The CIoS Digital Skills Partnership connects private, public and third sector organisations to create the digital skills ecosystem that Cornwall’s future needs. The partnership harnesses the innovation in Cornwall to inspire our communities, transform educational landscapes, and create a sustainable digital economy where everyone thrives.

We are governed by a board made up of employers, skills providers, and local authority representatives. Our current Vice Chair is taking a new role as Head of Cornwall College St Austell. Though he will still be an active member of the wider partnership we now have an opening for a new Vice Chair to support Caitlin Gould in leading the board and shaping the group’s strategic direction.

Role Profile

Remuneration:      

The role of Vice Chair will not receive any financial remuneration. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by the partnership.

Time commitment:            

The DSP holds six two-hour board meetings per year and has one full day away day in October. The Vice Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Chair and/or Digital Skills Partnership Coordinator. The Vice Chair will also be asked to represent the Partnership at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.

Reporting to:     

Chair

Person specification:

You don’t need to have any experience of being a vice chair or board member. You do need enthusiasm, commitment, and support for the aims of the DSP. We would be especially keen to hear from people in the creative sector, the education sector, and those under-represented in the tech sector.

Objective

The Vice Chair will be key in achieving the Partnership’s mission and vision, and in providing support to, and deputising for, the Chair.

The Vice Chair will also act as an ambassador for the DSP in partnership with the Digital Skills Partnership Coordinator when the Chair is unavailable.

Principal responsibilities

As deputy to Chair

• In the Chair’s absence, provide leadership to the DSP Board, ensuring that DSP board members play a full role and support the delivery of DSP objectives.
• Help to ensure that DSP Board Members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the DSP and present a united front on DSP related matters.
• Help to ensure that the Board operates within the Partnerships objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the DSP operational elements.
• Help to ensure that the Board is able to regularly manage progress and review major risks and associated opportunities.
• Help to ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the DSP, maximises potential income and focusses board efforts on future sustainability.
• Help to ensure that all public facing communication relating to the Digital Skill agenda reflect the priorities and ambitions of the DSP.

Strategic support

• Support the Chair in strategic discussion and decision making.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for Digital Skills and the DSP role within this.
• Support the Chair and Digital Skills Partnership Coordinator to manage relationships with key members of the Government and other key influences
• Act as a spokesperson for the Partnership when appropriate and in the Chair’s absence
• Represent the DSP at external functions, meetings and events, whether specifically representing the Partnership or not.
• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders

Efficiency and effectiveness

• When the Chair is unavailable, chair meetings of the Board effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Board Members are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the DSP and that the Board takes collective ownership.
• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Work closely with the Chair and Digital Skills Partnership Coordinator to give direction to Board decision making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of Board Members
• Help to monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.

How to apply

Please send a brief email or video to [email protected] outlining your interest and suitability for the role, by Monday 26^th September.