‘[The Poetry Translation Centre] extends the territory of English poetry… generous translations that make welcome the magnificent poetic traditions of many communities now settled here.’
– Carol Ann Duffy, patron of the PTC
PTC Chair of Trustees Sandy Balfour is stepping down in March 2021 after a successful three-year term. The Board is now seeking his successor. Our ideal candidate is someone with experience of serving on the board of a charity, who is passionate about diversity and inclusion in UK arts. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from Asian and African diaspora heritage backgrounds, which are currently underrepresented on our board.
About the PTC
The Poetry Translation Centre (registered charity 1123056) is the only UK organisation dedicated to translating and promoting contemporary poetry from Africa, Asia and Latin America. We publish books, organise events and deliver hands-on translation workshops that are open and inclusive to all. We also offer online resources including a weekly dual-language poetry podcast and an extensive web archive of poems in translation.
Central to our mission is exploring poetries from the home-cultures of the UK’s diverse diaspora communities, working in partnership with those communities. We believe that the act of translating and sharing poetry breaks down barriers and offers a way to explore diverse heritages and identities with respect.
Founded in 2004, the PTC has been an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) since 2012. Following a period of consolidation and growth, the organisation is in a strong position (despite Covid-19) and making ambitious plans for the future.
What will you be doing?
In 2021–22 we will be developing our Business Plan for the period 2023–27, and applying to Arts Council England to renew our NPO status. The incoming Chair will play a vital role in both of these processes, working with the CEO and the rest of the Board to review our organisation’s vision and purpose to ensure our future sustainability and relevance. More generally the role of Chair will consist of:
· Chairing Board meetings (four meetings per year)
· Ensuring the Board has effective decision-making processes in place and providing leadership that enables the board to participate effectively
· Overseeing the recruitment of new Board members
· Providing support and challenge to the senior management team
· Actively representing the organisation (depending on the candidate this may include attending meetings with funders or partners, speaking at public events or representing the PTC to the media)
What are we looking for?
All of our trustees hold themselves to the Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
The PTC’s next Chair will also have:
· Time and willingness to play an active role in PTC’s governance
· Prior experience of serving on charity boards
· Interest/experience in PTC’s area of work
The PTC is committed to interviewing all candidates from Asian and African diaspora heritage backgrounds who demonstrate that they meet the above criteria.
Before you apply
· The time commitment will be around 5-6 hours a month, plus attending meetings four times a year (either at our London office or via Zoom).
· This position is for a three-year term.
· This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
· Candidates must be based in the UK but do not need to live in London.
· To apply please send a copy of your CV or biography and a short statement explaining why you are interested in the role.
· The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2021.
· Interviews will take place over Zoom in the week of 15 February 2021.
Please email your submission to the PTC’s Office and Publications Manager Maddy Fogelman at maddy@poetrytranslation.org together with a completed Diversity Monitoring Form (available to download here).
We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions about the PTC or the role of Chair, please write to PTC Trustee Octavia Lamb at omlamb@gmail.com.
