Chair of Trustees

1.       Purpose – Chair of Trustees

This voluntary role is an opportunity to provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and advocacy for a vibrant music Charity that brings the transformative power of music to diverse audiences across Hertfordshire – centred on the county town of Hertford - as we prepare for our 10^th annual festival and also seek to develop a longer-term strategy to ensure a sustainable future for this celebration of classical music for new and existing audiences.

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the Hertfordshire Festival of Music, serving as stewards of the Charity’s limited resources, and is ultimately responsible for the Festival’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and aim to meet bi-monthly as a main board – once the sub-committees are established (meeting quarterly or as required).

Term of Office: 

Three years renewable for a further 3 years, on approval of Board.

Time Commitments

·       Chairing full board meetings (online). 7.30-9pm (usually on Mondays or Tuesdays)

·       Regular email and phone contact with the Artistic Director as well as annual review meetings.

·       Oversight and preparation of agendas and papers sent out in advance of board meetings.

·       Additional reading of documents and emails in between board meetings and on a general basis to support the Artistic Director.

·       Joining sub-committee meetings as necessary

·       Attendance at an occasional board ‘away days’, usually 1 per year

·       Ambassadorship on an as needs basis

Remuneration:

Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed if necessary

Chair’s Responsibilities

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Festival’s Artistic Director, Treasurer and other members of the Board and newly established sub-committee leads.  

The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

Strategy and Governance

§ Ensure that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration and approval of the strategy proposed by the Artistic Director and members of the Board in support of the Charity’s vision and mission.

§ Ensure, with Trustees, that the Charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives

§ Safeguarding the interests of the Charity’s beneficiaries, audiences and stakeholder groups including donors, funders and contributors

§ Ensuring high standards of governance and risk management including its policy framework and reporting.

§ Ensure that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to deliver the Charity’s aims.

§ Ensuring the Charity is accountable and transparent in its activities.

§ Ensuring compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

§ Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

§ Ensure a high performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees). This is a key area for development which needs enhanced focus moving forward.

§ Ensure decisions align with objectives and monitor progress towards goals.

§ Chair Board meetings, set agendas, and foster an inclusive, effective governance culture.

§ Guidance and support to the Artistic Director

§ Appointment of the Artistic Director (s) and approval of remuneration including composition fees, as recommended by a newly established Finance and Remuneration Sub-Committee

§ Line management of, and work in partnership with, the Artistic Director to support them achieve the aims of the Charity.

§ Support and guidance on festival operations, fundraising strategy, marketing and promotions, public relations.

Financial

§ With the Board, governance responsibility for ongoing sustainability of the Charity

§ Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight including review and approval of the annual budget

§ Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and Fundraising

§ Using personal and professional networks to help the Artistic Director (the current ‘executive’) with access to potential donors and supporters including national and local government,

§ Represent the Hertfordshire Festival of Music to funders, stakeholders, and the community corporate sponsors, trusts and foundations, and individual donors and the press

§ Advice and assistance in raising and maintaining the Charity’s profile in our home county of Hertfordshire but also across UK and internationally.

§ Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Charity as necessary with the support of other Trustees and the Artistic Director.

Leadership of Board Meetings

Lead all on all aspects of meeting management including:

·       Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.

·       Agreeing agendas for board meetings and ensuring that suitable and accurate minutes of board meetings are made available to Board members, within an agreed time-scale and that any actions arising are followed through and reported upon.

Role requirements:

All candidates for Chair should:

·       Show commitment to Festival’s core purpose.

·       Share the energy and drive of the Charity and be committed to their role as Chair;

·       Be able to think strategically;

·       Identify big issues including those around the Charity’s long-term sustainability and reputation;

·       Have an interest in the performing arts, community engagement

·       Be able to gain respect and support from various supporters, collaborators and stakeholders in the Charity’s purpose and programming.

·       Be visibly present at festival events and to exploit every opportunity to promote the festival programmes and other musical events outside the main festival.

·       To utilise their own professional and voluntary networks and contacts to further the Charity’s cause and purpose

Essential qualities / experience

·       Proven experience in leadership or governance, ideally in the Charity, arts, or education sectors.

·       Strong financial management expertise, with the ability to oversee budgets, financial planning, and long-term viability.

·       Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience building positive relationships and consensus.

·       A commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and the power of music to change lives.

Desirable:

·       Active interest in the Arts and Music – potentially with established networks

·       Experience of / awareness of challenges faced within the Third Sector, including income generation

·       Located in, or with knowledge of, the county of Hertfordshire

 Summary

The Chair will make and support informed and enthusiastic contributions - bringing new ideas and energy to the table. Through positive, collaborative working they will play a significant part in ensuring the future success of the Hertfordshire Festival of Music.

How to apply

Please submit, via Reach Volunteering, a letter of application / statement of suitability, along with a copy of your CV, that outlines your motivation for applying and why you feel that your skills and experiences are suited to the post.

Deadline for applications is 5pm, 21st September 2025 and we aim to appoint by the end of October 2025

We are very happy to arrange an informal conversation prior to submission of a formal application. If this is something you wish to pursue, please send us a message via Reach Volunteering with your telephone contact number. Andrew Lawson (our Chair of the Nominations Committee) will then be in touch with you.