The Role
Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the busiest theatres in the country, and one of the West Midlands’ most successful cultural attractions. Our organisation engages with up to 1,000,000 people a year through our theatre programmes, off-site festivals and learning and participation programmes.
Since opening in 1899, the Hippodrome has gone from circus, to hall of varieties, to large-scale performance venue, constantly evolving to reflect an ever-changing city. Birmingham is now entering its ‘Golden Decade’, harnessing the energy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and looking ahead to the arrival of HS2. The Hippodrome is perfectly placed to be at the centre of a period of cultural regeneration for the region.
Working alongside the CEO, the role of the Chair is to help drive the Board in the delivery and scrutiny of our organisational plan, as we work to achieve our vision of ‘a distinctive world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart’. We have a reputation as a presenter of the best touring productions, whilst also developing and collaborating on our own ambitious artistic programme of work both on and off-stage. We are dedicated to reaching greater, more diverse audiences, supporting Midlands artists and young people, and connecting with the energy of Birmingham’s vibrant communities.
Time Commitment
The post of Chair is a part-time, unpaid, non-executive appointment.
The Chair is expected to serve on key Committees.
In addition to up to 4 Board Meetings per year (in addition to any Board Away Days and Subcommittee meetings), the Chair is expected to attend some artistic and Development events as well as making himself/herself available for consultation with the CEO and other diverse constituents as required.
In total the time commitment will equate to 3 full days per month with the ability to flex upwards should the need arise plus attendance at evening productions (such as media nights) and artistic events, including some weekend festivals.
The initial term of appointment will be a 3-year term, with the opportunity for 2 additional terms.
Duties and Key Responsibilities
Board
- Set the strategic priorities with the CEO and lead the Board in delivering the organisation’s mission, vision and values, ensuring the right plans, funding and governance arrangements are in place to support the Executive Team.
- Promote good governance and ensure that the Board and its Committees have the skills, experience, expertise and network not only to support its legal and governance responsibilities but also to help drive the organisation’s innovative approach.
- Cultivate a space for dynamic Board communication and decision-making.
- Ensure the organisation adheres to the Memorandum and Articles.
Executive
- Develop a close and effective working relationship with the CEO to lead the organisation.
- Ensure the Board has a close and supportive working relationship with the Executive Team, particularly with a view to managing financial resilience and capital projects.
- Fully support the CEO including agreeing annual objectives, as well as managing the CEO’s annual performance review and agreeing bonus and pay package together with the Remuneration Committee.
- Ensure that the management of the organisation and its procedures (including audit procedures) are effective; and oversee the Executive Teams’ management of risk and arrangements to comply with all relevant legal and other stakeholder requirements.
External
- An enthusiasm to engage and develop supportive relationships with key stakeholders that include local and regional government, Arts Council England and other relevant bodies.
- Support the CEO in developing long-term relationships with donors and sponsors.
- Play a leadership role in the search for new funding and sponsorship, leading development opportunities for a major new capital project.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity and probity, both personally and in relation to Birmingham Hippodrome, ensuring the organisation aspires to the highest standards in all its dealings, whether internally or externally.
- Support the CEO in delivering timely and effective communication with the wider local, regional and national community.