The Board is the custodian of the aims and objectives of MLA West Midlands as set out in the constitution, it has ultimate responsibility for every aspect of the Company’s operation. It is responsible for guiding and shaping policy by which the aims and objectives are achieved and for employing the executive staff which deliver its aims. It has specific responsibility for recruitment of the Chief Executive.

The Directors of the Council have legal and financial duties under company law and, as charity Trustees, they must also comply with charity law. Many of the duties of the Board are delegated to the staff, although the Board does play an important role in such key areas as advocacy and strategy development. The recently signed Partnership Agreement includes the essential ingredient of linked governance whereby joint appointments made of nine Regional Chairs who are also national trustees on the MLA Board. The Regional Chair is appointed by MLA Council and DCMS.

The Board of MLA West Midlands has been constituted to ensure that there is a balance between the three domains. Its members will bring necessary skills and be active ambassadors for the sector in a variety of different networks. As Directors and Trustees they are responsible for the running of the MLA West Midlands as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.

Board Members may be contacted first through the MLA general address - info@mlawestmidlands.org.uk

MLA West Midlands Board 2007/2008

Chair: Glen Lawes, Retired Museum Director (Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust)

DOMAIN FORUM SEATS

Appointed by: West Midlands Regional Archives Forum (WMRAF)

Mary McKenzie, Shropshire Archives

Appointed by: WM Library Policy Forum

Margaret Rowley, Head of Knowledge Management, Worcestershire Health ICT Services

Appointed by: West Midlands Museums Policy Forum (MPF)

Kathleen Soriano, Compton Verney House

ADVERTISED SEATS

Michael Messenger (Vice Chair), Retired (County Librarian and Arts Officer, Hereford and Worcester CC)

Sarah Campbell, Chief Cultural Services Officer, Wolverhampton

Dawn Ashman Head of Development, Arts Council England, West Midlands

Lisa Dunn Director at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust