Disability Arts Cymru & Jo Taylor

The Challenge

The Arts Organisation

Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) is the leading organisation for disability arts in Wales.

The Development Need

To recruit a Finance expert to the Board, with a view to taking on the role of Treasurer.

The Adviser

Jo Taylor, Associate Director at Azets

The Development Need

Jo wished to gain a different perspective, as well as first-hand experience of charity governance in order to refine how she reports to her clients’ Boards. She also hoped to share her sector knoweldge and help the organisation apply best practice to its internal governance.

The Results

For DAC:

• As Treasurer, Jo acted as a reliable source of expert advice on accounts – both quarterly and end of year
• Jo was central to policy review and development, ensuring that DAC is responsibly governed, adhering to Charity Commission regulations and recommendations
• Jo led DAC through the process of registering as a CIO, and recruiting a new Director
• A proactive and committed Trustee and Treasurer, offering support and expert guidance

For Jo:

• Developed influencing and communication skills as a result of working as part of a collective
• Hands-on experience of operational issues within an organisation, such as HR, which she would not get in her day job
• Developed understanding of governance which has directly improved her ability to deal with charity clients
• A great deal of satisfaction from seeing the implementation and positive outcomes of her advice

The Endorsement

We are extremely grateful that Jo gives her time so generously. She has a calm and supportive manner; is totally reliable and is invaluable as both a Trustee and as an employer of staff. She is extremely well informed on third sector issues and her knowledgeable advice and support during a difficult period of organisational change has been absolutely invaluable and has reassured other Trustees, staff and major funders. She is an exemplary Trustee.

Aled Rhys-Jones, Disability Arts Cymru

Being a trustee of Disability Arts Cymru has given me an insider’s perspective on the workings of a charity and a board of trustees, which has been invaluable in my role. I’ve gained confidence and developed my influencing skills as a result, and it’s been very satisfying to apply my third sector knowledge in a very practical and tangible way to assist the organisation.

Jo Taylor, Azets