New Theatre Royal Trustees (Portsmouth) Ltd – February 2015
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Job Description and Person Specification: New Trustees
Introduction
To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones
which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The Board
of Trustees of the New Theatre Royal seeks to draw upon the skills and expertise most relevant to the
challenges presenting to a rare heritage cultural venue with a dynamic vision for the future.
Trustee – New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Remuneration:
The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration
Location:
New Theatre Royal
20-24 Guildhall Walk
Portsmouth PO1 2DD
Trust Governance:
NTR Trustees Ltd is a registered charity [Charity Number 271976]
operating as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee [1976] with a
trading subsidiary, NTR Trading. The company is currently funded by its
revenue income, a small grant from Portsmouth City Council [PCC] and
Arts Council England [ACE] having National Portfolio status. The charity is
administered by a board of 6-20 trustees. Two trustees are nominated by
PCC and two by the University of Portsmouth which is the partner
organisation in our ambitious rebuilding project. The remaining trustees
are unpaid volunteers with the exception of the current CEO. Board
membership by the CEO is reviewed on appointment.
The board also operates through designated sub-committees [e.g.
Finance, Fundraising, Health & Safety] which advise the board. These may
include staff and ad hoc personnel with at least one board member. All
trustees are expected to sit on one sub-committee.
Time commitment:
The Board has 6 scheduled meetings per year including the Annual
General Meeting. However, the challenges presented by the project to
rebuild the theatre and develop its provision to the region have required
a significant number of additional meetings in the last few years.
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Job Description
Objective
The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity,
developing the organisations aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal
and regulatory guidelines.
Trustees are expected to bring specific skills and experience to the board that assist the trust to pursue its
vision and objectives successfully and to support and guide the CEO and staff.
Main Responsibilities

To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory
framework of the sector and in line with the organisations’ governing document,
continually striving for best practice in governance.

To uphold the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way
continually striving for best practice in governance. that adds to public confidence and
trust in the charity.

To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good
governance and clear strategic planning.

To contribute to at least one designated sub-committee of the board responsible for a
specific area of the trust work
Main Duties

Ensuring the trust complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within
the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities
contained therein.

Acting in the best interest of the trust, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.

Promoting and developing the trust in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to
the local and regional economy and communities

Maintaining sound financial management of the trusts resources, ensuring expenditure is
in line with the organisations’ objects, and investment activities meet accepted standards
and policies.

Interviewing, appointing and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff.

Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the trust and its resources,
New Theatre Royal Trustees (Portsmouth) Ltd – February 2015
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
To maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received
in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the trust.
Accountable to

As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the
charitable trust, they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders,
including: service users, staff, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.
They must ensure that the trust works toward and achieves its vision and designated
purposes demonstrated annually in the Trustees Report and Annual General Meeting.
Additional information
Portsmouth and its region are unique. The theatre is located close to one of the most impoverished wards
in the UK. As an island with centuries as a naval port with a diverse population, Portsmouth has the
characteristics of an urban village. Knowledge of the city and its environs may be regarded as a valid
qualification for the post.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to culture and the, strategic objectives
and Mission of the trust

Demonstrable breadth of experience and knowledge working in, or with, different sizes and types of
organisations

Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team that makes collective strategic decisions

Willingness to give the minimum time commitment required both to the full board and a relevant
sub-committee

Knowledge and experience of the range of equality and diversity including ethnic origin, gender,
sexual orientation, disability, religion, belief or age

Previous experience in a cultural or charity organisation would be an advantage
Attributes and Abilities

An abilityand willingness to to contribute to the strategic vision of the New Theatre Royal

Exemplary professional integrity

Sound independent judgement
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
Ability to think creatively

A willingness to speak their mind while collaborating with others

An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.