Royal Parks CHAIR VACANCY

Royal Parks – CHAIR VACANCY Department: Department for Culture, Media & Sport Sectors: Culture, Media & Sport Location: Central London Number of 1 Vacancies: Remuneration: The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses will be paid Time The Chair is expected to keep in regular contact with the Chief Requirements: Executive with bilateral meetings taking place at least once a month. However, during the setup phase of the Royal Parks new organisation up to the aspirational “go live” date on 1 October 2016 and potentially for a short time beyond, the Chair will be expected to make sufficient time available to ensure the launch date is met and that all relevant documentation and personnel are in place. There are between four – six Board meetings each year and at least one strategy day. The meetings will be held more frequently during the first year of the new organisation. Interviews: Late March/Early April Vacancy Description Introduction The Royal Parks (TRP) is a new public body which will be seeking charitable status. Its purpose is to oversee the management of 5000 acres of outstanding parkland in London including unique historic landscapes, rare habitats, listed buildings and national memorials. It also undertakes commercial activity to support this work including concessions, licences and a high profile series of events. It has an important fundraising function. The organisation also supports a comprehensive volunteering network and an education programme.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the success of The Royal Parks.

Background The Royal Parks estate includes eight Royal Parks: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James’s Park. It also cares for other spaces in the capital including Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Tower Gardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.

The Royal Parks receives over 77 million visitors a year and plays a key role in the tourism and cultural life of the country. The estate also hosts national ceremonial events and is an important provider of sporting facilities in London.

The Royal Parks works closely with key partners including DCMS, the Mayor of London, charitable, sporting, environmental and cultural agencies.

Person Specification Main Tasks – Lead the Board to prioritise the protection and enhancement of the intrinsic qualities of the estate

– Together with Trustees agree and oversee a contract for services with Government

– Work with the Chief Executive to help him/her achieve the organisation’s key objectives

– Identify and develop opportunities to enhance income streams to maintain the estate

Main responsibilities – Provide leadership, vision and direction to the Board and the wider organisation; – Ensure that the Board sets overall strategy and policy objectives and that as far as reasonably possible they are met;

– Ensure the Board fulfils its governance responsibilities;

– Approve The Royal Parks’ annual budget and material business decisions;

– Encourage the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources;

– Maintain close relationships with key members of the Government, GLA and with key influencers;

– Ensure that The Royal Parks has a satisfactory system for holding in trust any monies or property for the purposes for which they were intended; and to ensure that where appropriate, monies are invested for the benefit of the organisation within necessary constraints;

– In collaboration with the Chief Executive, generate substantial annual revenue and foster The Royal Parks’ overall financial health;

– Drive forward a philanthropy strategy;

– Ensure that the views of stakeholders are taken into account; The Person Essential Criteria:  Ability to perform as an effective Board Chair;

 Commitment to and understanding of The Royal Parks’ purpose;

 Ability and willingness to access and influence high level stakeholder and fundraising networks for the benefit of the The Royal Parks

 Excellent diplomatic skills and an affinity for cultivating relationships and facilitating consensus among diverse organisations and individuals;

 Ability to be an effective public ambassador for The Royal Parks;  Ability to cultivate an effective philanthropy programme;

 Evidence of achievement in the private, public or third sectors, including ability to make a strong personal contribution.

Additional Information DCMS promotes an equal opportunities policy. Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, and these appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependents. Who is on the Board? Seven appointments including the chair are made by the Secretary of State and six are made by the Mayor of London. There is also ex officio representation from the Royal Household. How to Apply By submitting a current CV and covering letter of up to two pages of A4.

To: [email protected]. Please include ‘royal parks’ in the subject heading. Your covering letter should set out your suitability for the post based on the criteria set out in the Role Specification.

For information about the appointment process please contact Gaynor Stannard in the DCMS Public Appointments Unit on 020 7211 2294.

If you want further details about the new organisation, please contact: