Pippa Jones
Biographical Summary
Born Germany, moved to Sussex, educated Kent and Sussex. Career aspiration: journalism. Worked in advertising (CDP), studied Personnel Management (Chartered Fellow of CIPD). Employed in the private/ public sectors, by Unesco, Paris, Cancer Research UK, Royal College of Nursing and in FE, NHS. Now HR Manager at Identity & Passport Service.
Joined BFI in 60s and have attended BFI Southbank regularly since. Particular love for British, Italian, French Spanish and Greek cinema/ tv. Employed as Head of Personnel & Administration at BFI (1982-1988) with Lord Attenborough, Chair, Tony Smith, Director Leslie Hardcastle, OBE, FBKS of NFT, David Francis and Clyde Jeavons of National Archive. Advised Regional Film Theatres, job evaluated posts for MOMI, liaised with Treasury.
Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling at Birkbeck College, M.A. in Managing Human Resources (elective on Pay & Rewards). Courses in Learning & Development, Employee Relations, coaching and mentoring. Practise Continuing Professional Development.
Served as Merton School Parent Governor (son, 21 and daughter, 19). Speak French, Italian, Spanish, Modern Greek (partner from Thessaloniki) and basic German, and have lived in these countries.
Love film, tv, theatre, ballet, reading, choir, cookery, gardening, tennis, swimming, water skiing. I enjoy travelling abroad and within the UK.
Supporting Statement
"I joined BFI late 60s, appreciate BFI Southbank's laid-back atmosphere, good facilities, knowledgeable staff, intelligent audiences, (usually) good print and sound quality. Like programme notes, silents, Film Sunday and Seniors Events. I enjoy benugo but would like ice creams.
"My daughter loves Japanese anime, uses the Mediatheque for "A" level Media Studies. I read Sight & Sound and BFI publications. When I worked as Head of Personnel & Administration at BFI (1982-1988) under Lord Attenborough, Chair and Tony Smith, Director, I collaborated with Leslie Hardcastle, NFT Controller, David Francis/ Clyde Jeavons, Curator/Deputy Curator of the National Archive (at the time of the creation of the late MOMI) to ensure that film/tv is preserved for posterity, that we show best possible quality prints. I supported Library work of my late friend and colleague Gillian Hartnoll, MBE, FCLIP and for tv, Veronica Taylor.
"I attend Member's sessions, voice my views and would support all these functions as a Governor, gathering members' views. I see the role as apolitical, a supporter, a "critical friend" and ensuring BFI respects the needs of the techno-phobic.
"I worked for Unesco, Paris, loved that unique institution, the Cinematheque: my aim is for the BFI Southbank to be as equally revered for heritage preservation, while losing none of its charm and accessibility (vital for those with disabilities). I embrace diversity, am a member of the Home Office Disability Support Network with a particular interest in mental health.
"I believe BFI Southbank should widen its audience appeal by reaching out to new audiences e.g. football, fashion, ballet/opera lovers, media workers, professional groups (why not a programme of lawyers depicted in tv/film and ask a top City law firm to sponsor this?) Ditto for healthcare professionals, journalists and accountants (my son is reading the last) and perhaps choirs/clergy. I've attended dozens of previews and Guardian interviews with notable actors, directors and Silvio Berlusconi and would lobby for these attractions, LFF and LGLFF to be adequately resourced.
"My employer, Identity & Passport Service (an agency of the Home Office) enjoys higher customer satisfaction ratings than Tesco. My goal as Member Governor would be for the Institute to do the same. I'd suggest BFI works towards Investors in People recognition, to become a dynamic environment, an employer of choice. Staff morale/motivation (already high, I believe, on the Southbank where customer relations are very good) would increase throughout the Institute: e.g. Archive, Education, PR, Distribution, Film Societies, Membership, Finance, HR. Recruitment and retention are key.
"Despite my time in front of large and small screens, I possess excellent interpersonal and influencing skills which the Governors could utilise to make this happen. I've served on Committees of the South West London Branch of my professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, School Governor, Merton Leisure Ltd. and Scouts Committees. I am familiar with the protocol, dealing with the paperwork and presenting my case. Proactive and positive, I possess the enthusiasm and knowledge to propose and implement innovative solutions to problems. "
