Professorial Appointments at Gresham College

Professorial appointments at Gresham College

General Candidate Brief and Appointment Details

Rhetoric

November 2016

Gresham College Barnard’s Inn Hall Holborn London EC1N 2HH www.gresham.ac.uk

Thank you for your interest in undertaking the role of Professor at Gresham College

 Profe ssor of Rhetoric

As the term of office of the current Professor or Rhetoric comes to an end, a new appointment will be made to the position from 1 August 2017. We trust that the new Professor will educate and inspire the College audiences, building on the 400 year old traditions of Gresham College, at the same time as developing innovative ideas as it enters its sixth century of existence. The overarching aim of the College is to continue to provide free public lectures of the highest possible standard in an extensive range of academic disciplines in accordance with the Vision of Sir Thomas Gresham as expressed in his Will in 1575.

In aiming to fill the above position, we are seeking exceptional candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience to follow in the footsteps of a long tradition of Gresham Professors since 1597. The successful candidate (in Rhetoric) will have a national and/or international reputation and a record of high-level scholarship. Applications will be judged against the person specification and criteria as set out in this document, and applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates how their skills and experience meet these criteria.

The selection and interview process will be managed by a panel comprised of Council members and other persons who will make a recommendation to Council. The final appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references, formal Sponsor and Council approval and any other necessary document checks (eg right to work in the UK).

Most applicants could expect to, and indeed do, hold a Gresham Professorship (with its specified commitment) alongside a permanent position at a University, professional institution or other body, but this may be up to the home institution’s agreement regarding the additional position, so they should be consulted if appropriate.

Information about the College and the position itself is included in the pages that follow but please contact the Academic Registrar, Dr Valerie Shrimplin, if you have any queries or need any additional information.

Dr Valerie Shrimplin Academic Registrar Gresham College Barnard's Inn Hall Holborn London, EC1N 2HH 020 7831 0575 [email protected] www.gresham.ac.uk

2 Introduction and Overview

Gresham College is an independently funded educational institution and Gresham Professors have given free public lectures in the City of London for over 400 years. Gresham College was established in 1597 under the Will of the Tudor financier Sir Thomas Gresham, who nominated the City of London Corporation and the Worshipful Company of Mercers to manage the Estate through the Joint Grand Gresham Committee. The College is a company limited by guarantee and has charitable status with its own Council acting as its Board of Governors.

Gresham College has been maintained in various forms since its foundation, but the major continuing activity has always been the appointment of distinguished Professors “sufficiently learned to reade [sic] the lectures” in Astronomy, Divinity, Geometry, Law, Music, Physic and Rhetoric. To these, in 1985, was added the Mercers’ School Memorial Chair of Commerce; The Frank Jackson Professorship of Commerce was added in 2014 and the Worshipful Company of Information technologists’ Chair of IT is being added from Academic year 2015-16.

The College has been based since 1991 at Barnard’s Inn Hall in Holborn, where the premises provide for lectures and seminars, but a wide range of other are also used. In addition, all lectures are recorded and made available globally, for free, via the internet.

Gresham College has no students; it runs no courses, nor does it award degrees or diplomas but attendees at lectures number over 20,000 per annum. In addition to the historic obligation to provide free public lectures, the College also collaborates with institutions of higher education, learned societies and professional bodies. It organises seminars and conferences and thus offers an opportunity to draw attention to ideas, problems and issues of significance and interest. Although one of its major concerns is to provide insights to an important and sometimes influential audience in the City of London, it also provides a platform through which a much wider audience can be reached. Through its independence and position of ‘benevolent neutrality’ it can offer opportunities for free and open discussion and debate that are not always available elsewhere.

The scope of the disciplines originally identified by Sir Thomas Gresham has changed slightly over time, and appointments now reflect the ways in which knowledge has expanded. So, for example, the Chair of Physic now extends to all the medical and biological sciences; Astronomy represents the physical sciences; Geometry the mathematical sciences; Rhetoric the arts, humanities (except Music) and the social sciences. Gresham College lectures are recorded and the College is constantly seeking to increase its out-reach by taking advantage of developing technologies, currently achieving almost two million views per annum on the internet. Sir Thomas Gresham and his Will Sir Thomas Gresham (1519 – 1579) was an English merchant and financier who worked for Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I. Descended from an old Norfolk family, and son of Sir Richard Gresham (Lord Mayor and a leading London merchant), Thomas Gresham was born in London and aimed, through his legacy, to promote the city. He studied at Cambridge before becoming apprenticed as a merchant and admitted to the Mercers’ Company as a liveryman in 1542. The same year, he went to the Low Countries, where he both operated as a merchant and acted in various matters on behalf of King Henry VIII. He married Anne Ferneley (1544), but still continued to live mainly in Antwerp where he succeeded as a merchant and became a principal adviser to the crown. He was so successful as financial agent of the crown - negotiating loans, and procuring funds and goods (including much needed munitions to defend the realm) - that his advice was continually sought by the Crown on a wide range of financial difficulties, and he was frequently employed in diplomatic missions. In 1565, on a site provided by the City for the purpose, Gresham built the Royal Exchange at his own expense, modelled on the Antwerp Bourse. It was of immense benefit to the general good of the merchants, but also to Sir Thomas himself who received the rentals from the shops. Gresham also acted as ambassador and was well rewarded with a salary, grants of lands and a knighthood in 1559, becoming one of the richest men in England. His heraldic device of a ‘golden grasshopper’ became well known. Sir Thomas’s only son and legitimate heir died in 1564. As a result, apart from some small sums left to various charities, in his Will of 1575 Gresham bequeathed his estate to his widow, with the proviso that after her death, his house in Bishopsgate Street and the rents from the Royal Exchange should be vested in the Corporation of London and the Mercers Company, for the purpose of founding a College in London. Seven professors were to be appointed to read lectures daily – in Divinity, Astronomy, Music, Geometry, Law, Physic, and Rhetoric (with the professorships in Commerce, Environment and Information Technology added later, as mentioned above). Vision, Mission and Aims

3 Vision

The original Vision of Sir Thomas Gresham, encapsulated in his Will dated 1575, is now stated as follows:

To entrust the City Corporation and the Mercers’ Company to ensure that a succession of academics should be nominated and appointed as Professors ‘to read Lectures in Divinity, Astronomy, Musick and Geometry, … and also Law, Physick and Rhetorick, for the benefit of the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London, henceforth and so long as they or their successors shall by any means or title have, and hold and enjoy the said Royal Exchange, Shops, Pawns, Vaults, Houses and all other the Premisses with the Appurtenances for ever.’

Mission

1. To continue to provide free public lectures of the highest possible standard, focussed on the maintaining of Gresham Professorships in an extensive range of academic disciplines, in accordance with the Vision of Sir Thomas Gresham as expressed in his Will in 1575 2. To provide free and open access to new learning of contemporary relevance and interest in the widest possible international sense 3. To contribute to society through the provision of stimulating free education, learning and debate, linked to the core value of freedom of thought and expression

Objectives

1. To foster study, learning and research, particularly (but not exclusively) in those disciplines represented by the Gresham Professorships 2. To supplement the seven original disciplines (and the eighth, added in 1985) with a range of relevant additional series, one-off lectures, seminars and symposia in subject areas as considered appropriate in the twenty-first century 3. To foster academic consideration of contemporary issues and problems (such as the environment) 4. To challenge those who live and work in London and elsewhere to engage in intellectual debate on those subjects in which the city has a proper concern 5. To make a contribution to society (academia and the community) through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge, by means of innovative collaboration and partnerships 6. To be open and all embracing, encouraging diversity both in disciplines and the profile of Professors, lecturers and audiences 7. To publicise and communicate the work of the College and its Professors, sharing information and new learning to an ever widening and increasing audience in London, the UK and beyond through the internet 8. To recognise and reward academic contributors and staff, encouraging the furtherance of academic work and career development for all involved.

Gresham College

Sir Thomas’s mansion in Bishopsgate was the first home of Gresham College and lectures were given there until 1768. It was at Gresham College that the Royal Society was founded in 1660 by a group of Gresham Professors, amongst them, Sir Christopher Wren. The early period of the College saw the appointment of many distinguished Professors, a tradition that has continued up to the present day. Later on, lectures were given in various locations until a new Gresham College opened in Gresham Street in 1842.

Barnard’s Inn, where the College has been based since 1991, is on a site recorded from 1252. It was established as an Inn of Chancery associated with Gray’s Inn in 1542 and is described by Charles Dickens in Great Expectations. In 1892 it was purchased by the Mercers and housed the Mercers’ School until 1959. The Hall itself dates from the 14th century, but the chalk and tile foundation preserved in the wall of the Council Chamber below is much older, probably dating from the late Saxon period.

4 Governance

The governance structures of the College are based on the Articles of Association as revised in 2007. The Articles specify procedures for general meetings of Council, powers of the council and other bodies, the appointment of Professors, Fellows and the Provost, and other procedural matters. Funding arrangements with the sponsors have recently been agreed to cover business planning for the College for the five year period August 2014-19. The College officially is registered with the Charity Commission as well as being registered at Companies House. Its two main sources of funding are the Mercers’ Company and the City of London Corporation.

The governing body (equivalent to a Board of Directors of the College) is the Council, comprised of a maximum of 15 persons of whom 4 each are appointed by the City of London Corporation and the Mercers’ Company, with others being co-opted by Council itself. The Council may delegate certain powers to two additional committees (Finance and Remuneration Committee; Nominations Committee). The Academic Board is comprised of Gresham Professors (including Visiting Professors), and Gresham Fellows (including Honorary Fellows), its main function being to determine the academic programme of the College, as well as quality assurance and monitoring of the programme and other activities. The College Today

The College receives no government funding but, using some of the latest technology, continues to expand, supported by its sponsors, the Worshipful Company of Mercers and the City of London Corporation.

All Gresham College lectures are recorded and made available free on our website in video, audio and transcript formats. There are now over 1,500 lectures and events on the website. These go back as far as an audio recording of Lord Blake’s Special Lecture in 1984. A Gresham App was launched in 2013 making it even easier for audiences to watch, download, bookmark and organise recordings of Gresham College lectures on mobile or tablet devices (both Android and iOS).

Gresham College is also actively engaged in many other online sites. The latest news, facts and quotes can be obtained ‘live’ from within the lectures, photographs taken at our events and full videos of all of our lectures through the Gresham College website (www.gresham.ac.uk); Twitter (twitter.com/GreshamCollege); Facebook (www.facebook.com/greshamcollege); Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/greshamcollege/); and YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/GreshamCollege); iTunes Staff

There is a very small complement of staff:

President: The Lord Mayor of London Provost: Professor Sir Richard Evans FBA Academic Registrar: Dr Valerie Shrimplin Accounts and Facilities Manager: Ms Dawn Fulks Communications Manager: Ms Lucia Graves Communications Officer: Mr Tinko Georgiev Communications Assistant: Mr Richard Taverner Office and Events Administrator: Ms Georgina Calver

5 Job Description – The Role

The Professors are fundamental to the operation of the College and their overarching role is to set and deliver the academic standards of provision for the College – in their own lectures but also in having input into the selection process for the annual Gresham programme in general.

Professors are appointed periodically normally initially for a three year term, which may be extended for a fourth year (maximum). The appointment is subject to the official approval of the City of London Corporation Side or the Mercers’ Company Side of the Joint Grand Gresham Committee (as applicable), or Council for the Professor of the Environment. An honorarium of £7,000 is paid (plus reasonable travel expenses etc).

Professors’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Lectures  To contribute to the College’s annual academic programme, by preparing and personally delivering six public lectures a year (lasting one hour including time for questions), and making such other public presentation(s) as may be agreed with the Academic Board. Written transcripts of lectures are required before each lecture which, together with video recordings, will be made public through the internet and other means.  To further the success and reputation of the College by means of the delivery of high quality lectures as part of the Gresham annual programme.  To contribute to the College’s overarching aim to provide free education and outreach to a wide range of audiences, both locally in person and world wide through the internet.

Academic Board  To participate in the activities of the College, including attendance at meetings of the Academic Board, which normally meets four times per year (October, February, April and July).  To advise as necessary and appropriate on College academic policy, programmes and proposals.  To participate in additional activities from time to time, both academic and social, attending other meetings and events (including social events) as appropriate, and where possible.

Promotion of the College  To promote the College in external partnerships and at external events, acting where possible as an ambassador for the organisation, its members and followers.  As far as is possible or appropriate, to use the Gresham title when engaging in other activities, so that public attention is drawn to their connection with the College.

6  To promote the College’s reputation as a prominent, global education institution, committed to making accessible a wide range of innovative education and research.

7 Person Specification – The Individual

 Strong academic credibility including a research profile and the ability to command respect from sponsors, staff, participants and others  A national/international reputation, with substantial publications of recognised international quality (or similar), which will contribute to and enhance the profile of Gresham College  An excellent track record in teaching and research with a distinguished record in the chosen field  Highly qualified and experienced speaker, accustomed to and interested in speaking to public audiences (ie able to deliver complex specialist information to intelligent and educated but largely non-specialist audiences)  Able to provide demonstrable plans for lectures for the three year term of appointment (providing titles and 200-250 word abstracts for year one, ie the first 6, and outlines for the further two years)  Good time management (lectures are strictly limited to one hour including questions)  Knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the College’s ethos and range of provision, with the ability to work with the professors and staff to promote an academic programme of the highest standard that will have an impact on the quality of life in the Capital - making a contribution to local/national/international learning and debate  Ability to build on the College’s current success and strengths to lead it to an ever higher level of achievement and growth (particularly globally)  Good interpersonal and communication skills, with an interest in communicating the chosen subject to a wide audience including out reach to students and schools, in order to relate to the sponsors, other academics, staff and members of the public

Additional Notes

It is not essential for applicants to be formally attached to a University or Higher Education Institution as long as the above can be demonstrated

It is not essential for Professors to be UK based although the requirement to attend at least 10 times per year for lectures and Board meetings and other occasions would present great challenges to anyone outside the UK (expenses are normally only paid within the UK).

8 Application Process

All applications will be managed in accordance with the process outlined below. No additional recruitment agency or executive search is being used, and no agencies may submit on another’s behalf.

Formal applications should consist of:

1. A statement in the form of a letter explaining your suitability for the role as against the information and criteria specified in the Job Description and Person Specification, as well as details of the proposed lecture series.

2. A Curriculum Vitae of not more than 10 pages. Do not include a ‘title page’. If more than 10 pages only the first 10 will be circulated to panel members. A CV alone will not be considered.

3. Titles and abstracts for the first year’s 6 lectures (as for a submission of abstract for conference proceedings (200-250 words), plus an outline for the following two years to show the coherence (but not repetition) of your programme

Applications should preferably be sent by email (or can be via hard copy) to Dr Valerie Shrimplin ([email protected]) or to the address given on the first page.

Electronic submission alone is fine but please put into a single file if possible, and include your surname in the file title. If separate attachments please put your surname at the beginning of each file name and your name at the top of each document (receiving several files each from many candidates all labelled or headed ‘Gresham’ or ‘CV’ is not helpful).

If you provide a hard copy alone (or as well), do not use staples, in order to aid copying.

Please indicate where you saw the position advertised.

 The closing date for applications for the Professor of Rhetoric is 5.00 pm 13 January 2017

 Interviews will be held in London on 17 February 2017

Equal Opportunities

Gresham College is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions. Panel members are aware of the principles of equality of opportunity and fair selection and there will be at least one member of each gender on the panels wherever possible.

9 Gresham College’s equal opportunities in employment policy (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics defined therein) is stated as follows: The only consideration in recruitment, training, appraisal and promotion of employees will be how the genuine requirements of the post are met or likely to be met by the individual under consideration. These requirements being met, no regard will be taken (except where the law allows) of that person’s race, sex, age, marital status, number of children, disability, sexual orientation, or beliefs or lawful preferences, privately held, on any matter, including religion, politics and sex.