Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Board considered a report of the Town Clerk which presented the outcomes of a Review of Skills and Effectiveness that had been undertaken.

The Board agreed that the findings demonstrated a clear need for increased experience in respect of arts administration. This was perhaps unsurprising given the recent departures of Sir Brian McMaster and Roly Keating from the Board; however, with the potential for further budget cuts in the years to come, it was even more important that enhanced expertise was in place to help the Board understand where budget pressures might present risks to the integrity of the artistic programme, as well as to help the Board articulate this position to others.

In respect of other areas where it was observed that further expertise might be required, Members suggested that a number of these skills might be attainable through appointments from the Court of Common Council, not just through external recruitment. The Chairman reminded Members that the Board had put in place a provision to allow it to advertise in this manner for specific skill sets on the Court, and had indeed done so previously. He suggested that the Board should agree some proposed text to be used ahead of the vacancies being advertised, but cautioned that this did not guarantee that the desired skills would be obtained.

Although noting that Facilities Management, Health & Safety and Quality Systems had all been highlighted as areas lacking in expertise or interest, Members agreed that these items were of a more operational nature and it would not represent the best use of the Board’s time to focus heavily on such area. Rather, the Board should be focused on matters of a more strategic nature.

A consistent theme that had emerged from the survey had been a strong desire from Members to engage more with the Centre on-site – whether it be through regular visits, away-days, or spending time with particular teams. This would allow Members to get a greater feel for the activities underway at the Centre and, indeed, the day-to-day operation of the Barbican more generally – which would in turn allow for a greater appreciation of the role and facilitate improved input. The Chairman made reference to the recent induction session for two new Board Members, which had involved tours of certain parts of the Barbican’s activities and had proven highly informative, suggesting that this be used as a template for a programme of engagement moving forwards.

It was agreed that officers should be asked to prepare a draft action plan for Members’ consideration, outlining the ways in which the various issues identified might be addressed.

RESOLVED: That officers be instructed to develop an action plan with proposed measures to address the various issues highlighted by Members through the Skills Audit.