Independent Board Member, The Music Partnership

The Music Partnership is seeking volunteer independent members, from diverse and representative backgrounds, to join its Strategic Board. Board members will be intrinsically passionate about Music Education and its positive impact for all children and young people.

The Music Partnership (TMP) is a group of the region’s leading quality music education providers, committed to working together to ensure all young people are given the opportunity to sing, learn an instrument, perform as part of an ensemble or choir, and progress their musical interests. TMP is the Department for Education’s (DfE) Music Hub for Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford & Wrekin. The Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) for TMP is Entrust Support Services Ltd. (Entrust), based in Staffordshire.

The purpose of the Strategic board is to:

• Provide clear and independent governance for The Music Partnership.
• Provide critical and constructive challenge to all partners and to Entrust Support Services Ltd. as the Hub Lead Organisation.
• Support and challenge the strategic decision making related to Music Hub Core Revenue Grant expenditure for this region.
• Provide guidance and review of the Hub’s needs analysis and Local Plan for Music Education.
• Advocate for The Music Partnership and music education more generally at local and regional levels.
• Externally represent The Music Partnership and listen to the voice of stakeholders where appropriate.
• Monitor The Music Partnership’s key strategies and advise on development, to ensure that The Music Partnership fulfils the roles defined in the National Plan for Music Education.
• Review and agree The Music Partnership’s business plan, objectives, and budget.
• Monitor the success of The Music Partnership’s strategies and policies.
• Ensure consultation with young people takes place on a regular basis and informs the needs analysis.
• Test The Music Partnership’s strategies to assure value for money, musical integrity, and equality of access to activities and services.
• Provide guidance on the values, standards, and quality of music education delivered by partners.
• Challenge and support leaders of all partners as they develop the work, reach and scope of The Music Partnership.

Demonstrate a passion and commitment to music, education, culture and young people. Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment. Ability to commit the time required to conduct the role well.

Knowledge, experience and skills:

• Some experience and understanding of the arts, culture and education and the current issues affecting these sectors.
• Ability to use networks to benefit the development of the Hub.
• Leadership skills, ability to motivate and bring people together.
• Some understanding of governance.
• Experience of or a strong interest in operating at a strategic leadership level within an organisation.
• Experience of working with or as part of a Board.
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and influencing stakeholders.

If you are interested in the role then please contact John Callister, lead officer for The Music Partnership, at john.callister@entrust-ed.co.uk for an informal conversation, for further information about the Hub, the Board and the role. Interviews / professional discussion will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

The Music Service in Staffordshire has been the leading music education provider in the county for 75 years. The team of experienced music education professionals provide bespoke, high-quality, and inclusive music provision to meet the needs of classes, groups, and individual pupils.