I’ve been asked to circulate this by the DCMS; if you feel you could do this, then please do apply:
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport would like to invite applications for persons to provide expert advice to the Secretary of State, on applications for approval in respect of immunity from seizure for cultural objects on loan from abroad to temporary exhibitions in museums in the UK, under the terms of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
Time Commitment
We expect to receive between 30 and 40 applications for approval and these will need to be considered during May and June 2008. Therefore, applicants will be required to manage a large initial workload and, thereafter, may be called upon less frequently. The work will involve attending at least one meeting with DCMS officials but will mostly be carried out by correspondence.
Remuneration
Expert Advisers will be contracted for the provision of advisory services on a call off basis at the rate of £209 per day plus any travel expenses.
Duration of Engagement
Initially, the engagement will be for one year but may be renewed.
Background
Part 6 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 introduced immunity from seizure for cultural objects on loan from abroad to temporary exhibitions in museums in the UK that are approved in accordance with section 136 of the Act. For institutions located in England the authority responsible for granting approval is the Secretary of State. Museums wishing to benefit from the immunity need to be approved by the Secretary of State. To obtain the approval museums must demonstrate that their due diligence procedures are of the very highest level.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is looking for individuals to provide expert advice to the Secretary of State on applications for approval under Section 136. Museums will be invited to complete a questionnaire designed to illustrate the effectiveness of their due diligence procedures and the questionnaire will form the basis of the application process.
Person specification
You should have a good understanding of the work and structure of museums and a detailed understanding of loans procedures and the application of due diligence. This should include knowledge and/or experience of due diligence training, record keeping, loan agreements and other loans documentation.
Familiarity with Combating Illicit Trade: Due diligence guidelines for museums, libraries and archives on collecting and borrowing cultural material, issued by DCMS in 2005 and national and international standards which relate to the borrowing of works would also be helpful.
It is important that the advice provided to the Secretary of State on applications for approval is fully impartial. Applicants must be able to satisfy DCMS that they have no conflicts of interest in this respect.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please send us a detailed CV and a note on your suitability and experience against the above person specification. This should demonstrate your understanding of the various methods of investigating the provenance of objects, particularly where the full history is uncertain. It would be helpful if you could give some examples of work you have undertaken which demonstrate your ability in this area including technical expertise and the ability to investigate and analyse material.
Applications should be sent in writing or via email, to:
Mark Caldon
Cultural Property Unit
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
Tel: 0207 211 6158
Email: mark.caldon@culture.gov.uk
Please also include the details of 2 referees who can vouch for your experience and suitability for the role.
Closing date
Completed applications should be received by Thursday 1 May 2008
Interviews
We will not be holding interviews for these positions. Selection will be made on the basis of the written applications. However, we will be taking up references.
OpenCalais helped to tag this with: advisory services • Combating Illicit Trade • Department for Culture • GBP • Government on International • Mark Caldon Cultural Property Unit • Mark Caldon • Media and Sport • travel expenses • United Kingdom • written applications
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