Introduction
British Gestalt Journal (BGJ) is the major independently published English-language peer-reviewed journal serving the international Gestalt Community. It consists of one volume per year in two issues, published in May and November. It is available in both printed and digital formats. The print run per issue is 700 and there are around 500 subscriptions. Some of these are training institutions. The Journal is entirely funded through subscriptions. It was founded in 1991 and Malcolm Parlett was its Editor, handing over to Christine Stevens in 2006. It is now the longest surviving continuously published Gestalt journal. As part of our plans for growth and development in the future, Gestalt Publishing Ltd (GPL) is expanding its Board of Directors.
Governance
The Board of Directors currently meets four times a year for two hours with one of these dates being the Annual General Meeting (usually in April) to review and consider direction and strategy.
Directors are also asked to contribute to additional ad hoc meetings to provide for specific needs as they arise. Recent examples include planning the BGJ Seminar Day and considering new publishing projects.
Director role description
This is a voluntary appointment which will bring you rewards other than money. If you would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Gestalt community in the UK and internationally through the dissemination of high-quality publications and learning events, you are invited to bring your skills, knowledge and experience to help GPL to fulfil its mission.
The duties of a Director
To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document (Articles of Association), company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
To contribute actively to the board of Directors giving clear strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
To assess and manage risks arising from the company’s existence and its work
To ensure that the company has the organisation and resources needed to function effectively
To recruit and appoint the BGJ Editor and to support them in their role.
To recruit and appoint the Publication Manager and other employees as required and to support and monitor their performance.
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
To protect and manage the property of the company and to ensure the proper management of the company’s funds.
How Directors are expected to contribute:
Each Director is expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the company achieve its goals. This will involve:
Attending Board and other meetings and contributing effectively to discussions
Scrutinising board papers
Leading discussions
Supporting the Editor and guiding and supporting staff employees
Acting as an ambassador for the company in the community and with practitioners
Providing leadership and guidance on new initiatives
Contributing on other issues in which the Director has special expertise
Director person specification
Interest in and commitment to the mission and purpose of GPL.
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort - we expect that Directors attend all scheduled Board meetings unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgement.
Relevant experience is desirable in such areas as: publishing, marketing, project management, strategic planning, organisational development, knowledge of Gestalt theory and practice and employment policy and practice.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Director.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
To enable us to maintain diversity on the board we would particularly welcome applications from LBGTQ+ and/or minority ethnic backgrounds. New appointees will undergo an induction process to help them understand the context and culture of the company. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates with the necessary experience for and interest in the role of Chair of the Board. Our wish is to appoint the new Chair from suitable trustees appointed in this recruitment process.
To express your interest please send a CV and covering letter to admin@britishgestaltjournal.com in which you should indicate:
· Your interest in Gestalt publishing and any relevant experience.
· Any experience you have in governance as a Director.
· What contribution would you like to make as a member of the Board of GPL