GEM is a thriving and growing network of over 2,000 members advancing and promoting the importance of learning in museums, galleries and other cultural organisations and we need some enthusiastic members with time to help GEM move forward by becoming Trustees. There are two vacancies for elected Trustees. The current Board is supporting the nomination of two members although members are entitled to nominate other candidates – in which case there will be an election.
What is the GEM Board?
GEM is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It is run by a
Board of nine Trustees. The Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer and three other
Trustees are elected by members and the Board can co-opt up to three further
Trustees. Each year one third of the Trustees must retire.
What do the Trustees do?
The Trustees have control of the company and the charity, and must sign a
declaration of willingness to act once elected. Trustees must comply with the
requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and of the Charities Act 1993. They are
expected to
• take policy and strategic decisions
• devise and implement the forward plan
• coordinate and contribute to the work of committees
• exercise diligence and control over GEM’s finances and assets.
Current committees include publications, professional development, bursaries, audit, membership and advocacy/fundraising. Trustees are normally expected to spend about 10-12 days each year on GEM business. Trustees are not allowed to be paid but may claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Who are the current Trustees?
Nico Halbertsma and Jim Butler are retiring as elected Trustees at the
forthcoming AGM. Nico is not standing for re-election but Jim is. Current
elected Trustees remaining on the Board are: John Reeve (Chair), Vicky Woollard
(Deputy Chair), Bruce Burford (Treasurer) and Emily Leach. Current co-opted
Trustees are Katy Archer, Sharon Goddard and Izzy Mohammed. Katy is retiring
this year but is eligible and willing to be co-opted again. The Board is
supporting the nomination of Nick Winterbotham for election as a Trustee and the
nomination of Jim Butler for re-election as a Trustee.
How do I nominate?
Please use the nomination form and return it to the Company Secretary by noon on
Thursday 17 July 2008 together with a 100 word statement from each nominee.