Non – Executive Director

Jersey Opera House Limited (JOH) has been closed to the public since March 2020 when the Covid Pandemic hit. It has been hugely missed by the Jersey public – community performance groups, schools, artists, musicians and of course audiences. After significant Government investment and refurbishment, it is readying itself to reopen its door this autumn.

Purpose of the role

The board of JOH is currently made up of 3 Non-Executive Directors. To ensure good governance and appropriate spread of skill, we need to increase the size of the board. Following the resignation of our interim CEO earlier this year, JOH will shortly also begin a search for a permanent CEO, who will also be a member of the board.

Non-Executive Directors serve in an individual capacity. They have a duty to support the work of JOH as a whole, rather than to act as representatives of a particular interest group. All Non-Executive Directors are unpaid.

What we are looking for

To support this exciting new chapter, and like any charity, we need robust and effective governance with a variety of skills on the board of the Jersey Opera House. This enables us to provide necessary support to our executive team and ensure we are able to perform at our very best. Ideally, we would like reliable individuals who understand the legal responsibilities and duties of a Non-Executive Director and can commit the necessary time to join the board. We welcome all applications but are particularly looking for candidates with significant experience in finance, governance, fundraising, commercial strategy and community engagement.

You’ll be passionate about art and artists and believe in the intrinsic value of arts and culture. An appreciation of the need to build community cohesion, and respect for the special role the Jersey Opera House plays in our community is also vital. We’re looking for people who can help us continue to extend our reach, influence and impact.

Term of Office

The term of office is three years. Non-Exec Directors can stand for re-election to the Board for an additional term.

In general, we ask for attendance at six to eight Board meetings a year and any additional extraordinary meetings, our AGM and annual away day. We also expect attendance at any identified training. Initially, during this relaunch phase we may ask for attendance at a higher number of meetings in order to provide the support required by the executive team.

You may also be asked to contribute your particular expertise to specific meetings or sub-committees to be agreed on appointment and as required.

Non-Exec Directors are also asked to attend events, opening nights and other engagements, to
gain a full experience of the breadth of JOH’s work.

Specific responsibilities

The statutory duties of the Board are to:

  • Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company
    law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • Contribute actively to the Board by establishing strategic direction for the organisation,
    defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.
  • Ensure the financial stability of the organisation including the proper auditing of annual
    accounts.
  • Protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the
    charity’s funds.
  • Please note these roles are voluntary and are compliant with current States of Jersey
    governance legislation.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Non-Exec Director should use any specific skills,
knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

  • scrutinising board papers
  • approving policy
  • leading discussions or sub-committees
  • assisting in the recruitment of key senior personnel
  • other issues in which the Non-Exec Director has specialist expertise.

How to apply

If you’d like to know more about the company and/or any aspects of the role you’re welcome to speak with Laura Robertson – Interim Chair of JOH at [email protected].

We ask that you forward a copy of your CV or resume that outlines your relevant experience in one or more of the areas of expertise and explain why you are interested in joining the board. The deadline for submissions is Friday 11 July at 5pm.