President - National Library of Wales
- Body
- Welsh Government
- Appointing Department
- Welsh Government
- Sector
- Culture, Media & Sport
- Location
- The President’s activities will vary from week to week. He/she would usually be required to work from the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth on a regular basis, including attendance at Board and committee meetings. Additionally, there would be an element of regular travel relating to meetings with stakeholders and attendance at events. However, given the current situation with Covid-19, the majority of meetings are currently being held virtually and there may be less face-to-face engagement during the early months of the appointment.
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- The President will be remunerated at £17,591 per annum based on a fee of £337 per . 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
06/10/2020
-
Closed for Applications
02/11/2020 at 16:00
-
Panel Sift
19/11/2020
-
Final Interview Date
07/12/2020
-
Announcement
TBC
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Jason Thomas
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Director, Culture, Sport & Tourism, Welsh Government Departmental Official
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- Panel Member
- Aled Eurig
- Positions
- Senior Independent Panel Member
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- Panel Member
- Marian Wyn Jones
- 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 at a challenging period in its history as the findings of the recent tailored review are addressed and as the Library moves to implement its new strategic vision.
The President is accountable to the Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport 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 the cultural sector in Wales;
- 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.
Additional Information
For queries about your application, please contact publicappointments@gov.wales