ABOUT US
The SPL Poets Advisory Group was established in December 2017 as a means for poets to share their ideas on how the library engages and works with poets across Scotland.
TERMS OF REFERENCE 2019
Purpose
The purpose of the Advisory Group is to provide a platform and voice for poets to inform priorities for SPL activities and services, including promoting the work of poets throughout Scotland. PAG members will liaise directly with the literature and poetry sectors of the community at local, regional and national levels to inform discussions and priorities.
Membership
There should be a maximum of 15 members of the Group at any one time
Membership is by application. Criteria and selection should reflect the different languages and people of Scotland, geographical spread and in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010
Membership and membership opportunities will be published on the SPL website
Group members will elect a Chair from their number. They may wish to elect a Deputy Chair
SPL staff will assist in administering the process of recruitment to the Group, but the final decision will lie with the Chair
Membership of the Group will be on a two-year rolling basis, effective each December. A member of the Group can be reappointed, serving a maximum of four years
Members will be remunerated for reasonable travel and childcare expenses in accordance with SPL Policy. There will be a honorarium for the Chair to reflect their responsibilities
Meetings
There will usually be three meetings a year, at different venues across Scotland
Agendas are set by the Chair with input from the Group and SPL staff. Meetings are intended to advise and on occasion support SPL staff to help shape delivery in the following areas: events, touring, learning, engagement, project and library collections
A quorum of seven is required for meetings to take place
SPL specialist staff can attend meetings if requested by the Chair, who may also wish to invite guest speakers with relevant experience (e.g. of a topic or of a geographical location)
Summary minutes of the meetings with action points will be posted soon.
A summary report will also be included in the Annual Report and the PAG budget shown separately in the Annual Accounts
SPL Contacts
The primary contact for the PAG is a designated member of the SPL Senior Management Team (currently the Deputy Director) with escalation to the Chair of the Board.
Matters of SPL governance, finance, strategic development and human resources are the remit of the SPL Board and not within scope of the Group.
HOW TO JOIN
Vacancies in the group will be posted on this website. Those applying will be asked to submit a brief statement of interest (max 500 words) to splambassadors@gmail.com. The statement should briefly summarise your experience in the Scottish poetry scene and say why you’re interested in helping to advise the SPL. Please note that if chosen, you’ll be asked to serve a two-year – and not more than 4 year term. This should enable us to include new voices on a rolling basis.
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Contact: Diana Hendry (Chair) splambassadors@gmail.com
