INTRODUCTION

Shared Reading:

Shared Reading was pioneered by The Reader (www.thereader.org), a Liverpool-based charity and social enterprise, and is described by them as "a unique experience that helps thousands of people to connect, feel good and live well" 

To quote further from The Reader:

"A group of people, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. We stop and talk about what we have read. There is no need for group members to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. The idea is to create a space where people feel at ease. 

"Reading the literature aloud in real-time means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Group members are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading.

"Everyone experiences the text in their own way, but the literature provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better."

 

Shared Reading in Leicestershire:

Shared Reading first came to Leicestershire libraries in 2014, as a joint project between Leicestershire Libraries and The Reader. When public funding for the project ended in 2016 we set up Leicestershire Shared Reading (LSR), a voluntary organisation, to ensure that the groups could continue.  Currently we have nine groups which meet weekly, either in person at public libraries around the county or online via Zoom, and which collectively attract around 60 attendees every week. 

 

Our vision

To improve the wellbeing of as many people as possible in our local communities through the pleasure of shared reading together.

 

Our mission: ​

• To provide shared reading groups to connect individuals, rebuild social bonds and make people feel better

• To provide more groups in more places

• To explore the potential for shared reading in new settings

• To provide ongoing support and development of the trained volunteers who lead the groups

• To work in partnership with local authorities and other organisations and with The Reader (www.thereader.org.uk)

 

The benefits of shared reading:

Research carried out by The Reader over twenty years has consistently proven the value of shared reading.  In latest evaluation of group members' views, in which we took part, 95% of respondents agreed that shared reading lifted their mood, and 97% said that they looked forward to the group as an important part of their week. Perhaps most strikingly, 93% agreed with the statement 'in shared reading we have conversations that matter', and 90% agreed that shared reading helped them to connect deeply with others.  See www.thereader.org for more information.

 

Our current priorities:

• To strengthen our steering group by recruiting people from outside the organisation, who will be active, and who will bring skills in areas such as marketing and IT 

• To build attendance at some of our groups

• To look for opportunities to re-establish or launch new groups

• To recruit new Reader Leader volunteers 

• To monitor the implications of local government reorganisation

 

Our team:

We have 16 volunteers who are trained Reader Leaders, and one admin volunteer; seven of these people also currently serve as steering group members.  The committee has three officer posts (Chair, Secretary and Treasurer) and can have up to six other members.

Without exception our volunteers are passionate about the power of reading, and their contribution to the community.

 

Our funding:

We have no payroll, and have adequate funds for our day-to-day operations. There will be opportunities to raise money for future developments; as a voluntary organisation we can apply for financial support from bodies such as the National Lottery and local charities. We work in close partnership with Culture Leicestershire who meet some of our running costs.

 

THE ROLE:

As Chair you will uphold the vision and direction for LSR, ensuring that it continues to provide a high-quality service.  You will ensure that LSR is managed effectively and that the committee functions properly.

This role is voluntary, but reimbursement can be made for reasonable expenses regarding duties on behalf of LSR.

 

We are looking for an individual who 

·       lives in the East Midlands

·       has professional experience and understands people management

·       has the authority to communicate with stakeholders and funders 

·       will advocate for the power of reading as a tool for wellbeing

·       has a strong but flexible leadership style

·       is a team player

·       has a positive and determined outlook and enjoys getting things done

·       wishes to make a positive contribution to the community

·       is aware of the particular requirements of leading a team of volunteers

 

Chair responsibilities:  ​

• Represent LSR, communicating its vision, ethos and activities.  Act as spokesperson at functions, events and meetings and promoting the work of LSR

• Chair the steering group, AGM and any additional statutory requirements

• Oversee commitments and relationships with partner organisations and statutory bodies

• Ensure LSR’s compliance with relevant regulations and other obligations.

• Support and encourage good practice and high standards of pastoral care in all aspects of LSR's activities

 

Chair activities:

• Ensure that the Steering Group has the necessary structure, resources and skills to plan, develop and implement the agreed objectives of LSR

• Review existing relationships with sponsors, partners and members

• Help co-ordinate the creation of a plan for the sustainable growth of LSR to the satisfaction of its volunteers and members

• Seek more opportunities to promote the work of LSR, creating awareness of its value to a wider audience and encouraging growth in both volunteers and members.

 

In particular we welcome enquiries from people who have experience of

• leadership

• recruitment

• fundraising

• connecting with public sector, philanthropic and/or charitable organisations

However, even if your skills are from different sectors and contexts, we are looking for an active, committed chairperson who can lead our organisation into the next successful phase of its development.  

The rewards for you will come from working with our friendly and active team, making a genuine contribution to our local communities, and from leading and using your skills in an organisation in the charitable sector.  Why not get in touch to arrange an informal chat, to see if this might be for you.

Send us an email to start the ball rolling:  leicssharedreading@gmail.com.