CHAIR OF TRUSTEES RECRUITMENT PACK 2021 - LIFT ...
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CHAIR OF TRUSTEES RECRUITMENT PACK 2021
ABOUT LIFT
LIFT is London’s international biennial festival of theatre. LIFT stands for ‘LIFT is a festival for and
radical empowerment and inclusion. We promote the power and urgency of the city, dedicated
of international perspectives, understanding that difference makes to internationalism and
us stronger. LIFT is where artists and audiences meet for necessary unparalleled artistic events.
conversations and essential cultural experiences. The theatre we offer
audiences is compelling, meaningful, provocative, excellent, topical, LIFT’s creative audacity,
singular. We advance contemporary thought, introduce new forms and its ethics and its commitment
ideas and offer new ways of experiencing art. Every two years, LIFT to international artists drew
presents a festival full of daring and relevant culture, international me to London. Great festivals
perspectives and unforgettable theatre. Whether it’s a much-loved are about civic engagement.
venue, iconic landmark or unsung corner of London, LIFT gathers I want to give Londoners theatre
Londoners around incredible art. We want our audiences to feel more that provokes, challenges,
London and more global every time they encounter LIFT. delights and resonates with
the city’s landscape and civic
LIFT creates contexts where artists make transformative culture happen, character and offer them
as a commissioner, presenter and connector. LIFT is the essential link cultural experiences they can’t
between leading international artists and London and the UK. We connect find anywhere else in the city’s
British makers abroad. We offer valuable support that gives UK artists arts calendar.
working abroad momentum and connections; the partnerships we
create advance artists and their projects. Our reach and impact are local, Now, as we navigate through
national and international, we co-commission and tour projects with an the impact of the pandemic
array of UK and global partners. We engage and create communities and start the cultural recovery,
around ideas and projects connecting leading artists to locals and LIFT’s role is as a trailblazer,
together we make incredible art happen. We celebrate London as a fortifying partner and friend.
place where the local and international meet. LIFT loves London. London needs LIFT more than
ever: a festival celebrating
A charity limited by guarantee and based in Toynbee Studios in East internationalism and global
London, LIFT is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation perspectives as well as the
with a biennial turnover in the region of £2 million. Preparing for its strengths of this complex and
40th anniversary in 2021, LIFT enters its next phase with urgency, joy imaginative city. Our new Chair
and newfound resilience. LIFT has a diversified income mix and the will be pivotal as LIFT ushers in
ambition to further strengthen financial sustainability in the longer term. this important new era for us
We have a renewed ethical policy on fundraising and are registered with and for culture in this city.’
the Fundraising Regulator to ensure that our fundraising is legal, open Kris Nelson, Artistic Director & CEO
and honest. LIFT works on a two-year cycle as a biennial festival with
a minimum fundraising target of £450,000 to support the programme
of festival activities and socially engaged work.
‘LIFT continually pushes artistic
boundaries, embraces risk and
is inspired by the creatively
impossible...’
Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for
Culture, Greater London Authority
Cover: East Wall at the Tower of London - directed by
Hofesh Shechter, co-produced by East London Dance
and Hofesh Shechter Company, commissioned by
Historic Royal Palaces and presented by Historical Royal
Palaces and LIFT 2018. Image © Tony Birch.
Left: Motor Show by Requardt & Rosenberg as part of
2 LIFT 2012. Image © Stu Mayhew.
THE ROLE
CONTEXT
Bernard Donoghue became Chair of LIFT in 2010 and will step down in
2021 as we mark our 40th Anniversary. Bernard’s ardent commitment
to LIFT, its people and its values, leaves a legacy of landmark artistic
programming, organisational milestones and the revitalisation of a
well-loved and unique organisation. He has cultivated a diverse Board
of Trustees who are dedicated, loyal and engaged.
His successor as Chair will work with the new leadership team - Artistic
Director and CEO Kris Nelson and Executive Director Stella Kanu - as
they launch LIFT into its next era, charting new artistic territory and
creating a new business model for the organisation.
OPPORTUNITY
LIFT’s new Chair will have a global outlook, celebrate internationalism
and inclusivity and love the theatre and all its possibilities. The Chair
will seek to amplify LIFT’s activities and will, through their leadership, ‘LIFT is an extraordinary
strengthen and create the context for the executive team to achieve organisation. It has produced
the organisation’s goals. The Chair will ensure good governance and and created theatre which has
industry-leading organisational and financial management. The Chair opened my eyes and my mind
will support key staff and oversee succession planning for the Board to what theatre can and should
and the Artistic Director/CEO role. They will create a culture of savvy be. I think and act differently
planning where a dynamic Board of Trustees will thrive and make because of the experience of
informed, ambitious and strategic decisions. LIFT, its festivals, its people, its
values and its energy. Being
The Chair is the line manager for the Artistic Director/CEO and leads Chair of the board of such a
the annual appraisal process for this role. The Chair also works closely dynamic organisation is an
with the Executive Director. honour and privilege. We
have recruited and grown an
The Board has a Finance Committee, a Nominations Committee, an extraordinarily creative and
Anti-Racism Taskforce and will form a Fundraising Committee in early inspiring executive team, and
2021. Board and executive activities are also supported by a Tottenham a superb, committed and
Board of Advisors who have no statutory responsibility to LIFT. passionate trustee board over
the last few years; I am very
GOVERNANCE proud of this strong foundation.
LIFT is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee,
accountable to statutory and other funders. The Trustees – directors In this, our 40th anniversary year,
in company law – are also the only members of the Company. The and at a time when fostering
directors are expected to comply with their legal, financial and fiduciary dialogue between different
duties under company law and as Trustees must also comply with peoples, communities and
charity law. Even though many of these duties are delegated to the countries has never been more
executive team, the Board sets the context for delegation and for important, LIFT’s role in that task
specific delegated powers. The ultimate joint responsibility for every has never been more crucial.’
aspect of the Company’s operation lies with the Board. Bernard Donoghue, LIFT Board Chair
Above: The Nest Collective as part of LIFT 2020.
Image © LIFT.
Left: Tottenham - Nightwalks With Teenagers as part of
3 LIFT 2018. Image © Jalaikon.
THE ROLE OF THE CHAIR
The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities
for the effective and focused governance of the charity. They will work
closely with the Artistic Director/CEO and represent the organisation at
the highest level. The Chair is pivotal in creating the conditions for the
overall effectiveness of LIFT, both inside and outside the boardroom.
Internally, as Chair, you lead the management of meetings, set the tone
of board communication and provide support to the executive team.
Externally, you will be LIFT’s champion and advocate, strengthening
our reputation, amplifying our key messages and articulating the value
and relevance of LIFT.
The Chair carries the authority of the Board, while the Artistic Director/
CEO is specifically given executive authority by the Board to put its
decisions into effect. The Chair will ensure fulfilment of the role the
Board plays in developing and agreeing the strategic direction of the Above: Miss Revolutionary Idol Berserker as part of LIFT
2016. Image © @Cyclone_A3.
charity, and that of the AD/CEO and executive team in applying that
Below: One Extraordinary Day on Millenium Bridge as
strategy to the day-to-day operations of the organisation. part of LIFT 2012. Image © Julian Andrews.
THE CHAIR HAS PARTICULAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADERSHIP IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
• Developing the Board agenda and chairing Board meetings to enable inclusive, constructive debate; thorough
consideration of strategic matters; and effective decision-making while ensuring efficient management of board time;
• With committee chairs, supporting the Artistic Director/CEO and Executive Director in delivery of the agreed
vision, mission and strategic objectives;
• Promoting LIFT to a range of stakeholders and supporters including Arts Council England;
• Taking a leadership role in the ongoing and essential fundraising activities of LIFT and ensuring trustees
engagement in delivering LIFT’s fundraising objectives;
• Promoting strong relationships and open communication between trustees and the executive;
• Supporting the organisation through growth and change;
• Line managing the Artistic Director/CEO and carrying out an annual appraisal of performance;
• Leading on succession planning for the Artistic Director/CEO and Board roles;
• Identifying and recruiting suitable candidates for appointment as future trustees;
• Periodically reviewing meeting practices, agenda setting, sub-committee structure, and conducting board and
trustee appraisals and skills audits;
• Encouraging high standards of propriety, integrity and probity and promoting a high standard of operations and
stewardship of resources.
4
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* = desirable
ATTAINMENTS
• Previous experience as a Chair, Vice Chair or Trustee of an arts or other non-profit organisation
• Demonstrable understanding of governance and strategic leadership
• Passion for, and interest in, the performing arts
• Demonstrated success in strategic development of an organisation
• Knowledge of the arts and culture or festival sector and industry*
ATTRIBUTES
• Works with vision
• Track record of commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Builds strong productive relationships
• Diplomatic skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners (such as local councils, ambassadors, and
high-net-worth individuals from various countries)
• Ability to both inspire and embolden the LIFT team and energise a proactive Board of Trustees
• Ability to enable long term, entrepreneurial planning
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy
• Ability to run meetings to time and canvass all views
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role
• Global/international perspective and networks*
• Inspiring public speaker; articulate with an engaging leadership style*
• Experience with organisational change*
ROLE-SPECIFIC CAPABILITIES
• Advocate for LIFT’s vision and values; commitment to LIFT’s charitable objectives
• Strong working relationship with Artistic Director/CEO and Executive Director
• Strategic thinking –supports the executive in developing the business plan and short/long term goals for the organisation
• Ability to assess and refresh the board
• Excellent networks and willingness to engage these networks to support LIFT’s fundraising and partnership endeavours
• Stakeholder management and work with funding bodies
• Good knowledge of governance
• Financial awareness
• Able to understand and manage risk, including reputational, financial and artistic
• Knowledge of charity law and relevant regulatory bodies
OUTLOOK
• Embraces the values and ethos of LIFT
• Proactive and pragmatic
• Supportive and empathetic style
• Good sense of humour
• Welcomes uncomfortable conversations
• Allows all viewpoints to be expressed and enables consensus
• Lateral, solution focussed and able to handle delicate situations
• Must be London-based, or have frequent and regular presence in London
TIME COMMITMENT
Trustees normally have four formal meetings per year, with papers provided at least one week in advance. The Finance
Committee meets in advance of each Board meeting. The Chair attends occasional meetings with key stakeholders
and funders, and these, along with time consulting with the Executive usually means their overall time commitment
works out to at least 3 days per month. The Chair is also expected to participate fully in the Festival period, and with
the understanding that the time commitment will be greater in Festival years.
The successful candidate is expected to serve for a term of four years, with the option of an additional four-year term.
The position is voluntary and not remunerated. Trustees can claim reasonable expenses as necessary.
5
CURRENT LIFT TRUSTEES
BERNARD DONOGHUE (CURRENT CHAIR)
Director - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
Bernard has been the Director of ALVA since September 2011 following a career in advocacy, communications and
lobbying, latterly at a senior level in the tourism and heritage sector. In 2017 the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, appointed
Bernard to be the Mayor’s Ambassador for Cultural Tourism and a member of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board.
MARTIN HARRISON
Group Finance Director - Hibu
Martin trained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and has worked in finance in both the UK and Canada for over
twenty-five years at organisations including ICI, Dulux, Inmarsat and his current position as Group Finance Director at Hibu.
CRAIG HASSALL AM
CEO - Royal Albert Hall
Craig has worked in the arts in both Australia and the United Kingdom in a variety of disciplines. Currently the CEO
of the Royal Albert Hall, his previous roles include CEO of Opera Australia, CEO of English National Ballet and COO
of Gubbay Ltd. Craig was awarded an AM (Australia Medal) in 2016 for his services to the performing arts in both
Australia and the UK.
RICHARD HUNTINGTON
Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer - Saatchi & Saatchi London Group
Richard has been an ad man for over twenty years. He has worked at some of the most famous and iconic ad agencies
including Abbott Mead Vickers and HHCL. Richard joined Saatchi & Saatchi in 2008 as Chief Strategy Officer and
was made Chairman of the company in 2017.
SIMON LONDON
Freelance TV, Video and Digital Content Creator & Producer
With nearly 25 years’ experience in front and behind the camera, Simon has a well-deserved reputation as a broadcast
‘all-rounder’. He has held executive television roles at Fremantle, RDF, the BBC and Africa Media Works. In 2014 he
co-founded and launched KidRated - an online platform for families.
HANNAH AZIEB POOL
Artistic Director - Bernie Grant Arts Centre
Hannah took on the role of Artistic Director at Tottenham’s multi-arts Bernie Grant Arts Centre in 2019. Prior to that
she worked as the Senior Programmer for Contemporary Culture at the Southbank Centre curating Africa Utopia,
and was a key programmer of WOW - Women of the World Festival. Hannah is also a successful journalist, author
and broadcaster.
ANNE PRITAM
Partner – Stephenson Harwood LLP
Anne has been Partner at Stephenson Harwood since 2008 where she is a specialist and recognised leader in her
field of employment and partnership law. Before joining Stephenson Harwood, Anne worked at law firms Fox Williams
and RPC.
MALAKAÏ SARGEANT
Theatre Director, Dramaturg, Cultural Producer
For over 6 years Malakaï has been producing live performance, events, community engagement and artist development
projects. They are currently the Associate Director of London’s Theatre Peckham, Co-Director of afro-diasporic
experimental literature movement BORN::FREE and an associate at Sour Lemons.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...
6
(CONTINUED)
HELEN SHUTE
Chief Executive/Executive Director - Rambert
Helen is the Chief Executive at contemporary dance company Rambert. Before joining Rambert, Helen worked as
Programming Associate at The Place and as Executive Producer at Hofesh Shechter Company - an organisation
she co-founded in 2008.
ALAN STRONG
Deputy Chief Product Officer - Inmarsat
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Alan worked in Deloitte’s music and entertainments group before co-founding a
technology consulting company which he ran for nearly 15 years. Alan joined satellite telecommunications company
Inmarsat as Deputy Chief Product Officer in 2018.
ENNI-KUKKA TUOMALA
Empathy Designer
Enni-Kukka is an Empathy Artist and Designer. She is currently the Designer in Residence at London’s Design Museum
and the Open House Artist in Residence at Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge. She previously worked as a Cannes Lion and
IPA Effectiveness award-winning Brand Strategist in advertising for Saatchi & Saatchi and adam&eveDDB.
AILEEN WALKER OBE
Public Engagement and Parliamentary Strengthening Specialist
Aileen is a consultant on public engagement and parliamentary strengthening working with parliaments around the world.
Formerly Director of Public Engagement at the UK Parliament, Aileen received an OBE in the New Year 2017 Honours
List for services to improving public engagement with Parliament and voluntary service to the community in London.
Balthazar’s Treasure: The Cacao Quest as part
of LIFT 2020. Image © Jalaikon.
7HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a CV and letter outlining your interest in the role, as soon as possible, by email to:
Lucy Blythe, Director, Philia International
lucy@philia-intl.com
Your cover letter should complement your CV, giving reasons for interest in the role, evidence of your fit with the
person specification and any additional relevant skills, experience or networks.
Initial enquiries in confidence are welcome before submission. Please contact Lucy Blythe by email to set up a call.
WHAT’S OUR PROCESS?
Philia International will be managing the search. Lucy Blythe is available for confidential conversations before
application. If desired, prospective candidates may also arrange a time to speak with Chair Bernard Donoghue, Head
of Nominations Committee Craig Hassall AM, Artistic Director/CEO Kris Nelson, or Executive Director Stella Kanu
to discuss the role.
Expressions of interest are welcomed on a rolling basis before 1 March 2021. Initial conversations with potential
candidates will be conducted by phone or video call with Lucy Blythe of Philia International. LIFT will meet short
listed candidates on a rolling basis thereafter. We anticipate that an appointment will be made by May 2021, with
the incoming Chair able to participate in public programming in summer 2021 as Chair-elect and to formally take
up the role at a subsequent board meeting in 2021. There is an option to join the board as a Trustee as soon as the
appointment is made, but this is not obligatory.
LIFT is committed to be a truly inclusive organisation - from our Trustees and team members to our audience and
participants. Currently 50% of our staff team are Black, 50% are LGBTQIA+ and 33% identify as disabled. 71% of the
artists we paid in 2020 identified as Black, Asian or ethnically diverse. We are actively engaged in inclusion, diversity,
intersectionality, and anti-racism planning. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment,
attracting the diverse pool of talent and experience we want to see in our organisation, on our Board, in our work and
across the cultural and creative sector. We strive to treat all job applications equally, regardless of class, age, disability,
gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexuality, or any other equality characteristic.
LIFT is based at Toynbee Studios in East London. The building and office are fully accessible to wheelchair users.
ABOUT YOUR DATA
As part of the application process, LIFT will acquire personal data via both your application and your Equal
Opportunities Form. LIFT uses this information to process your application and review compliance with its policies
on equal opportunities. We will use this data to inform our statistics on the representation of the categories of the
individual as shown below. We will treat all personal information in line with current data protection legislation
and our data protection policy. For more information on how we use the information you have provided, please
see our Privacy Policy online.
In order for us to process this information and to comply with data protection legislation, we require your consent.
You are not required to give your consent; you acknowledge that any consent given is freely given. Your application
for this role is not dependent on your giving consent to our processing of this data.
Submitting the completed Equal Opportunities Form with your application will signify your consent to our processing
of this information. Once you have given consent, you may withdraw it at any time by contacting info@liftfestival.com.
At no point will Philia International retain any of your data or personal information unless specific permission is granted
through their own consent forms.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
FOR CONSIDERATION ASAP
AND NO LATER THAN 1 MARCH 2021
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