the regeneration of the area and sustaining the performing arts community within the area. Finances Audited accounts to 31st March 2017 show Belfast Community Circus School had a total income of 503,004. Festival of Fools, a separate subsidiary company had an income of 109,313 over the same period. A link to the Accounts held at Companies House is provided below; Belfast Community Circus School: Financial statements 2016/7 Festival of Fools: Financial Statements 2016/7 Mission, Vision & Values Mission To transform lives and communities through the power of Circus Arts and Street Theatre. Vision Statement: Our vision of society is one with arts and culture at its very heart, providing opportunities for the highest quality participation and progression in circus arts and street theatre - as well as opportunities for informing, entertaining and celebrating. Values The following values underpin all aspects of the Circus School: We recognise the potential of circus as a powerful art form and educational & personal development tool, which promotes the creative potential of the individual, the team and the community We celebrate the sense of belonging, the fun and the nurturing community instilled through Circus, locally, nationally and internationally We acknowledge the power of facilitating risk and challenge in a safe secure environment, in a way that promotes perseverance and excitement We are committed to excellence in all aspects of what we do and community circus as an art form We are committed to promoting the participation of all those engaged in the circus: young people, adults, parents, staff and freelance circus artists to participate actively in making decisions about Belfast Community Circus and promoting its future We are committed to equal opportunities, openness and fairness in all aspects of our activities. 5

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7 Job Title: Reporting to: Responsible for: Location: Salary: Pension: Holiday entitlement: Duration: Chief Executive, Belfast Community Circus School Chair and Board of Trustees Is responsible to the Board for providing leadership and contribution to the strategic and operational management of the Organisation in order to achieve agreed aims and objectives. Based in Belfast and travel throughout NI. 45,000-52,000 per annum (Dependent upon experience) 3% Employer contribution 25 Days plus 13 Statutory Days Permanent, subject to funding (6-month probation) Key Purpose of the post Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive will be responsible for leading our organisational strategy, providing inspirational leadership as well as effective resource management and being an inspirational ambassador for the organisation. He/she will raise the profile of Belfast Community Circus School s ( BCCS ) work, and be at the forefront of promoting the Organisation and building strong relationships locally and internationally with both internal and external key stakeholders to include, colleagues, sponsors and partners to ensure the delivery of our programme of activities. Successfully set and implement the operational, business and development plans. Develop and deliver appropriate governance, income generation, finance and operational objectives and plans that ensure sustainable growth for the long term. Develop, deliver and ensure service excellence across a suite of programmes within BCCS encompassing the three companies; Belfast Community Circus School, Festival of Fools and Premiere Circus. The successful applicant will have outstanding leadership skills with the ability to inspire and strategically lead and motivate the staff team and performance tutors. They will role-model the mind-set, values and behaviours needed to drive transformational change and organisational growth. 7

8 The post demands a person to bring significant experience of operating in an environment that prepares you for the complexities of leading a multifaceted arts based organisation. The key roles of the Chief Executive: Income Generation Financial Management Programme Development & Service Excellence Governance Modelling Vision Values & Culture Event Management Communications Income Generation Develop, manage and implement a robust and commercially focused income generation strategy to ensure the sustainability and development of BCCS. Ensure the assessment, completion and submission of high quality funding applications to statutory bodies, trusts and foundations. Ensure evaluation and monitoring returns are completed and submitted in line with funder requirements. Develop our ability to generate income from training, performance, membership and assessment. Research and develop innovative ways to generate income through social enterprise. Examine and test the feasibility of generating unrestricted income through community fundraising. Grow our income from corporate giving and sponsorship. Maximise individual giving and gift aid. Actively pursue new and alternative sources of income for the development of new projects and services and the maintenance of existing services. 8

9 Financial Management Manage the financial strategy of the organisation, developing appropriate financial plans, budgets, forecasts and management accounts. Effectively manage risk, generating surpluses and ensuring the Organisation s financial resilience. Provide full financial transparency to the Board through the implementation of the financial policies and procedures ensuring the timely production of monthly management accounts, budgets and variance reports and management of working capital requirements. Manage the premises and capital assets ensuring they are fit for purpose and renewed when necessary. Programme Development & Service Excellence Expand the opportunities for children and young people to participate in circus programmes. Create pathways for inclusion for participants to progress and achieve from taster sessions, outreach and pilots to full membership. Develop accreditation opportunities for children, young people, adults and performers. Manage the recruitment, induction, training and development of our tutor performers. Prioritise and ensure the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Ensure a safe, healthy and productive working environment for staff and members. Ensure our recruitment and HR policies and practices comply with current legislation and our commitment to equality and diversity. Provide effective line management to the Senior Management Team and wider staff team. Seek and evaluate views of stakeholders on a regular basis. Further develop BCCS s international reputation through networking, partnering and sharing training and artist exchange opportunities. 9

10 Governance Work with the Board to ensure strategic oversight of BCCS and sister companies. Act as the Company Secretary ensuring compliance with annual Companies House returns, the Charity Commission and our funders. Ensure that the major risks to which the charity are exposed have been reviewed and systems including a live risk register have been established to mitigate these risks. Service and support the Board of BCCS, its subsidiaries and sub-committees. Appraise the Board of all relevant issues ensuring appropriate risk assessment and mitigation. Ensure the publication of an Annual Report and Review and financial returns. Assist the Board on matters of policy development, review and renewal. Ensure regular and timely financial reporting, budgetary control and advise on variance. Attend, support and offer guidance to relevant sub-committees of the Board. Advise the Board and its sub-committees on their legal responsibilities, policy issues related to the work of the Organisation and its management. Ensure that the Board receives relevant and appropriate advice, information and recommendations on strategy, service delivery, development and funding of existing and new services, financial management and human resource issues. Operational Management Assist the Board in developing the strategic plan and then operationalising it ensuring key objectives and targets are met on an annual basis. Effectively manage the development, delivery and monitoring of annual operational plans in line with the organisational strategy. Provide reports to the Board on implementation of the operational plan. 10

11 Build an effective and accountable Senior Management Team with clear lines of staff supervision, appraisal and accountability. Work with the board and staff to continually adapt and improve our business model and operations to meet the challenges of a complex and changing environment. Communicate effectively with our membership, our tutors, artists and stakeholders. Ensuring that our staff and volunteers are effectively led, supervised, supported and motivated. Event Management Lead on the development of the Festival of Fools street theatre festival. Ensure the delivery of a robust and comprehensive operational plan is in place to facilitate a world-class street theatre festival. Deliver upon innovative and commercially driven marketing strategies to drive an increase in both visitors to the festival and the attraction of international artists and performers. Ensure that all events and activities are appropriately managed, delivered to a high standard and within budget and timeframe. PR and Communications To represent and champion Belfast Circus School in the media and at meetings and gatherings, and to communicate its vision and strategy to the outside world. To ensure a high profile for the work of BCCS both within N. Ireland and internationally. To ensure that the charity and its programmes are communicated, promoted and marketed to the highest standards. To build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders. Staff Management and Leadership Provide effective leadership in supporting a highly skilled and committed team and assess the Charity s capacity and ensure personnel needs are met. 11

12 Set the standards for internal communication across the team to ensure effective day to day operation of all aspects of Circus School s work. Oversee the recruitment, induction, management and support of staff as appropriate, and oversee the annual appraisal process. Support team members to manage direct reports and creative collaborators. Agree continuous professional development priorities for all staff. Model behaviours that motivate people, staff, tutors and performers across the three companies. Additional Duties It is the nature of the work of Belfast Circus School that tasks and responsibilities may be unpredictable and varied, the role demands a high level of flexibility. Person Specification Essential Qualifications Hold a third level qualification or equivalent. In the absence of a Third level qualification applicants must have seven years experience in a leadership or senior management role with direct involvement in key organisational decisions and knowledge of Board governance. Essential Experience A minimum of five years experience at a senior management level, with at least three defined as operating at, or immediately below, Board/Chief Executive level in an organisation. Significant financial management experience with a clear ability to evidence the implementation and management of the financial policies and procedures ensuring the timely production of monthly management accounts, budgets and variance reports and management of working capital requirements. A proven track record in delivering a high profile communications and marketing strategy, with the objective of increasing the public profile of an organisation. A proven track record of identifying, negotiating, securing and managing grant funding and new income generation opportunities. A proven track record in leading and managing teams, which includes positive staff engagement strategies and cultivating a collaborative team culture whilst role modelling a strong values base. 12

13 Significant experience in project management to ensure the overall program is aligned to and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives. Strong strategic planning, prioritisation and execution skills with a proven ability to manage multiple objectives, competing demands and impact through the development of robust and measurable operational plans. Significant experience of leading partnership working and demonstrable experience of building relationships and networks that support the organisational mission and goals. Experience of taking an entrepreneurial approach to gaining and maximising income and return on investment, using resources to capitalise on new markets and a range of social business opportunities. Desirable Experience Experience of leading and motivating a diverse staff team and working with artists. Experience of the preparation, planning, management and delivery of high profile events. Essential Knowledge An understanding of the environment for BCCS s work. High-level understanding of how to drive market recognition and brand awareness in competitive markets. An understanding of the diverse range of funding models available to charities, including grants, project funding, independent trust/foundation and trading income. Essential Skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex ideas in ways that both inspire and create meaningful engagement with a diverse range of audiences. Ability to network and influence at all levels. Professional and public credibility with the ability to speak confidently at public events and represent the Organisation appropriately. Ability to work collaboratively to find imaginative solutions to difficult situations. IT literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office to include Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint. * Access to a form of transport to meet the travel requirements of the job, 13

14 including occasional travel throughout Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Other Requirements Ability to work flexible hours in accordance with the needs of the post. This will include occasional weekend work and overnight stays. *Consideration may be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a license. If we receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to increase the number of competencies that the candidates will have to demonstrate. Shortlisting Stage To be shortlisted, candidates are required to have: A minimum of five years experience at a senior management level, with at least three defined as operating at, or immediately below, Board/Chief Executive level in an organisation A degree level qualification. If a candidate does not have a degree level qualification, they will be required to have at least seven years experience in a leadership or senior management role with direct involvement in key organisational decisions and knowledge of Board governance Significant experience in managing all aspects of multiple related projects to ensure the overall program is aligned to and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives Experience of taking an entrepreneurial approach to gaining and maximising income and return on investment, using resources to capitalise on new markets and a range of social business opportunities A proven track record in leading and managing teams, which includes positive staff engagement strategies and cultivating a collaborative team culture whilst role modelling a strong values base Significant financial management experience with a clear ability to evidence the implementation and management of the financial policies and procedures ensuring the timely production of monthly management accounts, budgets and variance reports and management of working capital requirements A full current driving license and access to a car to meet the travel requirements of the job, including occasional travel throughout Northern 14

15 Ireland and elsewhere. (Consideration may be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a license). A proven track record in at least five of the following: An understanding of the diverse range of funding models available to charities, including grants, project funding, independent trust/foundation and trading income Understanding of the key strategic issues impacting on the work of BCCS An understanding of social enterprise models Ability to network and influence at all levels. Professional and public credibility with the ability to speak confidently at public events and represent the organisation Demonstrable ability to translate strategic objectives and ideas into effective tactical financial, organisational and programme plans Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex ideas in ways that both inspire and create meaningful engagement with a diverse range of audiences Strategic planning, prioritisation and execution skills with a proven ability to manage multiple objectives, competing demands and impact through the development of robust and measurable operational plans. Guidance notes on completing your application form Please complete the application form provided, to ensure an equitable recruitment process CVs in lieu of the application form cannot be accepted. The application form is designed to ensure that applicants provide the necessary information to determine how they meet the requirements of the role and the short-listing criteria. You should ensure that ALL sections of the application form are completed. You should ensure that you provide evidence of your experience in your application form, giving length of experience, examples and dates as required. BCCS will not make assumptions from the title of the applicant s post or the nature of the organisation as to the skills and experience gained, these must be articulated within the application form. Write down clearly your personal involvement in any experience you quote. Write 15

16 I statements e.g. I planned meetings, I managed a budget, I prepared a presentation. It is how you actually carried out a piece of work that the panel will be interested in. The examples you provide should be concise and relevant to the criteria. This is very important as the examples which you provide may be checked out at interview and you may need to be prepared to talk about these in detail if you are invited to interview. It is your unique role the panel are interested in, not that of your team or division. If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet the eligibility criteria, the selection panel will reject your application. ONLY the details provided by you in your application form (the employment history and eligibility criteria) will be provided to the selection panel for the purpose of determining your eligibility for the post. Monitoring and Criminal Convictions Disclosure Please complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form and Criminal Convictions Disclosure Form, these forms will not be disclosed to anyone involved in short-listing your application. ACCESS NI (Criminal Conviction Checks) The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. The successful applicant will not be able to commence employment until this check has been successfully completed. Disability In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act a person is disabled if they have, or have had, a physical or mental impairment which has, or has had, a substantial and long term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities. If you consider yourself to have a disability relevant to the position for which you are applying please contact the Human Resources Manager so that we can process your application fairly, make any specific arrangements for your interview, and make any necessary reasonable adjustments or adaptations, or provide any aids to assist you in completing the duties of the post. Equal Opportunities BCCS is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. 16

17 References Applicants are required to provide details of three referees. Referees will not be contacted until after the interview process. You should not seek as a referee anyone who is related to you. Timescale for Interviews The first interview will take place on 6 July Please protect the above dates. Candidates should note that it may not be possible to offer alternative interview times. Closing date for Applications Wednesday 4 July at 12 noon First Interview Second Interview Final Interview Relevant reference checks sought and notification provided to candidates 6 July 2018 TBC TBC Week commencing 13 August 2018 Closing Date for Applications The deadline for completed applications is Wednesday 4 July 2018 at 12 noon. Please note that you are required to submit two signed hard-copy applications and one electronic copy. Your completed application should be sent as follows: Nora Smith Chief Executive Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3) 34 Shaftesbury Square Belfast BT2 7DB Two hard copies and one electronic copy to nora@co3.bz Belfast Community Circus School cannot accept incomplete application forms; application forms received after the closing deadline or reformatted application forms. Applicants using Royal Mail should note that 1st class mail does not guarantee next day delivery. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that sufficient postage 17

18 has been paid, normally a large letter stamp, to return the form. Applicants who applied for this role previously need not apply. Contact Details If you have any queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact: by nora@co3.bz or telephone /