OVERVIEW
Job Role: Trustee
Company: Hay Festival Foundation Ltd.
Location: Corporate Centre: Hay on Wye; Applicants are not geographically restricted
Employment Type: Voluntary: Board Position
Salary: Unremunerated, with reasonable expenses
Closing Date: Friday 11 August 2023
Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is an internationally recognised charity, founded in Hay-on-Wye in Wales 36 years ago, operating in the UK and abroad. As a charity, we have a commitment to literature, culture, arts and ideas, expanding, sharing, and contributing to the development of the arts, creativity, talent and skills through our activities (festivals, education, fundraising and trading). We are seeking dynamic trustees with expertise to join the Board.
Hay Festival editions take place in Wales, UK and internationally, currently in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, USA, and Europe.
We are seeking up to five trustees with skills in the following areas: local/regional knowledge and networks, Welsh and UK government knowledge and networks, digital expertise (editorial / infrastructure), learning, engagement and participation networks and expertise and brand/communication expertise.
WHO WE ARE
Hay Festival originated in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, the world’s first booktown, 36 years ago, and now operates internationally. This increasing circle, the Hay Family, has developed over the years. The Festival in Hay-on-Wye is recognised as one of the best literature and ideas festivals in the world.
The Festival has moved from a founder, not-for-profit model to that of a fully operational charity (formed in February 2022). As a charity, Hay Festival Foundation Ltd, the organisation is further evolving and becoming more impactful.
Hay Festival events inspire, examine and entertain globally, inviting participants to imagine the world as it is and as it might be. Nobel Prize winners and novelists, scientists and politicians, historians, environmentalists and entertainers take part in the Festival’s global conversation, sharing the latest thinking in the arts and sciences with curious audiences.
CHAIR’S WELCOME
Dear Candidate,
This is a hugely important time for Hay Festival, an extraordinary charity, delivering over 60 days of activity per year, in multiple locations across the world. We are constantly evolving, in the context of Wales, the UK, internationally, and in an ever-changing world. As we reset the charity, embrace our commitment to inclusion and diversify our offer for new and existing audiences, we are looking to appoint new trustees who will bring a variety of skills and lived experiences to support a new direction. I hope you will be inspired to apply. You will join us at an exciting time as we turn to the future, reimagining, reshaping and renewing Hay Festival. We are exploring our longer-term future guided by our vision, mission and values and in considering the impact that we can create. We are poised to develop our new strategy, secure our longer-term future in a relevant and contemporary way, to amplify the work that we do, to reach the widest audiences and share the broadest range of viewpoints.
Our commitment to planetary regenerative action will be further shaped, as we review our commitment to sustainability. Not only across our operations but also in the way in which we communicate through our creative content and develop ‘a call to action’ through our work. We want to rebuild, shape and grow our work in diverse locations as a destination experience, in unexpected places and re-imagined formats connecting with more people. Through our work we will sustain the charity, developing commercially, connect with our audiences and function as a convenor for our sponsors, funders, stakeholders, and partners. The range of skills we are seeking include: local and regional networks and connections, national UK and Welsh government knowledge, digital and editorial skills, brand and communications, learning, participation and inclusion.
Following a review of this information pack, I do hope that you will be enthusiastic to apply. We very much value the time and commitment that you will take in applying for this role and look forward to meeting you.
With best wishes,
Caroline Michel
Chair – Hay Festival Foundation
THE MISSION
Vision: Hay Festival is a beacon, an international symbol of hope for the collective, creative imagination and a better future. We want our audiences to feel empowered to live differently.
Belief: We believe that ideas can change the world. By coming together to offer different perspectives through literature, art, ideas and creative expression, we can find truth and hope.
Purpose: We share knowledge, opinions, ideas and a love of learning; a collaboration with others to imagine a more creative and thoughtful future.
Brand Statement: We provide a place for creativity and curiosity to thrive. A space to come together to share ideas, different perspectives and to express our creativity. In a time of division and polarity we provoke collective conversations that create a better world.
Mission: We will collaborate with audiences, artists and partners to:
- Share literature, arts, and ideas to amplify imagination and empower people to take action to realise their potential (Wales, UK and Internationally).
- Create spaces for accessible, inclusive, and representative creative experiences where curiosity thrives, built on a foundation of learning, social justice, and wellbeing.
- Connect global communities through the extraordinary exchange of ideas, lived experiences and our combined reimagination of the future.
OUR VALUES
In the context of Wales, UK and Internationally we value:
Creativity and Connectedness
We gather the world’s most exciting writers, thinkers, pioneers, innovators and artists to share their stories and ideas across the world. We believe creativity makes a significant difference to people’s lives and supports innovation and artistic excellence.
Fearlessness and Democracy
We are a catalyst for change. We break down barriers, exercising freedom of thought to protect and enliven the republic of knowledge across the world. We believe in freedom of expression and learn from the people we work with, being self-critical and willing to learn.
Authenticity and Inclusivity
We listen. We collaborate closely with audiences and communities enabling their voices to be heard, and actively seek to reach and engage new audiences. We value the different strengths of partners we believe that working together delivers impact. We continually strive to ensure that our work remains accessible to all.
Sustainability and Innovation
We ensure our own environmental impacts are minimised. We work to the highest professional standards and use resources responsibly, efficiently and effectively. We explore all aspects of building a sustainable society through our operations and programming.
THE ROLE
As an independent charity with a global reach, regulated by the Charity Commission, Hay Festival Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board determines policy and, together with the leadership team, sets the strategic direction of the organisation and oversees the management of the activity. The Board collectively develops strategy, approves resource allocations, represents Hay Festival Foundation Ltd externally and monitors the organisation’s performance against agreed objectives.
Trustees of HFF have a statutory duty to ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and other legislation, that the organisation pursues its charitable objects by ensuring resources are used to achieve charitable activities, to set the strategic direction and ensure the effective administration of the organisation and safeguard the good name and value of HFF.
To fulfil these duties, Trustees meet a minimum of five times a year to scrutinise and discuss board papers, discuss key issues, and provide expert guidance on new initiatives related to the approved strategy and business plan.
The current Board is led by Caroline Michel, the Chair. Trustees attend five Board meetings a year, including a strategy away day and are asked to participate in sub-committees (Finance and Audit; Nominations and Remunerations). The term of office is three years and Trustees can be appointed for up to two consecutive terms.
Trustees receive a full induction to the organisation, mentor support and ongoing training and development opportunities in respect of governance.
Who are we looking for:
We are looking for trustees with an interest in and passion for creativity and arts; and wider subject matter that could incorporate science, politics, environmental sustainability, nature and history. In addition, expert knowledge is sought, to support the strategic direction of this organisation and the next exciting phase of development in Wales, UK and globally.
HFF strives for diversity in its audiences, staff and volunteers and would like to reflect this diversity on the Board also.
You are joining HFF at an interesting time in its journey, as we seek to make a positive impact on culture and the arts, education, and the spread of ideas for the widest possible audiences, in the UK and globally. We want to nurture creativity and widen access through recruiting trustees with a mix of skills, networks, experiences and voices.
We are looking for people with enthusiasm and relevant knowledge who are open to innovative and entrepreneurial ideas and able to think through policies, strategy and governance, fairly and innovatively. HFF is a UK-based charity; international festivals are operated in conjunction with foreign entities.
We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have an interest in this role and can bring strategic experience in any of the following areas:
Local/Regional context – Hay-on-Wye sits on the border of Wales and England and is a gateway to both countries.
- If you have good knowledge of this area, considerable networks in the region and can represent the ‘local’ voice, this role is for you.
Government – UK and Welsh Context – HFF is seeking a Board member who has a considerable grasp of the Welsh and UK government context, able to advise and navigate this environment, with a significant network to raise the profile and reputation of HFF. We are seeking a person who:
- Can leverage their network to raise the profile and reputation of HFF
- Use their skill to advise on the various contexts in which HFF does and could operate
- Specific skills related to learning/education/community engagement
Brand/Communications/Advocacy – With the repositioning of HFF to engage new audiences and with a refreshed brand, we are seeking a Trustee with one or more of the following:
- Experience of corporate communications and brand optimisation
- Significant networks (media) to raise the reputation and profile of HFF
- Knowledge of commercial and/or cultural marketing strategies
Digital (Content and Infrastructure) – We are seeking Board-level skills in support of the development of our digital future. HFF possesses archive material dating back over 30 years on Hay Player; there are multiple aspects to digital content development and use and potential for commercial development. We are seeking a Trustee with one or more of the following:
- Editorial knowledge and markets
- Digital strategy development
Commercial skills Learning, participation and inclusion – We are seeking Board-level skills in support of the strategic development of one of our core purposes, to engage with audiences through learning, participation and inclusion. This person will have considerable skill and understanding about both the UK and Welsh education landscapes, with an overview on the importance of strategic, inclusive practice. The Scribblers Tour in Wales, and projects such as Writers and Work, the Beacon Project and through our international education and participation work internationally (Hay Joven in Spanish-speaking participating countries) are projects we wish to build on, extending our reach through learning to broader audiences, strategically developing our relationships with partners, governments, and networks. We are seeking a Trustee who can:
- Think and act strategically in the development of learning, participation, and inclusion
- Understands policy, and the opportunities through networks
- Has experience in the development of funding solutions for this function
We are especially interested to engage candidates who have a strong connection to the core purpose of Hay Festival, and who are willing to open their networks to HFF. First time trustees with the relevant skills and commitment will be welcomed and supported to develop in this non-executive role.
HFF is committed to representing the experiences and identities of staff, volunteers and the diverse communities they serve across the organisation and especially at Board level and welcomes applications of interest from people representative of all communities and experiences.
For further information about the role, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Caroline Michel, chair of the Hay Festival board, by emailing fmorgan@pfd.co.uk
DUTIES AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and fiscal responsibility for all the activities of the Charity. The Trustees maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. The duties of Trustees are summarised below. The duties of a trustee are to:
- Ensure that the Charity pursues its stated objects (purposes) for the public benefit, as defined in its governing document
- Ensure that the Charity complies with its governing document (i.e. its memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- Ensure that the Charity makes efficient and responsible use of resources, that all monies are applied to its objects, agreed plans and budgets
- Ensure that risks to the Charity, staff, volunteers and visitors to the events are at an acceptable level and are efficiently managed
- Provide strategic direction, determine overall policy, defines, sets targets, and evaluates performance
- Safeguard the good name and values of the Charity
- Act exclusively in the best interests of the Charity and not in their own personal interests
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
- Protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they must help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.
Trustees will be expected to keep themselves informed of the activities of the Charity and the wider issues that affect its work. Skills Required Following a review of the Charity’s short- and long-term needs, the Board will, from time to time, look to recruit specific skills that will supplement the Board and aid with succession planning, and to suit specific areas of strategy.
The Trustees have recognised a need to recruit the following skills to the Board and are specifically looking for one or more of these areas in any potential candidates:
- Welsh Government connections and experience
- Hay Festival local and historic knowledge and experience
- Digital/Editorial
- Brand, communications, and advocacy
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. The Board of Trustees normally meets four times per annum, ideally in person in either Hay or London, and attend one away day a year. Trustees may also choose or be asked to join certain sub-committees, to which they will be expected to contribute. Trustees will be invited to attend and participate in planning and development events and a range of Trustee development activities. Trustees will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting. Trustees are not paid for performing their duties. They may claim expenses, within specified limits, for travelling and subsistence associated with attendance at meetings, training events and conferences. Each Trustee must have:
- A commitment to the purpose of the Charity
- Innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving
- Ability to work as a highly effective team member discussing and resolving challenges and opportunities and to take decisions in the best interests of the Charity
- To combine independence of thought and ideas with contributing effectively to discussions
- Strategic vision combined with realism
- Personal integrity and respect for Board members and the staff team
- Effective communication skills, able to represent the charity if required
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee
- A commitment to the seven Nolan Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort as a volunteer.
- It is desirable that you are familiar with the work of Hay Festival and have attended a festival.
Further details regarding the role of Trustee are set out in the Charity Commission document, The Essential Trustee: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/866947/ CC3_feb20.pdf
HOW TO APPLY
Deadline – Friday 11 August 2023
Please send us a copy of your CV with a covering letter outlining:
- Why you are interested in joining the HFF Board
- Any relevant skills, interests, or experience (professional and/or personal)
- Details of at least one referee.
Shortlist – Monday 21 August 2023
The Chair of the Board and the Nominations and Remuneration committee will shortlist the candidates and invite them to interview.
Interview and Selection Process – Monday 4 / Tuesday 5 September 2023
This is a relaxed interview, and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the role from the Chair, Trustees and CEO. We will be interested to hear about:
- Why you applied for the role
- What skills, interests, or experiences (professional and/or personal) you could bring to the Board
- Level of charity trustee experience or a statement on why this role is of interest in gaining skills as a trustee
- The topics that are important to you, and issues you would like to give voice to on the Board and how they can build impact for the Charity
- How you will contribute to our mission, vision and values and strategic development
Please inform us of any access needs you may have when attending interviews.
Appointment – 24 October – at the HFF Board Meeting
Preferred candidates will be recommended to the Board for appointment at the next meeting.
Application enquiries and submission to:
Francesca Morgan, PA to Caroline Michel – fmorgan@pfd.co.uk