We are recruiting Trustees

The London Music Fund is looking to appoint two new Trustees, in the areas of either music industry/broadcasting, or finance/accounting. 

We are committed to building a board of Trustees which is reflective of our beneficiaries. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of ethnically diverse and under-represented backgrounds.

To apply, please send a short covering letter and CV to chairoftrustees@londonmusicfund.org.

If you would like an informal discussion about the charity please contact the Chief Executive, Chrissy Kinsella: chrissy@londonmusicfund.org.

Closing date: 30 September 2020

Role Description

London Music Fund Trustees are first and foremost ambassadors of the charity. They gain a deep understanding of and commitment to our values expressed through our core programmes with music services, schools, professional arts organisations and performance venues. Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the executive team on significant governance, fundraising strategic and financial matters. From time to time they will support executive teams on operational matters which connect to specific areas of a Trustee’s expertise (development, finance, PR, music education etc.).

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that the London Music Fund fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through the successful delivery of its core programmes and delivers on our vision, mission and values.

Remuneration

The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

Location

London

Time commitment

Four Board meetings per year, plus occasional strategic meetings as required. There is the opportunity to join sub-committees and/or advisory groups depending on areas of expertise.  Trustees are also encouraged to attend Scholars’ events, such as graduation ceremonies and Playing Days, as well as participating in fundraising events.

Reporting to

Chair of Trustees

Person specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our mission to enable the next generation of young people and emerging artists to achieve their musical and personal potential. We are currently recruiting two Trustees with the following skills

• Finance / Accounting

• Music industry / broadcasting

We are committed to building a diverse and representative board, and therefore applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from ethnically diverse and under-represented backgrounds.

Additional skills / knowledge in any of the following will also be welcomed: fundraising / individual giving (high net worth individuals), an understanding of the music education sector, governance, marketing, public relations, and law. 

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All Trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience

• Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives
• A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making
• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
• A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity

Knowledge, skills and understanding

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

About the London Music Fund

The London Music Fund is an independent charity with the Mayor of London as Patron, approaching our exciting ten-year anniversary in 2021. We provide grants of around £300,000 every year to enable thousands of children and young people across every London borough to develop their musical potential. We do this through our unique four-year instrumental Scholarships programme, for children from low-income families, and through collaborative partnership projects in inspiring venues, enabling young musicians to learn from and perform alongside professionals. Former projects include work with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta and the Philharmonia, and other genres such as jazz, pop/rock and musical theatre.

Since 2011 we have worked with over 10,000 aspiring young musicians with more accessing our programmes every term. In the last 12 months our work has expanded to included ‘non formal’ (i.e. out of school) music projects for young people through our Amplify London programme with YouTube Music. These projects include music technology, studio work, songwriting and producing, for 11-21 year olds.

We have a small but very effective team of CEO, Programmes Manager and part time Programmes Assistant. Our income is raised for a variety of sources; grants from trusts and foundations, events fundraising, corporate support and individuals including HNW philanthropists. More information

The London Music Fund works in every London borough. Our mission is to ensure all children across London can access high quality music education, regardless of their socio-economic background. All children on the Scholarship programme are from low-income families who would struggle to access ongoing tuition. 63% of Scholars are from BAME backgrounds. Our projects include a wide range of participants, addressing specific gaps in musical progression, working with music hubs, schools and professional arts organisations. We are listening and learning and continue to be committed to extending our support for BAME children and young people with a passion for music.

Our vision
Our vision is that every child who demonstrates significant musical ability, enthusiasm and commitment to learning an instrument is given the opportunity to develop their potential.

 Our mission

• To provide 4-year instrumental Scholarships to children from low-income families to help progress their musical talent.
• To provide young musicians with opportunities to learn from and perform alongside professionals.
• To empower young musicians to explore and develop their capabilities to the fullest; To enable professional musicians and artists to become motivational role models.

The statutory duties of a Trustee

• To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document (articles of association).
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To act as an Ambassador for the charity, and promote its work.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
• To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor performance.

For more information, please see the London Music Fund Charity Commission records, here.

In addition, with other Trustees, to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

As well as the various statutory duties, any Trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.