As it approaches it 175th anniversary, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland seeks its next Chair to guide this world-class institution through an exciting new chapter. (Deadline: 10th February)
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The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (the Conservatoire) is a special place: a national conservatoire for Scotland with an international perspective, attracting talented students from across the UK and more than 60 countries around the globe.
Founded in 1847 and located in Glasgow, the Conservatoire is one of the finest multi-disciplinary arts education environments in the world, with excellent performance and rehearsal venues and a range of active professional partnerships, including those with all of Scotland’s national arts companies. The Conservatoire ranks consistently in the global top 10 of the prestigious QS Rankings alongside the likes of New York’s Juilliard School, London’s Royal College and Royal Academy and the Conservatoire de Paris.
The Conservatoire is marked out by the scope of its provision, covering Music, Drama, Performance, Opera, Film, Production, Modern Ballet, Education, and Research. As well as disciplinary excellence, it provides, in a dynamic, exciting environment, unrivalled scope for creative collaboration across the performing arts’ genres.
It offers opportunities of learning to all ages and stages. There is a lively Junior Conservatoire, building future talent pools. It has outreach programmes focused on widening participation in the performing arts. It has 1,200 students registered for its undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research programmes as well as a developing portfolio of open access and credit bearing short courses. It has its own degree awarding powers for the undergraduate and postgraduate taught communities and with University of St Andrews awarding its PhDs.
The Conservatoire provides its students with the skills they need to excel and find their artistic voice in a way that is relevant to and impactful in the world as it is. Its campus buildings in Glasgow are filled with activity and, with a performance programme of more than 600 public performances each year (in normal circumstances), the Conservatoire is one of the busiest performance venues in the country.
The Conservatoire's graduates are a talented and richly-diverse group who make a significant impact across the globe. From symphony orchestras, to leading theatre, dance and opera companies, to classrooms in schools and conservatoires, to the production of films and international arts festivals, its students create memorable music, dance, drama, iconic set designs, they lead cultural organisations, write or star in Hollywood movies, and much more.
While the past two years have been intensely challenging, the Conservatoire has shown its ability to adapt to the demands it has faced, continuing learning and teaching throughout the disruptions caused by the pandemic. As part of a blended learning environment designed to enable students the most access and continued engagement with their programmes, the Conservatoire’s staff and students embraced innovative use of digital platforms while ensuring extensive in-person and ensemble work could be delivered safely. To maintain and build its audiences, the Conservatoire used its RCSatHome digital platforms, reaching out across the world.
As the Conservatoire enters its 175th year, it is focused on adapting to and making the most of the ever-changing arts and media landscape. As it starts to develop its next Strategic plan, it hopes to continue to attract the best students, both locally and internationally, and to equip those students to succeed in the world of performing arts and beyond. The Conservatoire is ambitious for the future and is a passionate advocate for the transformative role of arts and artists in the world.
The next Chair will join the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's Board in April 2022, and succeed Nick Kuenssberg OBE who retires at the end of the year. They will be responsible for leading and ensuring the effectiveness of the Conservatoire's committed and high-quality Board of Governors in its role of:
In exercising these responsibilities, the Chair acts in a way that maintains the trust and respect of the Board, forms constructive relationships with the Principal and senior staff, and ensures that the Conservatoire is well connected to its various communities and stakeholders including academic partners, staff, students, and the Scottish Funding Council.
In light of the nature of this role - as a core part of the governance of higher education institutions - the process for becoming the Chair of the Conservatoire is established in line with the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016 and the roles and responsibilities are set out in the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance.
Please see the "Process" section below for more information regarding how to apply.
As it approaches its 175th anniversary, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland seeks its next Chair to guide this world-class institution through an exciting new chapter.
Applicants will have a proven track record of successful leadership in large, complex organisations, whether in the private, public or third sectors. They will be fully conversant with the corporate governance requirements of a large organisation and committed to the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland which are the foundation for the Board’s behaviour and its decision-making processes. They will also have an appreciation of the environment in which the Conservatoire operates, and of civic Scotland more broadly.
The successful candidate will be able to provide support to the Board and senior management team, while recognising and respecting the distinction between executive and non-executive roles, and ideally have experience of leading an organisation through a change strategy. They will be comfortable representing the Conservatoire in an ambassadorial role to external bodies, stakeholders, donors and benefactors, as well as engaging with staff and students.
Importantly, the Chair will have an appreciation for the performing arts, an empathy for the challenges the performing arts and performing arts’ education faces, and a strong belief in the transformative and impactful role of arts and artists in the world.
Those individuals who are shortlisted will be invited for interview in late February or early March.
In accordance with the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act (2016) those who, having been interviewed, meet the relevant criteria set by the appointing committee will then be asked to formally stand as a candidate in an election for the position. The electorate comprises the members of the Governing Body, as well as the Conservatoire's staff and students. An open meeting will take place shortly before the election period to allow candidates to present themselves and answer questions. It is likely that candidates standing in the election will be asked to submit a short video (support for which can be provided by RCS) to assist in presenting themselves to the electorate which RCS will support them with.
Location
The new Chair will visit the Conservatoire on a regular basis, whether for meetings, events or performances. The Chair is a member of the Committee of Chairs of Scottish Universities. Candidates will therefore likely either be based in, visit regularly, or have a connection to Scotland.
Time commitment
An honorarium of £15,000 - £20,000 per year, as well as reasonable expenses, can be claimed for this role. The time commitment is c. 4 days per month, which includes six Board meetings and membership of several committees. Although the current pandemic has forced Board meetings to be held online these shall revert in due course. Committee meetings are, however, likely to mainly remain virtual.
The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.
Diversity
The Conservatoire is strongly committed to achieving a diverse governing body and welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Applications from those who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour are particularly encouraged alongside those from any other groups who are currently under-represented. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.
The deadline for consideration is 10th February 2022.
If you would like to register your interest, please fill in the form below. A member of the Nurole team will be in touch ahead of the deadline to discuss the process further.