Co-opted Trustees

Music Mark has been supporting the music education sector as a membership organisation and subject association since 2013 and as an ACE IPSO since 2023. The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, many of whom are elected from the Membership. To ensure we play a relevant, valuable part in the music education ecosystem the voices of our membership and the wider sector are sought and considered in everything that we do.

Location 

Music Mark is a remote organisation, operating nationally across the UK and like our staff team, our trustees also come from all over the UK. Trustee meetings are held throughout the year and are a mix of online and in-person meetings, all of which can be run as hybrid meetings if required. Reasonable expenses, in line with Charity Commission guidance, will be paid for travel to these meetings.

Commitment 

Whilst there is no set amount of time that Trustees must devote to Music Mark, there are some key points throughout the year that require their attention. The current Music Mark board cycle involves 6 meetings per year, which usually run for 3 hours (including breaks). Some trustees have additional responsibilities, such as championing specific operational and strategic areas and/or ‘buddying’ with members of the staff team. These additional functions will require some additional time and energy throughout the year, likely to be around 10-20 hours per year. 

Aim of the Role 

The trustees will provide governance and strategic leadership to Music Mark, ensuring that it fulfils its mission, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and manages its resources effectively. 

Key Responsibilities 

Governance and Leadership 

• Ensure the charity operates within its charitable objectives and complies with its governing document.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.

• Monitor and evaluate the charity’s performance against agreed targets.

Financial Oversight 

• Ensure the charity’s financial stability and protect its assets. 

• Approve the annual budget and monitor financial performance. 

• Ensure proper accounting records and annual reports/accounts are prepared and submitted. 

Legal and Regulatory Compliance 

• Ensure the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Keep abreast of changes in charity law and best practices in governance.

Fundraising and Resource Management 

• Support and participate in fundraising activities.

• Ensure resources are used efficiently and manage risks effectively.

Advocacy and Public Relations 

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its activities and values.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community.

Policy and Strategy 

• Participate in the review and approval of policies and strategies.

• Ensure that the charity has appropriate systems and controls in place.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge 

• Passionate and knowledgeable about inclusive, equitable music education 

• Understanding of or willingness to learn about the legal responsibilities of trusteeship in England. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively. 

• The ability to or willingness to learn how to interpret financial statements and contribute to financial decision making 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

Personal Attributes 

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

• Integrity and objectivity.

• Willingness to dedicate the necessary time and effort.

Desirable Attributes 

Following a board skills audit, we have identified the following skills areas that we feel would complement the existing trustees: 

• Law
• Accountancy
• Charity Compliance
• Data and Digital Strategy