President - National Library of Wales
- Body
- National Library of Wales
- Appointing Department
- Welsh Government
- Sector
- Culture, Media & Sport
- Location
- The President’s activities will vary from week to week. They will undertake the role remotely and from the National Library of Wales’ buildings in Aberystwyth as required. There may be times when the President is required to travel to meetings and events
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- £337 per day. Travel and other reasonable expenses that might be incurred in carrying out work on the Board can also be claimed from the Library.
- Time Requirements
- 1 day a week
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
13/09/2021
-
Closed for Applications
13/10/2021
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Panel Sift
27/10/2021
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Final Interview Date
01/12/2021
-
Announcement
21/04/2022 at 16:00
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Nicola Guy
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Departmental Official
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- Panel Member
- Craig Stephenson
- Positions
- Senior Independent Panel Member
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- Panel Member
- Marian Wyn Jones
- Positions
- Independent Member
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- Panel Member
- Aled Eirug
- Positions
- Independent Member
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Vacancy Description
This is a high-profile, strategic and influential role in the cultural sector in Wales.
The new President will join the National Library of Wales during a period of change as the findings of the 2020 tailored review are addressed and as the Library moves to implement its new five year strategic plan for 2021-2026.
The President is accountable to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sports for the National Library’s performance and for the delivery of strategic priorities. Developing a close relationship with the Deputy Minister and key members of the Welsh Government is a crucial part of the role.
The position requires a person of stature and vision, capable of leading a national institution in a senior non-executive role, and of being an advocate for the Library with its key stakeholders. The President acts as a spokesperson, a representative and a figurehead for the Library, operating with tact, diplomacy and well practised powers of persuasion.
The President is the Chair of the Board, and ensures that business is dealt with effectively and efficiently. He / she ensures that the Board is fit for purpose, offering appropriate scrutiny and a strategic steer. The President is responsible for ensuring that Trustees receive induction, training, and performance assessments, and comply with governance requirements under the Royal Charter, Charities Act, and the Board’s Code of Conduct. The President also represents the Library at joint public appointments processes with the Welsh Government to select new Trustees.
At the Library, the President chairs the Appointments and Remuneration Committee (which oversees Trustee and senior staff appointments, including that of the National Librarian) and is also a member of the Governance and Performance Committee, the Financial Planning committee, and of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Part of the President’s role is establishing a strong and supportive working relationship with the Library’s Chief Executive and National Librarian and with the senior executive, providing advice, support and challenge, but whilst respecting executive responsibility.
From time to time, the President will represent the Library in the Welsh and English media, during visits by senior public figures, and at the opening of exhibitions and events.
The President must always be able to work comfortably and effectively within the bilingual cultural, political, social and economic context in which the Library operates.
Person Specification
We are seeking someone who:
- demonstrates an understanding, a commitment, and an enthusiasm for the Library’s work and for Wales’ cultural sector;
- has an awareness of Welsh Government policies and strategies and of how they influence the work of the Library and the culture sector as a whole;
- has extensive leadership skills and experience of driving change;
- has a commitment to equality issues and to challenging discriminatory practices;
- has a commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life;
- is able to communicate effectively with the Library’s audiences in both Welsh and English.
Essential Criteria:
- Demonstrates a commitment to the values and the vision of the National Library of Wales, and an appreciation of its role and purpose as a national institution in Wales, including the cultural, learning, health and well-being, economic and socio-political contexts in which it operates; and an understanding of its obligations under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015;
- can evidence strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, including ambassadorial skills;
- committed to increasing diversity and promoting equality, identifying relevant experience to develop an inclusive and diverse Board;
- Has experience of developing strategic partnerships, and of outreach and engagement activity who will drive the agenda of ensuring the Library serves and represents the diverse communities and regions of Wales;
- demonstrates senior leadership skills and the ability to provide effective support and challenge to a high profile organisation;
- demonstrates the ability to think and operate strategically;
- demonstrates a thorough understanding of good governance;
- demonstrates business and commercial acumen and experience of income-generating activities (including fundraising);
- has experience of operating at a senior level in a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit the Welsh Government’s public appointments website here Public appointments | GOV.WALES