WHALE Arts, the thriving place-based and building-based cultural anchor organisation for Wester Hailes, is seeking to identify a new Chair for its Board of Directors.
Mission: WHALE create the conditions for their community in Wester Hailes to work alongside artists and cultural practitioners to become agents for change who will proactively co-design, participate in, support or lead quality creative activity at all stages of their lives.
Vision: Wester Hailes is a creative, thriving, resilient, fair community.
WHALE Arts 5-year Strategic Plan can be viewed here: http://www.whalearts.co.uk/publications/
The current Chair Michelle Herron’s is to step down in November 2019 after 10 years of service. Michelle has overseen the development and growth of the organisation through a challenging third sector landscape, enabling our strategic planning process that sets out the organisation’s plans and aspiration to 2024.
The current Board members are a mix of local residents and non-local residents and have expertise and experience at a senior level in marketing, education, arts and culture.
WHALE invite applications from suitably experienced individuals. They would particularly welcome those with a background in senior management and a track record in developing and implementing policy and strategy. They also welcome candidates with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable income generation for building-based community-led organisations with an understanding of the importance of public and private funds whilst also leading WHALE Arts into a future where ambitious social enterprise activity plays a strong role. Previous experience of charity board membership and a genuine interest in the transformative power of the arts and creativity are essential. Candidates must be prepared to contribute their professional knowledge, strong business contacts, and a firm commitment to actively promoting and supporting WHALE Arts at a National level.
Although not a prerequisite for the role as we have space on the board for non-local residents we would be interested to hear from experienced candidates with a current or past connection to Wester Hailes.
Board meetings are held every 6 weeks, in WHALE Arts purpose built building in Wester Hailes. In addition, the Chair gives informal advice by phone or 1:1 meetings with the executive team as required, and acts as line manager for WHALE Arts CEO. The Chair is responsible for ensuring the Board works effectively and that the organisation is compliant in all its activity as a charity. The role will involve Chairing Board meetings and overseeing all Board business.
This is a voluntary role of 3 years’ duration in the first instance. WHALE Arts Board Members are highly valued for the vital role they fulfil in providing professional guidance and governance for our thriving organisation. The Board, like the organisation, is friendly and informal and maintains the highest possible standards in its duties of governance and oversight of the business.
Expressions of interest, in the form of a CV outlining relevant experience and a statement explaining the applicant’s interest in joining the board, should be made by email to info@whalearts.co.uk by Friday 17th October, 12 noon.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 7th November at WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove, Edinburgh, EH14 2SA. WHALE Arts AGM will take place on Friday 15th November 2019 and if possible they would like the newly appointed Chair to attend.
Candidates are free to informally discuss the position with the current Chair, Michelle Herron (michelle@enhancepeople.co.uk) / Mobile 07900 228170 as required.
