WHALE Arts Agency, a thriving place-based and building-based cultural anchor organisation for Wester Hailes, is seeking to identify a new member for its Board of Directors with a background in accounting or financial management to support the organisation develop and deliver future aspirations in support of the Strategic Plan.  

Our Mission: We create the conditions for our community in Wester Hailes to work alongside artists and cultural practitioners to become agents for change who will proactively co-design, participate in, support or lead quality creative activity at all stages of their lives.

Our Vision: Wester Hailes is a creative, thriving, resilient, fair community.

WHALE Arts 5-year Strategic Plan can be viewed here: https://issuu.com/whalearts/docs/strategic_plan_whale_2019_-_2024__web_version_

Our current Board members have expertise and experience at a senior level in marketing, education, arts and culture.  Expertise and experience of financial management and financial good governance are seen as a core capability required to augment and compliment the current Board experience and this vacancy has arisen as the current board member, Lorraine Johnston who provides the accounting oversight and insight, is stepping down after almost 7 years’ service.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to experience a role at Board level while providing financial acumen, support and oversight to the other Board members and support a vibrant arts organisation.  Ideally the candidate would be a qualified accountant however candidates with equivalent experience and proven track record in financial management, or equivalent, would be considered.  The successful candidate must be able to position and explain accounting and financial data in a way that the non-accountant board members would understand. The organisation has accounting, payroll management and management accounting & reporting in place at an operational level and it is not expected that the Board member be involved in the day to day accounting and control activities.

We invite expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals.  Previous experience at management level is essential and although not essential we’d welcome expressions of interest from those with an understanding of the transformative power of the arts. Candidates must be prepared to contribute their professional knowledge, strong business contacts, and a firm commitment to actively promoting and supporting WHALE Arts Agency at a National level.

Board meetings are held every 6 weeks, in WHALE’s purpose built building in Wester Hailes. In addition, the board member with financial expertise provides support and advice to the executive team as required and supports the executive team in managing the relationship with the organisations appointed external examiners.

This is a voluntary role and WHALE’S Board Members are highly valued for the vital role they fulfil in providing professional guidance and financial governance for our thriving organisation. The Board, like the organisation, is friendly and informal and maintains the highest possible standards in its duties of governance and oversight of the business. The current Board are a mix of local and non-local residents.

Expressions of interest, in the form of a CV outlining relevant experience and a statement explaining the applicant’s interest in joining the board should be made by email to info@whalearts.co.uk  by Friday 18^th October. We will be in touch after the 18^th October to arrange a meeting with suitable candidates. Our AGM is Friday 15^th November.

Candidates are free to informally discuss the position with the Chair of the Board, Michelle Herron (michelle@enhancedpeople.co.uk) / Mobile 07900 228170 as required.