APPLICATION PACK FOR GENERAL MANAGER

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the newly established post of General Manager with ISAN. Please find the following information enclosed in this pack:

  1. Who we are & what we do
  2. Application guidance notes
  3. Equality and diversity policy
  4. Job description
  5. Person specification and outlook
  6. Terms of employment

To apply for the vacancy complete the attached application form, ensuring that you detail how you meet the person specification. Please clearly mark the envelope with the reference: GM2012 and return to:

Helen Cadwallader

Director

ISAN

54 Chalton Street

London

NW1 1HS

Alternatively, you can send your form by email to:

Please insert ‘Ref: GM2012’ into the subject line.

Applications by C.V. and covering letter will not be accepted, please ensure that you complete the attached application form.

The deadline for applications is Monday 16April at 5pm.

Interviews on Wednesday 25 April.

If you do not receive an invitation to interview by Friday 20 April regrettably, you should assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Helen Cadwallader

Director

+44 (0)20 7388 9767

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

About the Organisation

ISAN is a membership-led organisation for independent producers, presenters, promoters and artists working in outdoor arts from the UK and Ireland. We develop the outdoor arts sector through networking, lobbying, information-sharing, training, research, and advocacy support and advice for our members. We are committed to supporting outdoor arts in all its forms and advocating its benefits and practice.

ISAN is a strategic organisation that plays a key role in ensuring that excellent art happens by supporting the development of outdoor arts practice and bringing the sector together.

Since being established in the late 1990’s, ISAN has developed a strong track record of delivering effective development support for the outdoor arts sector and strategic projects with national and international impacts.

Who are the members

The membership of ISAN is open to individuals and organisations that actively support the development of outdoor arts in their professional work. Members include festivals, venues, local authorities, independent producers, artists and support organisations such as agents, trade associations and funding bodies.

ISAN has members throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We work closely with other organisations that represent outdoor arts and street artists, such as NASA.

Outdoor Arts

Outdoor arts describes arts practice that takes place outside of conventional art venues such as theatres and galleries, primarily in the public realm i.e. streets, parks and many other public spaces and that are staged within a specific period of time.

Outdoor arts embraces a range of genres, art practices and forms including theatre, dance, circus, spectacle, visual arts, processional and carnival forms including mela, music or any combination of these.

Outdoor arts involves wide ranging scales of delivery from intimate street-level solo performances through to spectacle based projects of scale and ambition, and from community processional projects to stunning outdoor interactive visual arts based installations.

History

ISAN came into existence in the late 1990’s when a group of like-minded promoters began to meet, network, pool resources and lobby for greater investment in Outdoor Arts, particularly from Arts Council England and local authorities.

ISAN members have an interest and a strong belief in developing Outdoor Arts as an art form – presenting high quality work that creates a dynamic relationship with a large and steadily growing audience.

Arts Council England awarded a grant to ISAN for the period 2000 - 2002. This enabled the network to employ a Director on a part time basis to push the development of the organisation and work on its behalf. Bill Gee was appointed the first Director in autumn 2000. A RALP grant awarded in 2002 enabled ISAN to employ a freelance Project Manager to look after a number of specific strands of work which Katy Fuller was contracted to deliver. This included the publication of a series of publications, the organising of the first ISAN Conference in Liverpool and a series of symposia events. By this time ISAN had become a regularly funded organization from Arts Council England (ACE), albeit at a low level.

Following Bill and Katy’s departure in early 2005, Julian Rudd was appointed Director and remained in post until leaving in February 2012 to pursue his work as a producer through his company Remarkable Productions. Helen Cadwallader was appointed Director in January 2012.

ISAN has continued to run biennial conferences, seminars and symposia as well as strategic programmes to develop particular strands of work. In March 2008, ACE confirmed that ISAN’s annual funding would increase from £30K to £90K per annum, in recognition that ISAN’s conferences and other programmes are now core activity. ISAN has been taken into the new National Portfolio of ACE at a level of funding similar to its RFO which runs until March 31st 2015. This enables ISAN to invest in infrastructure i.e. to rent its own office and employ a General Manager, as well as plan more effectively in a long term manner. ISAN is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

Mission

We develop the outdoor arts sector through networking, lobbying, information-sharing, training, research and advocacy support and advice for our members. We are committed to supporting outdoor arts in all its forms and advocating its benefit and practice.

Aims to:

  • promote Outdoor Arts in all their forms. To act as a forum of discussion.
  • act as a liaison organisation between funders, artists and promoters.
  • produce literature promoting the development of Outdoor Arts.
  • invest in and encourage investment in new work.
  • act as a lobbying body for the art form to ensure adequate funding.

Objectives for the coming years are to continue to:

  • maintain, support, grow and develop the ISAN membership
  • shape local and national level policy for the outdoor arts sector
  • be the voice for the outdoor arts sector in the UK and abroad
  • strengthen ISAN as an organisation

ISAN achieves its mission, aims and objectives through the following activities:

  • Information and research
  • Communication and marketing delivered through the ISAN manages a website – This website provides up to date information on Outdoor Arts; the activities of ISAN; contacts for members; calendar of street arts events, training and professional development opportunities and links to useful UK and international sites.
  • Email service for members.
  • ISAN commissions and publishes strategic research.
  • Networking and discussion.
  • Regular ISAN general meetings.
  • ISAN presentations at events throughout the UK.
  • Organises occasional symposia events on specific themes.
  • Facilitates sharing of information between members on UK and international collaboration opportunities.

Improving Standards in the following ways:

  • ISAN Code of Practice for all members to abide by.
  • working with other representative and professional bodies to improve sector standards.
  • developing Health and Safety guidance for the sector.
  • training and Conferences
  • working to develop training courses and professional development opportunities for the sector.
  • through an ongoing professional development programme for members.
  • Biennial conference for members and non members.

Lobbying

ISAN is an important independent voice for outdoor arts. Making its views heard by Government, Arts Councils, Regional Arts Boards, local authorities and others.

General Meetings

There are normally two General Meetings each year where representatives from all member organisations get together to discuss and debate key issues, network, collaborate on shared programming and establish the key priorities for ISAN in the coming months. Alongside the OctoberGeneral Meeting an AGM is held to approve the accounts and elect the Executive.

Staffing and Governance

Officers

Helen Cadwallader is the recently appointed full-time Director of ISAN Director. From 2007 to 2011, Helen was Executive Director of Brighton Photo Biennial, leading on the vision, strategic development, re-branding and re-positioning of the organisation. From 2000 to 2006 she was Arts Council England national lead for the strategic development of photography and media, publishing and distribution, advising and developing its Photography and Media strategy, conducting research and managing a range of funds. Prior to this, she was the first to manage and further develop the BAA Art Programme, a strategy to commission contemporary art in BAA airports including Heathrow, which operated from 1994 to 1999.

The newly established role of General Manager replaces the role of Administrator.

ISAN Executive

As a voluntary organisation ISAN has a normal board structure consisting of Chair and Treasurer. The 2012 board of ISAN includes:

  • Bill Gee (BGA) – Chair
  • Robin Morley (Magnetic Events) – Treasurer
  • Bev Adams (The Faceless Company)
  • Paul Anderson (UKCCA)
  • Neil Butler (UZ Arts)
  • Mira Kaushik (Akademi)
  • Maria Oshodi (Extant)
  • Liam Rich (Chelmsford Borough Council)
  • Sian Thomas (Independent)
  • Frank Wilson (Event International)

APPLICATION GUIDANCE NOTES

Job Description and Person Specification

Please read the person specification and job description carefully. You should ensure that you meet all the essential criteria before submitting an application. Use the person specification as a guide when completing your supporting statement. You are strongly advised to review the ISAN website ( particularly the ‘resources’ page to familiarise yourself with the organisation.

Only relevant information will be considered when short-listing applicants for interview.

Data Protection

The information you give in your application will be used to create a shortlist for interviews. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process.

Your application will be kept on file for a maximum of twelve months and then destroyed. Any applications received after the closing date will be discarded immediately.

Should any job opportunities arise in the future for which we think you may be suitable, we may send you application details about the vacancy. In addition, we may contact you in the future for feedback on our recruitment procedures.

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

To help us monitor our equal opportunities policy, we would be grateful if you could complete the enclosed equal opportunities monitoring form. When your application is received, this form is removed and is not used during the short-listing process. The information submitted is kept in the strictest confidence, following data protection requirements, and will only be used to monitor and analyse the progress of the company’s equal opportunity policy.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY

ISAN is committed to equal opportunities and it is the responsibility of ISAN staff to abide by and promote the ISAN Equality and Diversity Policy.This policy aims to promote equality of opportunity for all existing and potential employees and members.

This policy aims to ensure that no existing or potential employee or member receives less favourable treatment than other employees or members on the grounds of race, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, gender, age, marital status, religion or belief.

ISAN is committed to ensuring compliance with relevant UK laws on Equal Opportunities including the Employment Act 2002, the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the Employment Rights Act 1996, Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, as well as European Union legislation and directives.

ISAN has made a commitment that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview.Please indicate if you have any access needs for interview.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE POST OF GENERAL MANAGER

Place of Employment:ISAN office, 54 Chalton Street, London

Reports to:Director

Responsible for:Financial consultant (when necessary) and being the point of contact for and co-ordinating interns, graduate placements and volunteer workers.

Key working relationships:Director, ISAN membership, ISAN Board, Chair

and Treasurer, enquirers by telephone and email, consultants, interns, graduate placements

and volunteers, partners and funders including Arts

Council England.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

This new role will work closely with the Director on strategic planning, and project management, manage the membership services and related events, and manage online communications and marketing. To lead on the financial management and administration of the organisation, deal with general enquiries and co-ordinate the intern and graduate placements.

As a key member of the ISAN team the General Manager will work closely with the Director, consultants, board members and partners to help the organisation further develop nationally and internationally.

ISAN are looking for a highly organised, pro-active and hard-working General Manager to support the organisation in the next exciting stage of development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning & Strategic

  • Working closely with the Director assist with the strategic planning and monitor the progress and implementation of the business plan.
  • Provide assistance to the Director and any appointed Fundraising consultant, with the development of the fundraising strategy and the preparation of funding applications and reports.
  • Confer with the Director to collate information, maintain and update the ISAN project programme planning schedule. Ensure the Director and all consultants are briefed of key deadlines.

Financial Management

  • Manage all financial systems to ensure financial efficiency, using Sage for Book-keeping together with Microsoft Excel for Forecasting, Budgeting etc.
  • Manage the book-keeping.
  • Liaise closely with and the Director and ISAN Treasurer on all financial matters.
  • Prepare and manage the annual ISAN budget with the Director.
  • Liaise with the Director and, when necessary, consultants, develop budgets for individual projects, and oversee the financial management and monitoring of project activity.
  • Prepare quarterly accounts and financial reports for the Board of Directors.
  • Produce quarterly and monthly cashflows.
  • Collate and prepare documentation and accounts for the external Accountants.
  • Liaise with the external Accountants.
  • Budget manage, including the office administration budgets.
  • Keep the organisation’s financial records up to date (as detailed below).
  • Calculate, issue and follow up sales invoices.
  • Manage invoicing and discount processes.
  • Manage debtors with sensitivity, particularly unpaid invoices through membership subscriptions.
  • Maintain the Fixed Assets register.
  • Be the first point of contact for all financial matters.

Book-keeping:

  • Calculate and complete quarterly VAT returns.
  • Manage accurate payroll and associated calculations. Ensure this procedure is regularly reviewed by the financial consultant.
  • Input data onto SAGE.
  • Banking including reconciliations.
  • Reconcile and supervise Petty Cash
  • Schedule and issue payments by cheque.
  • Manage electronic banking systems (direct debits, credit card payments, bankers’ orders).
  • Keep the organisations financial records up to date (see above).
  • Maintain the accounts filing system (hard copy and electronic).

Funding Support

  • Co-ordinate the completion of returns, reports, submissions and relevant paperwork, with the assistance of the Director as required.
  • Collate information as required by Arts Council England and other funders in line with the conditions attached to the grant and the drafting of funding returns.
  • Assist the ISAN Director in preparing and processing sponsorship proposals and donor campaigns through all stages leading up to and following successful completion.

Membership Services

  • Respond to membership queries.
  • Process membership applications and payments in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Confer with the Director and ISAN partners (where relevant) arranging general meetings as necessary, preparing for ISAN general meetings, taking minutes and ensuring reports are produced and all papers are circulated in good time.

Administration

  • Responsibility for the smooth the day-to-day running of the office. Plan, implement and maintain administrative systems, developing and maintaining computer and other office systems and resources, including premises, stationery and filing, ensuring ISAN has a pleasant and efficient work place.
  • Further develop and maintain appropriate electronic and paper filing systems.
  • Keeping memberships / insurance / DPA registration up to date.
  • Support the Director, and any consultants where required, in administrative tasks, and in the effective production and efficient delivery of all ISAN activities.
  • Engender positive staff relations and ensure effective communication systems are further developed and monitored including co-ordinating weekly and monthly staff meetings as necessary.
  • Collaborate with the Director in further developing and managing the internship, graduate and volunteer work experience placements.
  • Oversee the induction of all new staff, interns, graduate placements and volunteers.
  • Manage and co-ordinate the interns, graduate placements and volunteer work experience.
  • Confer with the Director and the Board of Directors arranging board meetings as necessary, preparing for Board meetings, taking minutes and ensuring reports are produced and all papers are circulated in good time.
  • Manage publications stock and sales.
  • Maintain all staff and consultant personnel records absence/leave records including: holiday leave, sick leave, and special leave, ensuring that requests are signed by the Director and information is kept accurate and confidential.
  • Lead on matters related to Health and Safety, ensuring codes of practice are followed, risk assessments are regularly undertaken and incidents reported.
  • Further develop and maintain systems for capturing statistical information as part of on-going internal evaluation (Key Performance Indicator’s) and to be used in a range of reporting including to funders.
  • Manage all correspondence and returns to Companies House.
  • Ensure the ISAN database is regularly reviewed and updated, particularly against importing member details.
  • Collate data for equal opportunities monitoring and other comparative analysis as required.
  • Drafting Reports and other documents as required.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills with a focus on clarity and brevity particularly in the writing of minutes.

Project Management Support