The Stage

Exeter Northcott confirms redundancies in shake-up plans

Published Tuesday 21 October 2008 at 16:10 by Alistair Smith

Exeter Northcott Theatre has finalised its plans for a thorough overhaul of its staffing structure, which will see 15 posts discontinued and at least four employees lose their jobs permanently.

Initial proposals had suggested that 15 posts be discontinued and ten new ones created in their place. Following consultation with staff, this has been increased to 11 new roles. While staff who lose their posts are able to apply for the new positions, there is no guarantee they will be re-employed, because many of the posts require different skills to those already available at the venue. Aside from this, the plans have remained essentially unchanged from those revealed by The Stage earlier this month.

It is thought that the restructure will bring up to £100,000 of savings, which will be invested in production. Meanwhile, under the scheme, recently departed artistic director Ben Crocker will not be replaced with like for like - instead a creative director, with more of a producing background, will be appointed.

Chief executive Kate Tyrell commented: “I would like to thank the theatre’s staff for their constructive and helpful comments during the consultation process. Change is absolutely necessary if we are to achieve our ambitions for the future. We are now in a position to run the theatre in a way which will enable us to become the vital and vibrant theatrical leader for Exeter, Devon and the south-west that we aspire to be.”