Our mission is to use our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
The £7.1million building renovation is proceeding with the help of finance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, North East Local Enterprise Partnership and several Trusts, Foundations and individual donors. While the work is in progress, an “on the road” engagement and education programme is under way throughout the region and digitally.
When re-opened in March 2021, The Common Room will provide high quality, fully accessible, facilities for debates, lectures and conferences. In 2022, completion of the current programme of digitisation will provide world-wide online access to the archives. These core activities and the outreach programme will be supported by revenues from room hires, weddings, catering and bar sales operated by a subsidiary company, Common Room Trading Ltd.
Further details of the Common Room can be found on our website www.thecommonroom.org.uk
Role Description
| Role | Board Member |
| Salary | This role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed |
| Duration | Initial term 3 years |
| Time commitment | Quarterly meetings 6pm to 8pm usually Mondays. |
| Location | NE Futures UTC, Stephenson Square, Newcastle until Jan 2021. Then Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle |
| Meeting dates 2020 | 20th July, 7th Sept, 7th Dec [Note that due to the Corona Virus pandemic our July meeting, and future meetings may be run virtually from 4pm to 6pm] |
We are looking for 2 new trustees to support our activities as we launch our charity and re-open our building.
To compliment the skills and experience of current Board members we are particularly looking for new trustees with skills in the areas of sales & marketing skills, fundraising, and policy & campaigning.
We recognise that organisations that are diverse and inclusive perform better than less diverse organisations so we are working hard to ensure that The Common Room Board has this balance to represent our region and steer our future strategy. We would positively encourage applications from underrepresented groups including BAME applicants, LGBTQ+ applicants and disabled applicants.
Appointments are initially for a 3 year term. There is no remuneration but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The Board normally meets quarterly in Newcastle, from 6pm to 8pm on Mondays but due to the coronavirus pandemic meetings may be run virtually from 4pm to 6pm.
Board members are expected to positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment of colleagues; help maintain a safe working environment by attending training in Health and Safety requirements as necessary; and follow local safe working practices and the Health and Safety policy. Given the focus of our Charity on supporting young people successful candidates may be required to undertake an advanced DBS check.
Appointment and Application Details and Timetable
Advertising 9th June through to 6th July 2020
Shortlisting by 13th July 2020, via Board nominations committee review of CVs.
Meeting with Chair, Matt Boyle & Chief Executive, Liz Mayes w/c 13th July via video call/Teams/Zoom meeting
Enquiries and informal information available between 9th June to 6th July 2020. A discussion can be booked with the Chief Executive Liz Mayes by phoning Melissa Forster on 07470506141.
Please send CV and covering letter to Melissa Forster melissa.forster@thecommonroom.org.uk by close of business on 6th July 2020.
