FINANCE AND RESOURCES DIRECTOR
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INTRODUCTION
The Lyric Hammersmith is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. Over its 125 year
history it has been responsible for creating some of the UK’s most ground-breaking and
acclaimed theatrical productions. At the same time it has gained a national reputation
for its work with children and young people. The Lyric’s dual commitment to producing
the highest quality contemporary theatre, alongside nurturing the creativity of young
people, is what makes it unique within the theatre ecology of the UK. It has one of the
youngest audiences of any theatre in the country and is a place where some of the UK’s
finest actors and theatre-makers work side-by-side with some of the most diverse and
disadvantaged young people in London. The cross-fertilisation of these two is what makes
the Lyric Hammersmith so exciting and so distinctive. It is a local theatre rooted in its
community with a national and international reputation for the quality and innovation of
its artistic work.
OUR MISSION
We aim to produce work that is provoking, entertaining, popular, eclectic, messy,
contradictory and diverse.
We strive to be at the heart of our community as well as being internationally
recognised.
We work with the best theatre artists around as well as encouraging the next generation.
We want to lurch wildly between high art and populism – hopefully achieving both at the
same time.
Beautiful theatre, cheap tickets, environmentally friendly. Hammersmith and proud!
THE LYRIC: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
The Lyric is located in central Hammersmith in the London Borough of Hammersmith &
Fulham, two minutes from Hammersmith tube and bus stations.
The theatre has an extraordinary history. It was designed by the world-renowned
Victorian theatre architect, Frank Matcham, and originally opened in 1895 on a different
site from the one it stands on today. In 1972, the original building was scheduled for
demolition to make way for a new shopping and housing complex. There was a huge
public outcry and, at the final hour, the local council saved the theatre by instructing
that the Lyric could only be pulled down by the developers if Matcham’s exquisite
plasterwork was preserved and recreated in a new theatre above the Kings Mall Shopping
Centre. The new Lyric Hammersmith was officially opened in 1979 by the Queen. The
Matcham plasterwork had been painstakingly reconstructed in a new Victorian-style 550
seat auditorium and a modern black-box 110 seat studio was added to the building at the
same time.
In 2004, the Lyric was redeveloped again with funding from the National Lottery and a
public fundraising appeal. The £2m project was designed by the internationally
acclaimed architect, Rick Mather. The entrance of the theatre was relocated from King
Street to Lyric Square and a box office, street-level café, rehearsal room and education
space were included within a new extension to the building.
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In April 2015 the theatre entered a new and exciting phase of its history. After nearly a
decade of planning, fundraising and building, we opened the doors to a new Lyric, again
designed by Rick Mather Architects, which includes a major extension to the West. The
new Reuben Foundation Wing has added two floors of facilities aimed at expanding the
Lyric’s work with young people, emerging and professional artists. It includes:
 A new rehearsal space the size of the main house stage with a stage-management
office
 A dance studio with a sprung floor and full height mirrors
 A film and TV studio and editing suite equipped with a ‘green wall’ and
professional camera and editing equipment
 A 50 seat cinema
 A recording studio and a suite of small- and medium-sized music practice rooms
 A digital play space
 A sensory space for children with disabilities
 New and expanded set and wardrobe workshops
 New staff offices
Externally the building has been re-rendered and a nine metre high neon sculpture
designed by the artist David Batchelor, which is based on plasterwork detail from the
Victorian auditorium, has been installed on the East Elevation. Internally the existing
building has also been refurbished including the redesign of the theatre’s café and bar
(which is now run by leading caterers Peyton & Byrne), refurbishment of the toilets and
installation of new environmentally friendly heating and lighting systems as well as a
green sedum roof.
The Lyric has proven its commitment to environmental sustainability by becoming the
first theatre venue in the UK to be awarded the maximum three stars under the Julie’s
Bicycle Industry Green Certification Scheme back in 2012 – a rating it has retained
annually since. This commitment has been taken through into the new building and we
are expecting to be awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ – the Government’s kitemark
for sustainability in new and refurbished buildings.
LYRIC GOVERNANCE, STAFFING AND FINANCES
The Lyric is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. As such, we are
overseen by a non-executive Board of Directors which is chaired by Sir William Atkinson.
The Board delegate day-to-day management of the theatre to its Executive Team: Sean
Holmes (Artistic Director and Joint CEO) and Sian Alexander (Executive Director, Joint
CEO and Company Secretary). We have a talented and dedicated team of around 40
permanent staff, and employ numerous freelance artists, practitioners and casual staff.
The Lyric aims to create a programme of work that is artistically adventurous and
ambitious but also financially sensible and sustainable. We have an annual turnover of
approximately £5-6m and our work is funded through four main sources: grant income
from Arts Council England and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham; box office
income; fundraising income from trusts, businesses and individuals; and other earned
income which includes commercial hires, catering and front of house sales.
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FINANCE AND RESOURCES DIRECTOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Artistic Director and Executive Director
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Head of Finance
Finance Officer(s)
Head of Administration
Administration Officer(s)
CONTRACT:
Permanent. The role is full time, but candidates interested in
working 4 days a week, either part time or flexibly, are
welcome to apply.
SALARY:
Commensurate with experience.
HOURS:
The postholder will be expected to work the hours needed to
fulfil the job requirements but not more than 48 hours per
week (on average). Normal office hours are 10am – 6pm, Mon
to Fri.
HOLIDAY:
20 days per annum, with an additional day added for each
year of service, up to a maximum of 25 days
NOTICE PERIOD:
Four months.
BACKGROUND AND STRUCTURE
The successful applicant will play a key role in the operational management of the Lyric,
working closely with and advising the Executive Director and Artistic Director on all
aspects of the internal operation of the Lyric, mainly resource strategy and planning,
financial management, developing organisational capacity and administration.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Finance and Resources Director is a senior position within the Lyric, working closely
with the Executive Director and the Artistic Director who are the Joint Chief Executives.
He/she will play a pivotal role in the Senior Management Team (SMT) and will:
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Ensure that the resources of the Lyric are deployed effectively and efficiently to
achieve its aims and ambitions.
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Support the Trustees, Directors and SMT with accurate and timely information and
interpretation to assist decision making across the Charity.
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Provide strong financial stewardship, including budgets and controls, internal
financial procedures and processes, management and statutory accounting and
audit.
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Provide strategic leadership and management for the finance and administration
teams.
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Contribute to the overall strategic development of the theatre.
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KEY RESULT AREAS
Strategy and Leadership
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Contribute, as part of the SMT, to the provision of consistent and clear leadership
of the Lyric Theatre.
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Support the Executive Director in the development of capacity and capability across
the Lyric and in ensuring that plans and strategies are delivered.
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Lead on the development and implementation of resourcing strategies, covering
finance, staff, and information technology.
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Oversee the delivery and ongoing development of the estates strategy.
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Identify new ways in which the Lyric can improve its efficiency, profitability and
value for money, and work with Heads of Department to implement actions where
appropriate.
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Lead and manage the staff in the finance and administration team, creating an
open working environment, developing a high performing and integrated team and
providing supervision, development and support to the direct reports within the
team.
Planning and Decision Making
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Lead on the preparation of annual and long-term resource plans, covering finance,
staffing and infrastructure, aligned to strategic objectives and incorporating all
funding streams.
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Support the Artistic/Executive Directors and SMT with excellent financial
information and analysis to drive decision making, and to identify and deliver
initiatives to increase income and reduce expenditure.
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Provide advice to SMT members on financial requirements and processes specific
to their teams (e.g. gift aid) and to provide financial evaluation of new projects
and initiatives.
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Work with the Executive Director and other SMT members to establish a clear
system for monitoring and evaluating the Lyric’s work and reporting this to key
funders and stakeholders including Arts Council England and the London Borough
of Hammersmith & Fulham.
Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting
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Support the Executive Director on the timely preparation of the annual revenue
and capital budget; understanding and communicating the financial parameters
for the year, assisting Heads of Department in setting revenue budgets for their
areas and consolidating those into the overall financial plan for the year.
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Review and interrogate the monthly management reports for income and
expenditure, risks and opportunities, capital and cash flow, reporting any matters
that require action to the Executive Director and agree any actions.
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Ensure that timely, accurate and relevant management accounts are produced on
a monthly basis for the Board and SMT, including regular financial and cash flow
forecasts and important KPI data.
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Report to the Board and relevant sub-committees in respect of business planning,
financial and management accounts, financial controls and procedures and audit.
Financial Management and Accounting
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Ensure the development, implementation and management of all financial
processes and control systems, so that effective controls are exercised across the
Lyric, maximising income and minimising expenditure.
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Ensure the timely, efficient and accurate processing of all financial transactions
and monthly reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts, to include the
capitalisation of capital expenditure, maintenance of the asset register and
management of restricted reserves.
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Oversee the reclamation of Theatre Tax Relief in a timely way and to advise on
and implement systems to maximise that relief.
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Prepare and plan for the annual audit and produce the annual accounts in
conjunction with the auditors.
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Ensure that all contractual and statutory duties in relation to the processing of
payroll and pension contributions are carried out accurately and efficiently.
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Be the Lyric’s principal cheque signatory and manage the relationship with the
Lyric’s bankers; and lead negotiations of loans or overdrafts where necessary.
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Ensure that interest income is maximised and reviewed on a regular basis.
Administration

Oversee the work of the Administration Department, ensuring that it is carried out
effectively and efficiently, including the process of issuing contracts for staff,
creative teams and freelance staff, and contracts for shows coming into the Lyric.

Lead on the negotiation and management of all contracts with external suppliers
and oversee the relationship with key external stakeholders, including the Lyric’s
landlords.

Oversee all policies relating to HR and workforce issues, and ensure that they are
regularly reviewed so that they meet the needs of the Lyric and that they are
legally compliant.

Negotiate an appropriate contract for external IT support and maintenance, which
meets the needs of the Lyric and is value for money.
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Take responsibility for ensuring that all necessary insurance is in place, covering
all operations of the Lyric.

Ensure that the Lyric’s commitment to environmental sustainability is maintained,
taking the lead on developing an action plan to reduce carbon emissions by 10%
each year, and regularly reporting on progress, internally and externally.

Ensure that the theatre building and the facilities within it operate effectively,
efficiently and safely at all times, acting as the senior lead for Health & Safety.
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Governance and Legal Compliance

Ensure that the Lyric’s obligations are met with regard to VAT (including Cultural
Exemption and Capital Goods Scheme), Gift Aid and payroll taxation.

Ensure that the finance team maintains up to date knowledge of relevant
legislation affecting all aspects of the Lyric’s financial and accounting processes
and systems, including payroll, VAT and Gift Aid.

Ensure compliance with all financial, pension and HR legislation, including autoenrolment.

Keep abreast of all statutory requirements in terms of company and charity law,
oversee the administrative management of the Board of Directors and ensure that
annual returns are made to Companies House and the Charity Commission

Ensure that the Risk Register and Crisis Management Plans are updated annually,
and communicated across the Lyric.
GENERAL DUTIES

Attend internal and external meetings as required, including but not limited to
regular meetings with the Executive and Artistic Directors, the Board and Finance
Sub-Committee meetings, the Lyric’s Senior Management Team and Heads of
Department meetings.

Regularly attend Lyric Theatre shows and projects including press nights,
development events and showcases of our work with young people, representing
the Lyric and acting as an ambassador as required.

Develop a wide network of contacts locally, regionally, nationally and
internationally to achieve increased awareness of the Lyric’s work.

Undertake any other duties as agreed with the Executive Director and Artistic
Director as is appropriate to the post.
This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Finance and
Resources Director. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed
with the post holder and Executive Director and Artistic Director as required.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Skills and Experience
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Experience at a senior level of leading on the development of resourcing
strategies for an organisation, ideally in the creative sector.
Experience of managing a broad range of activities, ideally including HR and IT.
Ability to contribute, as a senior manager, to the overall strategic direction of an
organisation.
Experienced and skilled in all aspects of financial and management accounting,
including setting and monitoring budgets, producing accounts, reports and cashflow forecasting.
Ability to work in a consultancy mode, and a proven ability to work with diverse
teams and staff to bring about positive improvement in systems, strategies and
processes.
Proven ability to lead and motivate teams and staff.
Ability to critically appraise financial systems, processes and controls, developing
and introducing changes where necessary in order to increase resilience,
effectiveness and efficiency.
Demonstrable negotiation skills.
Excellent communication skills, oral and written, and the ability to communicate
and interpret financial information for non-specialists.
Ability to develop, work in and contribute to an open, supportive and creative
working environment.
Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
Absolute accuracy and attention to detail
Skilled in the creation, use and management of complex spreadsheets, and other
relevant IT/financial/HR software.
Commercially savvy.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of contemporary issues in resource management as they relate to the
arts sector.
Knowledge of accounting processes and systems.
Working knowledge of HR policies and basic contractual legislation.
Working knowledge of taxation issues, including income tax, National Insurance,
VAT and gift aid.
Working knowledge of charity financial legislation, including SORP.
Knowledge of developing appropriate KPIs to measure impact.
Either holding a professional finance qualification or qualified by experience.
Personal Attributes
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Commitment to continuing professional and personal development and to
developing best practice.
A creative, can-do attitude.
Keen and active interest in the arts in general, and in the work of the Lyric in
particular.
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HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the post, please:

Write a covering letter (no longer than two sides of A4) explaining why you are
interested in this role and how your experience and skills match the person
specification. Please also confirm your availability for interview on the dates
below.

Return the covering letter with an up to date Curriculum Vitae, also enclosing a
signed Application Statement and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to
Andrew Fletcher, Head of Administration, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square,
King Street, London W6 0QL or email to lyricjobs@lyric.co.uk.
Interested applicants are invited to have an informal conversation about the role with
Sian Alexander, Executive Director. Please phone her PA, Tracey Woolley, on 020 8741
6822 ext 401 to arrange a time.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday 8 January 2016 at 5pm.
We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in the Lyric
Hammersmith.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
First interviews will take place on Friday 15 January 2016. Successful candidates will
notified by Wednesday 13 January 2016.
Second interviews are scheduled for Monday 25 January 2016. Successful candidates
will be asked to prepare work in advance of the second interview.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Lyric values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality and opportunity for
all. All employees are required to comply with and actively promote our Equality policy,
and no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds
of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and
maternity, race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, class or socio-economic
background, trade union activity or political activity or opinion.
We may use positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase
the employment of under-represented groups at the Lyric.
ACCESS
If you would like to submit your CV and covering letter in another format we would be
happy to accommodate this. Please contact the Administration department on 020 8741
6822 ext. 400 or lyricjobs@lyric.co.uk to discuss a suitable alternative.
The Lyric Hammersmith has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who
meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. Please complete the
Application Statement to help us with this. Please also state on the form if you have any
access requirements for interview, or contact the Administration team to discuss.
APPOINTMENTS
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In line with the Lyric’s Safeguarding Policy, any appointment will be made subject to a
satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. Disclosure
information will be treated in the strictest confidence and shall only be seen by those
who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. Only relevant information will be
taken into account. The Lyric will not discriminate unfairly against any convictions or
other information revealed.
All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to
work in the UK.
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APPLICATION STATEMENT
Interview arrangements
The Lyric Hammersmith has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities
who meet the minimum criteria for this job (the Essential section of the Person
Specification) will be invited to interview. Please let us know:
Do you have a disability?
Do you require any special arrangements to be made to enable you to attend an
interview? If so, please specify below.
If you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact Andrew
Fletcher in the Administration department on 020 8741 6822 ext. 400 or
lyricjobs@lyric.co.uk
Checklist
Please ensure you have included:
Enclosed
Up to date Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how your
experience and skills match the Person Specification
Application Statement
Equal Opportunities Monitoring form (this will be separated from your
application on receipt and is not considered in the appointment process)
Statement
I confirm that:
Yes
No
The information given on this form is correct and complete
I possess all the qualifications which I claim to hold
I understand that all appointments are subject to satisfactory references,
proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and a satisfactory enhanced DBS
disclosure
I have never been convicted of an offence relating to children or young
people and have never been the subject of disciplinary procedures or been
asked to leave employment or voluntary activity due to inappropriate
behaviour towards a child or young person. If no, please specify any
convictions, spent or unspent below (*)
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I understand that submitting false information or withholding relevant
information on this form may lead to my application being rejected or, if I
am appointed, will constitute grounds for dismissal
Please note that the Lyric treats all applicants for employment fairly and actively
promotes equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from a wide range of
candidates. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar people from working with
the Lyric. The Lyric will always consider the nature of the position and the circumstances
and background of any offences.
*You are advised that under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (NI
Order) (1974) (Exceptions Order 1975 as amended by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974 (Exceptions) (Amendments) Order 1986 you should declare all convictions, including
spent convictions. Please list any convictions you have relating to children or young
people on a separate sheet.
Applications from unsuccessful applicants will be kept on file for twelve months before
being destroyed.
I confirm that the above information given by me is correct and that I consent to my
personal data being processed and kept for the purpose described above in accordance
with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Signature………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM
Please complete this form to help us ensure that we are complying with our Equal
Opportunities policy which states that nobody who works at the Lyric Hammersmith will
receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, disability or
age. As a publicly funded organisation, the Lyric is required to monitor the cultural
diversity of all its employees, freelancers, Board Members, and volunteers.
The information you provide will be used for monitoring purposes only and all data will
be aggregated and anonymised. The forms will be kept securely and will not be shown to
colleagues or third parties without your consent. No decisions will be made or action
taken about a person based on their answers to the questions.
Please contact the Lyric's Head of Administration, Andrew Fletcher, at
andrew.fletcher@lyric.co.uk or 020 8741 6822 ext. 400 if you have any queries.
I consent to the data I provide below being kept in this manner and only used for the
purposes explained above:
Name:
…………………………..........................................................................................
.........
Signature:
…………………………..........................................................................................
...
Date:
..............................................................................................................
............................
1. How would you describe your ethnic origin?
Please choose one section from A to F, and then tick the appropriate box to indicate your
cultural background.
Section A: White
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British (English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British)
Irish
Gypsy or Irish Traveller
Any other White background, please write here…………….……………………………
Section B: Mixed
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White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Any other Mixed background, please write here……….…………………………………
Section C: Asian Or British Asian
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Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Chinese
Any other Asian background, please write here……….…………………………………
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Section D: Black or Black British
( )
( )
( )
African
Caribbean
Any other Black/African/Caribbean background – please write here ….………………
Section E: Arab or Other Ethnic Group
( )
( )
Arab
Any other ethnic group, please write here …………….…………………………………
Section F: Prefer not to say
( )
Prefer not to say
2. How would you describe your gender?
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Female
Male
Transgender
Prefer not to say
3. Do you consider yourself to be disabled?
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Yes
( ) No
( ) Prefer not to say
If you have answered yes, please indicate the type of impairment which applies to you:
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Visual impairment
Hearing impairment/deaf
Physical disabilities
Cognitive or learning disabilities
Mental health
Invisible disabilities
Other long-term / chronic conditions
4. How would you describe your sexual orientation?
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Bisexual
Gay man
Gay woman / lesbian
Heterosexual / straight
Prefer not to say
5. What is your age?
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0-19
20-34
35-49
50-64
65+
Prefer not to say
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