The following is the role description for the National Jazz Archive trustee responsible for archiving and collections management.
To take a lead role in
- Appraisal of materials, determining preservation and conservation issues and determining best practice for resolving issues;
- Organisation and description of materials;
- Determining best practice for maintaining and updating CALM database;
- Instructing volunteers and staff in best archival practice
To play a key role in
- Acquisition and sorting of new materials;
- Assisting staff and researchers in accessing the archives;
- The National Jazz Archive collections committee.
The duties of all trustees
- Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy;
- Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie the National Jazz Archive founding Deed of Trust and any subsequent amendments), with charity law, company law and with any other relevant legislation or regulations or contractual obligations;
- Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public;
- Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets;
- Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation;
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place;
- Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation;
- Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds;
- Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of any staff.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Person specification
- A commitment to the organisation
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Strategic vision
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.