Brass Bands England (BBE) is re-launching its recruitment drive by advertising for an Operations Co-ordinator and two Liaison Officers.

The new Operations Co-ordinator will support the Trustees in implementing the strategic delivery plan agreed between BBE and Arts Council England.

Support

As a National Portfolio Organisation, BBE will receive £142,000 per year for the three years ending 31st March 2018, to cover operational costs so that it can focus on providing extended support to its member brass bands in England.

Rachel Veitch-Straw has been promoted to Senior Liaison Officer and will support and guide the two new Liaison Officers, whose role will be to support the development of brass bands in specific assigned geographical areas covering the Midlands and the South of England.

Responsibilities

The Operations Co-ordinator will have responsibility for the administration, digital communication and office functions of BBE.

Whereas the Liaison Officer appointments will be home-based, the Operations Co-ordinator will be based at the BBE office in Barnsley.

New drive

This new drive to recruit a suitable candidate for the Operations role follows an unsuccessful campaign at the end of last year, as BBE Chairman, Mike Kilroy, explained to 4BR:

"Unfortunately, the first recruitment campaign didn't lead to an appointment. Of the last group of applicants two demonstrated excellent track records.

The first choice candidate accepted the post but then received a much-improved offer to remain with their current employer. The second choice candidate was then offered the position but unfortunately the same thing happened."

Big operational task

He added: "Since then, BBE has had to focus heavily on organising the National Youth Championships which was a resounding sell out success.

This is a big operational task and involves providing logistical planning and delivery for about 1,300 children across 37 bands with supporters, spectators, traders and a small army of 45 volunteers.

Once this was successfully managed we returned to the job of filling these three positions."

Change of focus

The delay has enabled the BBE Trustees to re-visit the original brief and organisational structure and it has been decided to change the focus of the role from fully operational to more of a central information hub and signposting conduit.

Mike added: "Whereas the Liaison Officers will be outward focused, the Operations Co-ordinator will have the inward focus of managing secondary income streams and strategic partner relationships as part of their role.

Initially, we planned that the Operations person would be recruited first, so that he or she could be involved in the process of recruiting the two Liaison Officers, but we have now decided to recruit all three positions concurrently. Each of the three positions will be 30 hour a week posts."

Whereas the Liaison Officers will be outward focused, the Operations Co-ordinator will have the inward focus of managing secondary income streams and strategic partner relationships as part of their roleMike Kilroy

Professional

He concluded: "Together with Rachel Veitch-Straw's Northern Senior Liaison Officer remit, there will be a total of five paid employees, which will give BBE's members equal geographical coverage and access to continuous support that, as unpaid volunteers with their own professional working lives, the Trustees cannot possibly provide.

It is an exciting time for BBE and I sincerely hope that brass bands will look to become members to access the support that will be available to them through our national team."

Applications

The closing date for applications for all three positions is 30th June 2015.

Application packs can be obtained by emailing: natoffice@brassbandsengland.co.uk