Trustee vacancy – HMS Victory Preservation Company

Introduction

The HMS Victory Preservation Company is looking to appoint two new trustees:

  • Historical Ship Technical and Conservation Trustee
  • Investment Management Trustee (to also sit on the Investment Management Committee).

HMS Victory is an icon. A unique symbol of national and, specifically, maritime history she is undergoing a major period of conservation and stabilisation.  The means by which she is supported in her dock has recently been completely replaced. Significant new facilities have been opened to enable more of the ship to be experienced by visitors and researchers; and to explain her extraordinary history.  The next phase of her conservation and presentation is no less challenging and will require equally visionary management and groundbreaking methodologies.

If you have an ambition to contribute to such a rewarding venture, have the vision to help set its future direction, relish handling complexity and delivering change, and possess the leadership qualities to help us achieve this we want to hear from you.

We would equally welcome those with experience of trusteeship and those new to the field.  We would support any development required to assist you in your role. We expect all trustees to undertake a minimum of one day a year in relevant development. 

Trustee Specification 

Role Specific Essential Criteria:

  • Investment Management Trustee

Experience with managing the investment of substantial amounts in a variety of funds with consideration to costs and the restrictions and reputational risks to charities.

  • Historic Ship Technical and conservation Trustee

Has worked on or studied historic ships and understands the importance of maintaining such national treasures. Understands the complexities of the ships’ preservations and associated restrictions. Has worked in conservation and understands policies and resources to maintain historic artefacts.

Essential Criteria:

  • An understanding of Naval history and an enthusiasm and passion for historic ships.
  • Experience of leading and supporting meetings that involve a wide range of opinions, with members of different backgrounds, knowledge and expertise, directing meetings to form a consensus view whenever possible.
  • Has the ability to apply strategic insight, innovative advice and constructive challenge to the Executive teams Plans.
  • Understanding the role of the Trustee and the difference between executive and non-executive roles to support collegiate working.

 Desirable Criteria We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate at least two of the following desirable criteria:

  • Contributes or has contributed to the academic world by working within the sector or producing own research. Is up to date in developments in education and their impact.
  • Knowledge of the restrictions and accountability of Charities and is familiar with compliance with appropriate law (Company and Charity).
  • Is familiar with finance streams and finance procedures for large companies. Can assess the viability of finances and ensure these are used correctly in the application of charitable objects.
  • Has dealt with media in digital, photographic, written and video form and used them effectively to communicate with a wide audience.
  • Has worked within museology and understands its historical impact and importance.
  • Has knowledge of or has worked within MoD and Government Bodies and is familiar with their processes.
  • Understands the importance of Fundraising within charities and delivering charitable objectives especially within the business and commercial arenas.
  • Has experience of assessing a charity’s performance against its charitable objectives and developing long term strategies for large organisations.
  • A clear understanding of Project Management, especially in relation to engineering, and with a proven track record of delivering large projects.
  • Has experience in contract management and negotiations, demonstrating value for money.

All candidates are expected to share HMS Victory Preservation Company’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. We are a forward thinking Board of Trustees and we very much welcome interest from those who are looking for their first non-executive role and from those who can add further to the diversity of the Trustee Board.

 How to apply

Please send:

  • A CV of no more than two sides of A4: this should provide details of your education and qualifications (or equivalent), employment history, directorships, membership of professional Bodies, two references (at least one of which is of a professional nature) and details of any publications or awards.
  • A supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4, clearly setting out how you meet the criteria and skills as set out above and why you would like to be considered for this role.
  • The completed Declaration Form, the Conflicts of Interest Form and the Diversity Form. The Diversity Form will be kept separately from your application and will not be seen by the selection panel in order to meet the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Questions and completed applications should be sent to:  governance@nmrn.org.uk. The closing date is the 19 September 2021.

Background

HMS Victory is a 104 gun first rate ship of the Royal Navy and is best known for her role as Lord Nelson‘s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.

In 1922, she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth where she has been preserved as a museum ship. The flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012, she is the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship with 243 years’ service. To her visitors she remains a precious museum and a testament to Britain’s naval past. Preserving this national treasure continues to be one of the most challenging and rewarding facets of national preservation.

HMS Victory Preservation Company was established in 2012 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN). The ship’s ownership was transferred to HMS Victory Preservation Trust during 2012.

HMS Victory Preservation Company is a Company limited by guarantee and is registered with The Charity Commission. It is governed by its own Articles of Association.  Its objectives are to preserve, restore and maintain HMS Victory; and to allow continued education about its history, the history of the Royal Navy and other matters relating to the defence of the realm. Its Trustees, who are the Company Directors for the purposes of company law, collectively form the Board. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year to set the long-term strategic objectives, agree corporate priorities, review performance and provide direction to the Executive. The Board ensures the distinct legal obligations and charitable objectives are fulfilled, ensuring high standards of corporate governance are maintained, with effective control systems and decision-making processes in place.

The trustees are also expected to act as ambassadors for HMS Victory attending the opening of new exhibitions and meetings with key partners and stakeholders.

In addition to the HMS Victory Preservation Company Board, there are separate committees charged with responsibility for the operational delivery of the corporate priorities and management of investment funds. At least two trustees from the HMS Victory Preservation Company are also on the HMS Victory Investment Committee, the HMS Victory Technical Committee and the Audit, Assurance and Risk Committee.

HMS Victory Preservation Company manages the funds and projects to undertake the necessary conservation work. As the company does not have the expertise or infrastructure to restore and maintain the ship or to present it to the public as a visitor attraction, it has entered into an agreement with NMRN. NMRN has the expertise to preserve and restore naval artefacts to both maintain the ship and present it as a visitor attraction to the public as part of its charitable activities. There is a dedicated programme board to deliver the conservation plan.

The day-to-day operation of the HMS Victory Preservation Company is delegated to the NMRN Director General (also the Accounting Officer) and to the Executive Directors. Further information about the National Museum of the Royal Navy and preservation of HMS Victory can be found on its website www.nmrn.org.uk/about-nmrn

Additional information

HMS Victory Preservation Company Trustees are not subject to Ministerial appointment, however, the appointments process will be conducted under the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) defines the ethical standards expected of the HMS Victory Preservation Company Trustees and Committee Members.

HMS Victory Preservation Company promotes an equal opportunities policy. It recognises and embraces the benefits of having a diverse board and sees increasing diversity at board level as an essential element of maintaining effectiveness and balanced decision making.  Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. The appointment is not remunerated but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of five years, with the opportunity to extend for a further term subject to appropriate reviews and satisfactory performance.

Applications will be shortlisted with those on the shortlist expected to attend interviews in Portsmouth, likely to be on 7 October 2021. Candidates may be asked to make a short presentation, details of which will be provided on shortlisting. The interview panel will consist of members of the HMS Victory Preservation Company with the Director General in attendance.

There may be an opportunity for candidates unsuccessful for these roles, to be appointed to NMRN subsidiary Boards and committees. Please indicate on your application if this is something you would be interested in.

NMRN’s privacy statement for candidates is available on the NMRN recruitment page on the NMRN website or on request.