British Shakespeare Association Election of New Trustee (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)

1st November 2021

The Board of Trustees of the British Shakespeare Association wishes to appoint a new Trustee to take up position on the Board in Spring 2022 with special responsibility for informing our policies of equality, diversity and inclusion, and their presence in the BSA’s activities. Applications are open to all members of the BSA but we particularly welcome applications from disabled applicants, those from BAME backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The position of Trustee is voluntary (with reasonable expenses covered) so we are looking for a member of the BSA who will give of their time to further the aims of the BSA across its four main constituencies of members: academic researchers, teachers, theatre practitioners and members of the public.

The British Shakespeare Association is a registered Charity and its Trustees take joint responsibility to help the Board promote the Association’s objectives which are: to educate, promote, and foster a better understanding of Shakespeare and his works in a manner consistent with an educational charity limited by guarantee; and benefiting those individuals, members, charities, or institutions with an educational purpose toward the study of Shakespeare in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In line with these objectives, and with its policy for diversity, inclusivity and equal opportunities, the Board warmly welcomes applications from any member of the Association, and from across all parts of the United Kingdom as well as our international members so that different constituencies are represented.

Trustees are required to attend three meetings of the Board of Trustees per year, which are normally held online via Zoom in January, May, and September, and to attend the Association’s AGM. The BSA will meet all reasonable expenses for UK travel associated with attending and BSA meetings and accepts virtual attendance via videoconferencing. In addition, some of our Trustees also sit on sub-Committees of the Board (whose business is usually conducted virtually).

Equality Diversity and Inclusivity

The Board seeks to elect a Trustee with special responsibility for informing our policies of equality, diversity and inclusivity and their application to all our activities. The person needs to be committed to (and ideally will have experience of) striving towards a practice that is anti-ableist, anti-racist, trans inclusive, and anti-sexist.

We have instituted EDI as a standing item on the agenda for our Board meetings.

At the Board Meetings and the AGM the Trustee will:

• Report on any issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusivity that have arisen, or pro-active measures that need to be taken to better implement EDI principles.
• Offer comments and advice from an EDI perspective on other items and events discussed on the agenda.
• Contribute to reviews and changes to the BSA’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity policy.

In addition we would like the Trustee to:

• Act as an initial point of contact for any member with protected characteristics.
• Act as a member of the BSA’s Conference Team which provides an overview of plans for forthcoming BSA Conferences.

The BSA is a charitable company limited by guarantee and all Trustees share a responsibility as Directors to ensure that the BSA is managed well.

Trustees are elected by the membership for three years and may stand for re-election for a second term.

• For more information on the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee, please read the documents published by the Charity Commission here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3
• To make sure you are eligible to become a Trustee, please check the criteria on the Charity Commission website: https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/help-run-a-charity

What are the benefits of joining the BSA Board?

You will gain:

• opportunities for networking, mentoring and collaboration with scholars, practitioners and education professionals in Shakespeare studies
• professional development through contributing to a non-profit charitable organisation
• a wider perspective on Shakespeare and advance knowledge of Shakespeare-related events and research
• the opportunity to steer the organisation to better meet the needs of practitioners in theatre, radio, tv, film, education, and academia, and to engage members of the public with the work of Shakespeare.

Application process:

If you wish to nominate yourself please submit a 300 word (max) statement that outlines your interest in the role and any relevant experience. Please submit this by email to the BSA’s Chair, Alison Findlay, by 10 December 2021.

Do contact Alison or any other Board member should you require any further information.

In the event of there being multiple applications for the post, we will invite you to amend your statement if you wish to do so in preparation for an election (by electronic means) by BSA members.