Job Vacancies

Turner’s House Trust is the registered charity responsible for Sandycombe Lodge, the house which J M W Turner designed and built in Twickenham, and in which he lived with his father. Following an extensive conservation and restoration project, the House opened to the public in 2017. It is one of the leading small cultural attractions in South West London; has attracted nearly 40,000 visitors to date; and runs a programme of activities and events that reach out to local schools and the wider community. It aims to be a place of discovery, scholarship and inspiration.

We are looking for someone to act as our Company Secretary. This may suit a young professional person seeking a first role on a Charity Board, although applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates.

Principal responsibilities

· Prepare and circulate the agenda for Board Meetings of Turner’s House Trust, which take place every two months

· Take the minutes at Board Meetings and update the Action Log

· File the charity’s Annual Report with the Charity Commission annually

· Update the Charity Commission regarding any changes in Board composition

· Make required filings to Companies House, including annual accounts and annual Confirmation Statement

· Maintain the electronic archive of Board documents

· Maintain the register of policies and work with the Legal Trustee to ensure these remain current and compliant

· Oversee updating of the Risk Register

What difference will you make?

Since opening to the public in August 2017, Turner’s House has run an ambitious programme of activities and events to reach out to local schools and the wider community, and has hosted several well-received exhibitions of Turner’s works. As Company Secretary, you will ensure that the organisation is run according to the highest standards of governance and in compliance with charity and company law and that plans and decisions are properly recorded.

What are we looking for?

Personal Qualities

· A strong commitment to Turner’s House Trust and its objectives

· Excellent organisational skills

· Attention to detail

· Willing to go the extra mile in committing time to the charity.

Experience

· Experience of working at a professional level

· Active interest in, knowledge of, and understanding of, the cultural and heritage sector

· Experience of working in a Board or Committee.

What’s in it for you?

Turner’s House is a small gem which occupies a distinctive place on London’s cultural map. The role of Company Secretary offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to enhancing the life of the local community and celebrating the outstanding artistic achievement of J M W Turner. In return for your commitment, you can be assured of a personal sense of satisfaction and of the support and encouragement of the Board of Trustees and the professional staff of the House. We will provide a tailored induction. There may be an opportunity for the Company Secretary to progress to being a Trustee and Director of Turner’s House after gaining experience.

The Commitment

The Board meets six times a year and the meetings usually last around 2 hours. The post of Company Secretary is not remunerated, and the commitment is estimated to take up around one day per month. Although a number of commitments including most Board meetings can be done remotely, the Company Secretary should be prepared to visit Turner’s House for key meetings and events to support the effective work of the Board.

To apply, or for more information, please contact the Vice-Chair, Michael Deriaz: mderiaz@btinternet.com