Make change happen - apply to become the chair of
the Big Lottery Fund!
Contact name Heather
Batchelor
Contact phone 020 7211
2308
Contact email
heather.batchelor@culture.gsi.gov.uk
What does the organisation do?
BIG is the largest of the National Lottery distributors,
using its share of lottery funds for health, education, environment
and charitable purposes. In 2009/10 across all its operations, BIG
made 14,000 awards to the value of £440 million, ranging from £300
to over £1million. BIG's mission statement is to bring real
improvements to communities and the lives of people most in
need.
Through its four Country Committees and at UK level, BIG
has awarded grants that have helped change the lives of
disadvantaged and socially excluded people throughout the UK.
Further information about BIG's programmes and its strategic
framework 2009-2015 can be found on the Big Lottery Fund website.
At the moment it distributes 50% of the good causes money raised
through the UK National Lottery. The Government is currently
consulting on proposals to amend BIG's share of the Lottery good
causes money to 46%, from 1 April 2011 and to 40% from 1 April
2012. Also the Government proposes that, subject to a separate
consultation, BIG should concentrate its funding on the voluntary
and community sector in future.
What is the opportunity?
The Board is responsible for the overall strategic
direction of BIG. The Chair will have overall responsibility for
the performance of the Board and provide effective, strategic
leadership. The Chair will work closely with the Chief Executive
and the Executive Team to evolve the strategic direction of BIG and
ensure delivery of BIG's goals.
What competencies do you need?
All candidates must demonstrate on their application
form how they meet the following essential criteria, through their
knowledge, skills and experience:
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of BIG,
including a good understanding of social disadvantage and how to
tackle it.
- The proven ability to lead and manage change at a high
profile organisation in a complex and dynamic environment gained in
the public, voluntary or private sectors.
- Experience of chairing Boards or Committees in the
public, voluntary or private sectors or experience in a Chief
Executive or Senior Management role.
- An understanding of the diverse communities in the UK and
a real commitment to promoting diversity.
- Experience of allocating funding, for example, through
grant making or investing funds.
- An understanding of government at national, devolved or
local levels, with the ability to work effectively in a political
environment and act as a link between BIG, Government Ministers and
Parliament.
- The ability to ensure the organisation is run efficiently
within tightening financial constraints and with accountability to
Parliament, the Government and the wider public. Representation and
media-handling skills, including public speaking
skills.
- Knowledge of the charitable, voluntary and community
sector.
How do you apply or get more information?
Further details and an application form are available
electronically or in hard copy from:
Heather Batchelor
Public Appointments Unit
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
Tel: 020 7211 2308
Email: heather.batchelor@culture.gsi.gov.uk
Is there anything else you should know?
Remuneration
The Chair remuneration is to be confirmed. Legitimate expenses
incurred on Big Lottery Fund business, including travel and
subsistence costs will be paid.
Length of Appointment
The appointment will be made initially for up to 4 years.
Type of Appointment
The Chair is appointed by the Secretary of State