New Trustee Appointments

The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust seeks to appoint up to three new Trustees. We are looking for Trustees who will share the vision of the Leach Pottery and work with fellow Trustees to support the strategic development of the Leach Pottery and its exceptional staff. We are especially interested in applicants who have skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Local community - St Ives & Cornwall

  • Studio Ceramics Practitioner – small scale production

  • Fundraising

  • Finance

  • Museum collections management

  • Retail & income generation

Knowledge, experience or enthusiasm relating to modern studio ceramics and the story of Bernard Leach’s pioneering pottery in St Ives, Cornwall is also an advantage.

The Trustees currently meet quarterly, the post is voluntary and unpaid but reasonable travel expenses incurred would be covered.

We would actively encourage applications from young people and those with a diverse background.

If you are interested in applying to be a Trustee, please write a short letter outlining your interest and particular skills and send it, along with a CV, to office@leachpottery.com by Sunday, 2 June 2024.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Libby Buckley, Director on 01736 779 703 or director@leachpottery.com

Context  

The Leach Pottery is considered by many to be the birthplace of British studio pottery. One of the great figures of 20th century art, Bernard Leach, played a crucial pioneering role in creating an identity for artist potters across the world. The recently restored Leach Pottery site includes a new museum, created to celebrate the life, work, influences and legacy of Bernard Leach. Exhibition, gallery and shop spaces provide regular shows throughout the year showcasing work by leading regional, national and international studio potters. The making of Leach pottery on site is a crucial sign of the significance of ceramic production in both symbolic and practical terms.

The Leach Pottery consists of two companies: the Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd (BLT)., a registered UK charity that bridges the heritage and creative sector and Bernard Leach Enterprises Ltd., a significant trading arm that operates the Leach Pottery studio and delivers apprenticeship training.

The Leach Pottery is currently an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Trustee Responsibilities  

  • Determine the mission and strategic direction, and ensure that the organisation stays within its remit and within the law;

  • Drive strategic planning and review in accordance with Bernard Leach Trust’s constitution and defined values, and approve all operational plans;

  • Ensure that the activities of Bernard Leach Trust’s and the policies to support those activities, are in line with the mission, aims and objectives, and that these arrangements are kept under continuous review;

  • Provide leadership and oversee the delivery of results;

  • Involve and take into account the views of all stakeholders as appropriate when defining strategic direction and managing risk;

  • Ensure effective planning and control takes place, approve the annual business plan and budget, agree targets, including financial, and monitor performance against these;

  • Develop and approve clearly defined financial management, control and expenditure policies and procedures for the purposes of ensuring transparent and authorised use of resources. This will necessarily include the setting of appropriate expenditure limits, which will be subject to periodic review;

  • Approve and ensure effective corporate governance arrangements are in place, and that these are fit for purpose;

  • Ensure that Bernard Leach Trust follows governance best practice;

  • Review and assess the effectiveness and impact of governance arrangements on an ongoing basis;

  • Ensure that Board members have the appropriate suite of skills to comprehend and use financial and governance information they are asked to review. The Board should enable this through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes;

  • Ensure that Bernard Leach Trust meets all of its statutory and legal requirements, and that it acts in accordance with its constitution document and its Code of Conduct;

  • Ensure that and effective audit takes place, approve the annual accounts prior to publication, and take on Board any recommendations of the auditors;

  • Select and remunerate the Director, and ensure good management;

  • Ensure that adequate finance is in place, and that productive relationships are maintained with representatives of financial support organisations;

  • Ensure that the public is adequately informed of the work of Bernard Leach Trust, through the media, annual report etc;

  • Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and personal behaviour throughout Bernard Leach Trust, including approving policies and procedures, and overseeing an appropriate risk management system;

  • Board members should always be clear about the most significant strategic risks facing Bernard Leach Trust and ensure mitigation steps are in place. They should receive regular reports on risk management, and ensure Board input to the process; and

  • Review and approve strategic partnerships with other organisations.

 

Role Description for Board members

Purpose

The role of Board member is to ensure that Bernard Leach Trust (BLT) complies with all statutory and legal responsibilities, and that BLT is successful.  Board members ensure that high standards of corporate governance are observed at all times.  Board members are responsible for ensuring the overall strategic direction of BLT, and oversee the delivery of results by monitoring performance against agreed strategic objectives and targets.

Role description

General

  • To act within the powers of Bernard Leach Trust as set out in the constitution;

  • To promote the success of Bernard Leach Trust;

  • To exercise independent judgement;

  • To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence;

  • To avoid conflicts of interest and declare where there may be conflict of interest; and

  • To not accept benefits from third parties.

Strategic leadership

  • To ensure there is a clear vision and strategic direction and that the strategic objectives of Bernard Leach Trust are in line with the objects defined in the constitution and the agreed values; and

  • To monitor progress towards achieving the agreed strategic objectives.

Ensure effective governance

  • To ensure policies and procedures reflect best practice and keep the organisation compliant with the law;

  • To ensure adherence to policies and procedures; and

  • To ensure the sound financial standing of the Trust.

Person specification

General

  • Understanding of BLT’s operating environment and the key governance requirements for Board members.

Strategic leadership                                                                                                                             

  • Ability to analyse the environment, set and prioritise objectives; and

  • Ability to make own views known and make decisions in a group environment and in line with strategic objectives.

Communication

  • Ability to listen intently, carefully and objectively; and

  • Ability to convey ideas, information and opinions clearly and concisely.

Team-working

  • Supportive of the chair, fellow Board members and the Director;

  • Ability to challenge the views of others appropriately; and

  • Ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.