How to apply | What we do | Strategic direction | Where we operate | Board responsibilities | Questions and answers
Who we are
We are a registered charity and a leading operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
With more than five million visits a year our organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. We host more than 500 events a year, more than half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clock up 4.5 million leisure centre visits and welcome thousands of conference and exhibition delegates. This generates millions of pounds in economic benefit for the local economy through business and cultural tourism.
It’s all about people.
We’re an organisation created to do one thing. To make people’s lives better. We make it easy for local residents and visitors to take care of their health and wellbeing by placing affordable sport, fitness, arts, culture and entertainment within easy reach of thousands of people.
We are an active campaigner for the use of sport and fitness to improve mental and physical health, and create opportunities for people to meet and make new friends. We’re renowned for our blockbuster shows, creating a spotlight for iconic musicians in all genres — and celebrity stand-ups who play to packed audiences seven nights in a row.
Meanwhile, our conferences, exhibitions and corporate events are bringing millions of pounds into the local economy every year, and creating more opportunities for us to make our venues and services even better.
Every pound makes a difference.
As a registered charity and social enterprise, we don’t pay dividends to shareholders. Every pound we make is used to run our business and provide a surplus to invest in our social objectives. Since 2010, we’ve also undertaken several energy saving initiatives including Solar PV and CHP to enable us to put more towards our social objectives.
We’re BH Live. And we make things happen.
What we do
BH Live is unique in being able to deliver the whole experience package to visiting delegates and members of the public. From the gig or conference ticket, to transport, food, drink and accommodation – even the gym pass.
We work with local authorities, other charitable trusts, private businesses, professional bodies, trade unions and educational establishments to host mainstream and niche events, add value to visitor experiences and sow the seeds of innovation.
We provide round the clock ticketing, security and service support. We have the people, know-how and partnerships to take care of everything associated with event management and service operations, including ticketing and hospitality, frontline staff, backstage crews, high-tech A/V systems, communications and IT, health & safety and security.
Our customers confidently place their activities in our hands. Conference organisers, bands and their promoters, stand-up comedians, even political parties, trust us to host unforgettable, secure, smooth running events that bring audiences and delegates back time and time again.
Strategic direction
We strive towards the ambitions in our Vision statement ‘Create great experiences for our communities, making their lives better ‘by promoting:
- More Participation – through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health and wellbeing;
- Higher Audiences – through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience;
- Greater Economic Benefit – through hosting major conferences, exhibitions and events for the benefit of the local, regional and international economy.
Our values of ‘making things happen, taking ownership and being one team people’ guide the approach in achieving our Vision.
Where we operate
Our head office is based in Bournemouth, a recognised innovation hub, and popular business and tourism destination. Quality leisure centres, attractions and event spaces are giving local people and visitors year round activities and cultural experiences across the Bournemouth, Poole, Portsmouth and London.
Board responsibilities
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation to enable BH Live to achieve its mission and charitable objects in accordance with its corporate governance procedures, legal and regulatory guidelines.
In addition to the obligations of directors under Common Law and Company Law the charity trustee’s duties are:
- To acquaint themselves with the terms of the trust
- To act in accordance with the objects of the trust
- To protect trust property
- To be loyal to the beneficiaries and avoid conflicts of interest
- To act without payment
- To not profit from the trust
- To provide information to the charity commission
- To prepare accounts and make an annual return
- To act reasonably and prudently.
Our Board meet six times per year, including our annual strategy day. Occasional additional attendance may be requested at additional committees or functions where availability allows.
Questions and Answers
For how long will I be a Trustee?
Whilst a Trustee can resign at any time, generally a Trustee will continue in office until required to retire by rotation once every three years. Trustee appointments are usually for a maximum of three rotations (i.e. up to 9 years).
Time Commitment
The Board meets six times a year including a special meeting to review the draft Business Plan in January. There are occasional board briefing sessions as and when required. Depending on the agenda, the meetings will last up to two hours with some pre reading required.
Payment of Trustees
Membership of the Board is a voluntary unpaid position, however, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In addition there will be opportunity to experience some of our fabulous shows or events, and use of our leisure facilities.
Liability
BH Live is a company limited by guarantee. Trustees will not be personally liable for the debts of the organisation (other than in circumstances where the trustee has acted fraudulently or is grossly negligent).
BH Live’s Articles of Association permit the purchase of indemnity insurance on behalf of the trustees.
The members of the company (equivalent to shareholders) undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event that the company is wound up. The member’s liability is however limited to the extent of the guarantee which for these purposes is limited to the sum of £1.
Terminology
Board members of a company limited by guarantee are called “directors”. The organisation is a charity and therefore the directors will also be the “trustees”.
How to apply
If you are interested in being a Trustee we would love to hear from you. Please submit a CV along with a covering letter telling us why you are interested in becoming a trustee for BH Live. Please tell us if you have a particular specialism or expertise you would bring to the role.
Please submit your application to Teresa Beckingham, Associate Director HR by email: teresa.beckingham@bhlive.org.uk