Date for applications has now closed.
We are seeking applications for two vacancies* on the COPE Trustee Board at an exciting time for the organisation as we look to expand into new areas. We have therefore highlighted gaps on the Trustee Board which we are keen to fill.
*On this occasion, we are NOT seeking to elect candidates from North America given our current complement of representation from this region.
We are specifically seeking:
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candidates with a high level of business strategy experience (for example, via a senior finance, business development, or strategic planning role).
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candidates with a background in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
In accordance with COPE’s constitution, the candidate, or the organisation they represent, must have been an ordinary member of COPE for at least 1 year.
About the Trustee Board
The COPE Trustee Board is an active, working Board. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, organisation law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations. In addition, you will, with the other Trustees, set the strategic direction of COPE and ensure its financial stability (see COPE governance for more detail).
Key responsibilities
The Trustees meet four times a year; three of the meetings are held by webinar, with the other being a 3 day residential meeting incorporating the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Trustee Board, Council, and Subcommittee meetings. A full day dedicated to strategy is held once every three years. The residential meetings take place every 8 months (January, September, May). It is expected that COPE Trustees will attend all of these meetings.
The Trustee Board and Council are comprised of a number of subcommittees, and a Trustee may be asked to lead or contribute to at least one of these, as appropriate, either actively in the case of a Trustee Board subcommittee or in an ex-officio capacity in the case of a Council subcommittee. It is anticipated that the work of Trustees amounts to about 3 hours per week depending on the activity at that time. This is in addition to attendance at meetings.
Terms of service
Trustees will be appointed for 3 years, with the possibility to stand for election for an additional 3 years. These are voluntary unpaid positions. It is expected that your employer will cover any expenses as part of your professional development; if this is not feasible, please contact the COPE Administrator for guidance.
Election process
Candidates for the Trustee Board will be shortlisted by the Nominations subcommittee. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by telephone, or may be asked to complete a written interview. If the number of shortlisted candidates exceeds the number of vacancies, elections will take place. Trustees shall be elected by the Full and Associate General Members with voting rights or (if the candidates are unopposed) by approval of the Trustee Board.
Role descriptions
There are two role descriptions: please see here for a description for the Trustee role requiring business strategy experience; the description for a Trustee who has direct, specific experience in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences discipline can be found here.
How to apply
Please contact the COPE Administrator for more details on what is expected from Trustees, including details of how to apply.
The closing date for applications is: 31 May 2019