Information for candidates interested in joining the Board of the Mercury Theatre Colchester

Transcription

1 Information for candidates interested in joining the Board of the Mercury Theatre Colchester Private Lives: Made in Colchester 2016

2 WELCOME Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of the Mercury Theatre Colchester. INTRODUCTION The Mercury Theatre has been at the heart of the cultural life of Essex and the Eastern Region for more than 40 years, and as the most active producing theatre in the East and one of the largest employers in Colchester, central to the vibrant creative economy of the town, it remains a focus of civic pride and well-being for the community that it serves. These are exciting time at the Mercury. Born out of the Colchester Repertory Company in 1937, and relocating to its current home in 1972, the Mercury now boasts a Main Theatre (500 seats), a Studio Theatre (99 seats), full on-site workshop and wardrobe facilities, award-winning customer service, and a turnover in excess of 3.6m annually. Audiences continue to grow with 2015/16 being one of the most successful year s ever in the organisation s history. More than 125,000 people attended performances (an increase of 19% on the previous year) with over 20,000 children and young people engaged in our Learning and Participation Programme in Colchester and across Essex. The Mercury is embarking on a major 8.7m capital redevelopment of the theatre, with 6m already secured from Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council. Our campaign has been launched to raise the remainder. We aim to reopen a refurbished and extended theatre in 2020, with state of the art production facilities. The Mercury retains the revenue support of Arts Council England and Colchester Borough Council. The ratio of grant aid (30%) to earned income (70%) reflects the current management s aim to diversify income and ensure future sustainability. However, the arts sector in Britain is changing. The economics of running cultural institutions are undoubtedly in a state of flux. The preferences and profile of theatre audiences and participants are certainly shifting. So, if the Mercury is going to continue to be at the centre of the cultural life of Colchester, Essex and the Eastern Region for another 40 years, it must embrace the opportunities afforded by this period of change and steer its staff, stakeholders, audiences and supporters through that process. Last year, audiences grew 19%! Our Studio Theatre benefited from a 580,000 refurbishment in 2015

3 A comprehensive programme of review, reflection and change at the Mercury has already started to deliver positive results. The new brand has been met with critical acclaim from artists and audiences alike. The Mercury s visibility has increased both locally and nationally through a series of high profile co-productions and national tours. Significant new operational efficiencies and economies have been identified. The theatre is working in a wider range of dynamic strategic partnerships across the arts, education, charitable and public sectors and with commercial producers and companies. Our future plan focuses on three overarching strategic themes: CREATING OUTSTANDING THEATRE o Producing and presenting a programme that is fuelled by artistic ambition o Launching new opportunities for children & young people to get involved in what we do o Establishing the Mercury as a regional hub for creative talent development REACHING A BIGGER AND MORE DIVERSE AUDIENCE o Attracting new audiences and targeting hard to reach communities TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE WORK o Developing a robust, flexible business model and a talented, flexible staff team o Unlocking new funding and income streams o Revitalising the Mercury buildings and facilities to secure them for future generations VISION Our vision is of the Mercury as a vibrant, welcoming artistic hub at the heart of the cultural life of Colchester and Essex; a place where the diverse communities of the town and its surrounding region can come together to experience exceptional live theatre and a rich programme of other performing arts; a place where anyone, regardless of background, can get involved with our creative processes and start to realise their own creative potential. Our vision is of the Mercury as a strategically important part of the national theatre ecology and the wider creative sector, providing an important regional pipeline for creative and technical talent and contributing to the range and quality of middle-scale touring theatre, with a particular focus on drama and work for children and families. 95% of audience members would give their overall visit 4/5 stars! There were over 20,000 attendees for Learning & Participation activities

4 MISSION The Mercury exists to produce and present an inspiring, popular and critically acclaimed performing arts programme that touches the lives of a large and diverse Essex audience. The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers. The Mercury is a key part of the national touring theatre ecology, both as a highly respected mid-scale venue for the best touring theatre product available in the UK, and through its commitment to creating touring versions of many of the productions that it originates in Colchester. VALUES Everything we do is driven by our values: Quality Innovation Diversity Inclusion

5 Strategic Aims In order to deliver our vision and mission we aim to: Create outstanding theatre 1. Build a reputation for the quality and innovation of our programme 2. Exploit the touring and commercial potential of the work we produce Reach a bigger and more diverse audience 3. Grow and diversify the audience for our programme Transform the way we work 4. Develop a flexible, talented staff team, responsive to changing business needs 5. Diversify income streams and build financial resilience 6. Ensure that the Mercury infrastructure is fit for purpose 7. Develop a robust approach to self-evaluation and risk-management For more information about the Theatre s work please visit The Board of Directors Colchester Mercury Theatre is both a limited company and a registered charity and, as such, is governed by the charitable objects set out within its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The directors of the company, who also act as trustees of the charity, therefore have legal, financial and fiduciary duties under company law and compliance with charity legislation. The day-to-day management of the company is delegated to the Executive and Artistic Directors as joint Chief Executives. However, the ultimate responsibility for the company s operation lies with the Board of Directors, so all Members are strongly encouraged to gain a good working knowledge of the key operational and strategic challenges facing the Mercury s management team and to keep abreast of any major external issues that might affect the company. The Board fulfills the important roles of scrutiny and governance. This includes responsibility to: 1. Maintain a policy of inclusiveness and diversity 2. Ensure responsible financial control which is prudent and sustainable 3. Support the striving for excellence and high quality in all in which the theatre is involved. The Board draws on its members extensive knowledge, skills, experience and, importantly, contacts to provide strategic and occasionally operational guidance for the organisation and to advocate for it within appropriate contexts.

6 Context The Board consists of up to fifteen members including the Chair, Vice Chair and a representative of Colchester Borough Council. Theatre representatives at Board meetings will usually be the Artistic Director, Executive Director and members of the Senior Management Team together with the Executive Assistant who will take minutes. In addition observers from the theatre s funders, Arts Council England and Colchester Borough Council, attend regularly throughout the year. Board papers are circulated prior to each Board meeting and these consist of an agenda, previous minutes and reports from the Joint Chief Executives. Quarterly Management Accounts are circulated to all members of the Board. The theatre operates two sub-committees made up of Board members and the Executive Team. Board Members may be asked to serve on one or more committees dependent on their skills and specialisms. The committees are: Finance and General Purposes Capital Sub Committee Further short term task or working groups might be established by the organisation (approved by the Board) in order to address specific issues or new business or artistic opportunities. Terms of reference for these groups will be set prior to or at their first meeting. Any appointment to the Board is as both a director of a limited company and a trustee of a charity. The Board s role and responsibilities are governed by Company and Charity Law as it applies in England and Wales. This Opportunity As a result of a number of Board members nearing the end of their terms of office, we are currently seeking to appoint 2-3 new Board members to work with the rest of the Board and the theatre s Chief Executives to deliver our vision. We are looking for people who share our passion for theatre and our ambition for the Mercury and its work. We are looking for people who can bring skills, knowledge and experience that will complement that of existing Board members. We re looking for people who can think strategically, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to the future of this organisation. In common with all charities and most subsidised regional theatres, Board members are volunteers and so the capacity to devote the time needed to attend the following is essential: 4 Board meetings per year 1 Strategic retreat 3 Made in Colchester productions (minimum) 1 Visiting production (minimum) 1 Learning and Participation event (minimum) Members must also make time to read papers in advance of Board meetings and may, from time to time, be required to contribute to fundraising activities or the work of specific sub-committees and/or task groups. Board meetings are held at the theatre and where possible dates are distributed a year in advance. We value a diverse team and welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including both those who are new to non-executive/trustee board work, and individuals who have a proven track record in senior governance roles. Application Process

7 Board Director / Trustee Job Profile PURPOSE To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction and assist with the leadership and general promotion of the Colchester Mercury Theatre Limited so as to support the organisation s mission and needs. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES To ensure the organisation has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these. To determine levels of delegation to the Chief Executives. To work in partnership with other Board members and funders to support and develop the theatre, and take responsibility for the corporate governance of the organisation. To ensure the effective operation and management of the Theatre. To support the Chief Executives in the formulation of Business Plans outlining the theatre s operational and artistic direction within the budgetary framework. To approve the annual budget and to have a good grasp of the finances and resources of the organisation. To comprehend and maintain a general overview of theatre s policies and procedures. To ensure the theatre complies with all legal, regulatory and statutory requirements. To act as guardians of the theatre s assets ensuring that satisfactory control procedures are in place. To ensure that the organisation s governance is of the highest possible standard. To build a good understanding of the theatre s day-to-day operating processes, procedures and practices. To ensure there are effective mechanisms to listen to the views of current and future beneficiaries. To have a serious commitment to participate actively in committee work. Involvement in the appointment of the Chief Executives and other Senior Management staff as and when required. To actively promote and communicate the organisation s work to the community performing an ambassadorial role on behalf of the theatre. SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE A good knowledge of the legal responsibilities attributable to the Board. A passion for the arts with a particular interest in theatre and its role in Colchester, Essex, the Eastern region, nationally and internationally. A good understanding of the challenges facing producing theatres. A broad overview of, and the ability to address, issues relating to the full range of the theatre s operations. The ability and willingness to act as an advocate for the organisation and to represent its work to an external audience. The ability to think imaginatively and strategically, and contribute to effective decision-making.

8 COLLECTIVELY THE BOARD IS LIKELY TO INCLUDE MEMBERSHIP FROM: Those from within the theatre sector with direct experience of the industry. Local government elected members. Those working in education, regeneration, training, or other fields relevant to the arts. Individuals with legal, financial, marketing or fundraising backgrounds who can contribute to the strategic overview of the organisation. TIME COMMITMENT The Mercury is an ambitious organisation that sets high standards in everything it does. Board members will be expected to dedicate time and energy to the organisation in order to meet its ambitions. This will mean: Initial induction meeting the staff & funders, attendance at performances, discussion of responsibilities, identification of potential roles within the board and sub committees. Approximately four Board meetings a year, including preparation time (including the Annual General Meeting). Attendance at sub-committee meeting and activities (if applicable). Attendance at events and functions both within and outside the theatre. Ongoing regular attendance of the theatre s artistic programme. The Executive Team will consult with Board Members from time to time on an individual basis during or out of normal working hours. LENGTH OF TERM The duration of membership for new Board members will be for four years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further four year term. It is permissible for a former director to reapply to join the Board after two years for an additional three year term subject to formal agreement by a vote of the Board. A 75% majority vote is required to approve the reapplication of a former director. No preference will be applied to a former director and any former director must undergo an identical selection and appointment process as a new candidate. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Colchester Mercury Theatre Limited is committed to equality and diversity in all spheres of its work, through its artistic output and community work, public and external relationships, and in its recruitment and personnel practices. The theatre strives to ensure that no job applicant, employee, Board member, audience member, project participant, supplier or visitor, collaborator or contractor receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of age, gender, race, ethnic or national origins, sexual orientation, disability, religious or political beliefs, marital status, physical appearance, medical condition, social or economic class, parental status or criminal record unless such considerations can be shown to be relevant and justifiable. This policy informs operations throughout the organisation and the theatre encourages the external organisations and individuals it works with to recognise the importance of operating in such a way. April 2017

9 YOUR APPLICATION Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of the Mercury Theatre Colchester. To arrange a confidential informal discussion before making an application please contact Steve Mannix on steve.mannix@mercurytheatre.co.uk To apply please send a copy of your CV together with a letter stating clearly how you meet the role and the criteria set out above. Applications may be sent by post to: Steve Mannix Executive Director The Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate Colchester CO1 1PT or by to: steve.mannix@mercurytheatre.co.uk A SMALL SELECTION OF RECENT PRODUCTIONS MADE IN COLCHESTER Educating Rita Bully Boy Clybourne Park Macbeth Sweeney Todd Dick Whittington Bang Bang