Polka Theatre Is Currently Looking for a New Member to Join Its Board of Trustees

Polka Theatre is currently looking for a new member to join its Board of Trustees

A highly-regarded and strategically important element of British theatrical provision, Polka Theatre’s reputation has been solidly based on work of high quality and an exemplary understanding and concern for its core audience of children. It was the UK’s first purpose-built theatre for children, opening its doors in 1979, since when it has welcomed three generations of children to its Wimbledon home, firing their imaginations through a combination of in-house productions, visiting shows and participatory activities. Still Britain’s leading theatre for children, it produces a diverse range of original works both independently and through co- productions and partnerships and is recognised as one of the most influential and ground-breaking children’s theatre venues in the world. The last 24 months have seen it engage in international collaborations in Australia, Canada and Italy, as well as working in partnership with leading theatre companies and artists from across the UK.

At the same time, it is proud to be a local charity, rooted in and serving its community, with a commitment to working with as broad a range of children and families as possible and those least engaged with the arts across South London and neighbouring counties. It has an excellent record of running projects for those with special needs or from areas of particular disadvantage and forging creative collaborations with community groups, an aspect of its work that it is keen to build on. It is also noted for producing innovative work for audiences of Early Years children and running a thriving programme of creative learning and work for children with disabilities.

The Company has successfully retained its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and funding for 2015-2018. Within this context and along with its fellow NPOs, Polka is committed to reducing its reliance on public subsidy as a proportion of its turnover and has been putting plans in place to realise this.

As a result of the Arts Council’s Stage 1 approval in January of Polka’s £2.5m Large Capital funding application, the theatre’s long-held ambition and plans to redevelop its current site are now a significant step closer to reality. The aims of the proposed £5.1m redevelopment are to enhance its visitor experience and create an environment in which artistic excellence and children’s imaginations can flourish while also improving the organisation’s financial resilience and sustainability. Key features will include the creation of a National Centre for Early Years Theatre, including a new auditorium for the under-6s, and a multi-purpose rehearsal space and new Creative Learning Studio. Polka has committed funds of £550k, which combined with the Arts Council’s £2.5m means 60% of the capital budget is in place. A major focus for Polka and its Trustees over the next 4 years will be to secure the remaining match funding and to deliver a successful redevelopment project.

To ensure that it thrives, not merely survives, under these changing circumstances the Company requires a committed and experienced group of volunteers drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience to serve on its Board of Trustees.

Polka Theatre 240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB +44 (0)20 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Registered charity no. 256979, company no. 938592, VAT no. 238 9709 18 The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly and also has a number of working groups to support the main Board’s work who meet on a regular basis.

The Trustees have ultimate responsibility to fulfil the Company’s governance responsibilities in line with Charity Commission and Companies Acts requirements.

Membership tenure is usually 6 years with an option to renew for a further 3 years.

Key Responsibilities and Principles  Determine the organisation's mission and vision  Establish the strategic direction and business planning cycle  Formulate policy  Approve and monitor operations and evaluate performance  Ensure adequate financial resources and effective fiscal oversight  Ensure sound risk management  Determine the organisational structure and director roles  Understand and respect the relationship between Board, executive and staff in delegating Board responsibilities  Act as a responsible employer  Enhance the organisation's reputation and profile  Select and induct new Board members  Carry out Board business efficiently

Commitment  To ensure that an environment is sustained within Polka which enables the Company to focus on its artistic and charitable objectives as a world-class theatre for children and an organisation committed to lighting up children’s imaginations.  To guide, monitor and support the Executive and Senior Management team in undertaking their respective roles, particularly with a view to managing the financial performance of Polka within the relevant financial constraints.  To act as ambassadors and advocates for Polka in its search for funding within the public and private sectors  To make a significant positive impact on the Company’s future and ensure success in its ongoing development  To uphold the highest standards of integrity and probity, both personally and in relation to Polka, ensuring that Polka aspires to the highest standards in all its dealings whether internally or externally.

Personal Specification  An appreciation for the performing arts and an empathy with Polka and its objectives.  An appreciation of the non-executive nature of the role, and a readiness to support and mentor, but not interfere with, the work of the staff team.  A fluent communicator willing to advocate the work of the organisation externally, with strong personal and professional networks, particularly in London and the South East.

Polka Theatre 240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB +44 (0)20 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Registered charity no. 256979, company no. 938592, VAT no. 238 9709 18 Plus ideally (but not essential) ….  Board level and/or senior advisory experience working with other medium-sized charities  OR Professional experience in the areas of arts management, theatre companies or venues

This is a non-remunerated post but reasonable travel expenses will be met.

If you are interested in this role on the Board of Trustees, we will require: - an up-to-date copy of your CV - a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form - a Trustees’ Eligibility Certificate to be send to the Executive Director, Stephen Midlane ([email protected]). For further information, please contact Sarah King (Chair) on 07803 165750. The closing date for applications is 4th January 2017.

Polka Theatre 240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB +44 (0)20 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Registered charity no. 256979, company no. 938592, VAT no. 238 9709 18