The Chair will share a passion for our artistic work and vision; they will be supportive of our projects for young people in West London, our commitment to being an equal, diverse, inclusive and an environmentally sustainable organisation. The successful candidate will have strong influencing abilities and authority, excellent judgement and will be an outstanding advocate for the organisation.
As an accomplished leader in their field, the successful candidate will have robust social, cultural and commercial awareness. They will be a strong communicator, with access to broad networks across the private and/or public sectors and a willingness to make connections on the Lyric’s behalf, including helping to raise funds for the charity.
The Chair will benefit from working with our enthusiastic and talented Board and staff teams, and will play a key role in the development of the Lyric’s vision for the future.
- To lead the Board of Trustees in ensuring strategic leadership, sound management and proactive development of the organisation.
- To ensure that the Lyric’s principles of good and proper governance continue to be upheld and that all Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities in line with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- To ensure that the Lyric protects its future through robust policies, risk management, accounting procedures, internal controls and systems and to ensure that these are audited and reviewed in line with all regulatory and legal requirements.
- To appoint, appraise, advise and support the Chief Executive to whom responsibility for the day to day leadership and management of the organisation is delegated.
- To chair all Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
- To work closely and constructively with all Trustees including the Vice Chair/Chair of the Finance and Capital Committee and Company Secretary, and to advise on major issues to the Board as required.
- To work closely and constructively with the Lyric’s Chief Executive, senior management and the wider staff to ensure that the Lyric delivers on its core vision, mission and business plan.
- On behalf of the Board to lead the recruitment process for the Artistic Director and CEO when required.
- To ensure that the Lyric has a strong and effective fundraising strategy and that the Board understands, supports and contributes to the organisation’s fundraising. To support the Lyric to actively seek donations at a high level and to actively introduce key contacts to the Lyric for its benefit.
- To appoint sub-committees with the approval of the Board and delegate functions as necessary, monitoring progress with the Chief Executive.
- To ensure that the Lyric’s Board encompasses a range of skills reflecting the various different aspects of the organisation’s work and operation.
- To proactively encourage the theatre’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion supporting the Lyric’s Commitment to Change Action Plan and ensuring the Board is representation of the community the Lyric serves.
- To advocate for the Lyric at the highest level and to represent the work and best interests of the Lyric at all times.
- To attend regularly Lyric shows and projects including press nights, development events and showcases of our work with young people.
- To proactively encourage environmentally sustainable practice and work at all times in accordance with the Lyric’s Green Policy.
The minimum time commitment for the role will be approx. three days a month. Board meetings are scheduled in the early evening.