The Octagon Theatre

We are a close team who are passionate about theatre, the arts and Somerset. The team works across both our venues, The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil. 

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Post of Independent Chair of the Hub Board, new Octagon Music Hub for Dorset & Somerset

The Dorset & Somerset Music Hub partnership, led by newly appointed HLO The Octagon Theatre, is seeking to appoint an Independent Chair to support the governance of the Hub through effective leadership of its Advisory Board. This is a fantastic opportunity for a forward thinking and inspirational individual to lead what will be a newly formed Hub Board.

The role will enable effective governance of the Hub’s activity through a ‘support and challenge’ function to ensure objective, consistent and evidence-based decision making. As well as experience of best practice in governance, the successful candidate will require an understanding of effective partnership working, strategic planning, financial monitoring and organisational development.

Our new Chair will commit to supporting all young people to learn and make music through building an inclusive music education culture where all children and young people are valued and have access to high quality and diverse musical opportunities.

The successful candidate will also be required to develop their knowledge and understanding of the needs of children and young people in Dorset & Somerset, Department for Education and Arts Council England policy relating to Music Hubs and the breadth of music providers working across the region and beyond.

Although not essential, we are ideally seeking someone who is both knowledgeable and passionate about music education. This is an exciting time for Music Hubs as the new Hub Investment Programme starts and we need a committed advocate with the skills required to take our new Hub forward.

This is a voluntary position with an allowance for travel expenses. The Chair’s term will run for 3 years with an opportunity to be reappointed. As the Hub Board will not be constituted it does not have a legal status, so the role of Chair is advisory and ambassadorial. 

Supporting information including background, role description and key responsibilities is attached. For further information, please contact Adam Burgan, Arts & Entertainments Venue Manager, adam.burgan@somerset.gov.uk tel 01935 462407.

We are proud to be here for the people of Somerset & Dorset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve. We therefore welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there is anything you wish to talk about before you apply.

To apply please e-mail a letter of application explaining why the role of Independent Chair is of interest, detailing your previous experience and explaining how you consider yourself to have the necessary skills and attributes to fulfil this role. Please e-mail your letter to Adam.Burgan@somerset.gov.uk CVs can be attached to your letter in support of your application.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 10th June 2024 . It is hoped that interviews will take place during the week commencing 17th June 2024.

Post of Independent Chair of the Hub Board, new Music Hub for Dorset & Somerset - Supporting Information