Letters – 17 September 2010
From a replacement recording clerk to Quaker Business Method
Recording clerk recruitment
The Recording Clerk Recruitment Group (RCRG) has been set up by BYM Trustees. The group comprises: Andrew Burns, Geoffrey Rendle (trustees); Jonathan Fox (clerk of trustees); Susan Seymour (clerk of Meeting for Sufferings) and Lis Burch (clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting).
Using the experience of Friends involved in the appointment of Gillian Ashmore and those involved with the appointment of the new director of Woodbrooke, trustees have approved a pack of resources for the use of the RCRG. This includes advice about process, a timetable and the attributes required of a potential post holder.
I quote from this paper: ‘We are looking for the following attributes:
1. a committed Quaker, in membership, familiar with Quaker practice and values and processes; 2. at least five years’ experience as a senior manager in a medium to large organisation, including collaboration in successful innovation and managing and driving change; 3. experience of close working with trustees, a lay management board, non-executive directors or elected representatives; 4. ability to manage and lead with both collegiate style and ultimate authority, being a strategic thinker with excellent organisational skills and able to prioritise and delegate; 5. sound judgement and effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to create collaborative working and decision-making environments, and with a visible and accessible presence; 6. good oral and written communication skills with proficient IT skills; 7. health compatible with requirements of the job (subject to reasonable adjustment as per the Disability Discrimination Act), and able to work flexibly, including a significant weekend commitment.’
It is envisaged that the process need not be protracted, – we hope to make an appointment before Christmas. This will not preclude appropriate consultation with Friends, staff and other interested parties in the wider ecumenical community.
We ask Friends to bring this post to the attention of those who may not consider themselves a candidate until prompted by the discernment of others.
We ask Meetings to hold the RCRG in their prayers and to trust in our discernment to bring to the Religious Society of Friends in Britain a recording clerk who will build on the work of past post-holders and lead the central work forward in very challenging times.
Andrew Burns, clerk Recording Clerk Recruitment Group
Ed: Watch for the advertisement to appear soon.
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