Irish In Britain

Irish in Britain is the leading national membership body for Irish community organisations across Britain, dedicated to making a real difference to the lives and experiences of Irish people. We are seeking professional and inspiring individuals to join our Board of Trustees, bringing their expertise and passion to guide our strategic direction and ensure effective governance.

In this recruitment round and in line with the current makeup of the Board, we are specifically looking for new board members who are representatives of full member organisations of Irish in Britain. This means being on the Executive/Board of a member organisation, or a member of the organisation with support from a member of the Executive/Board. This will ensure our Board directly reflects the strength and diversity of our grassroots network.

We are also seeking to appoint a permanent Chair to lead our Board. If you have significant board-level experience, particularly in chairing a national membership charity, and are deeply committed to our mission, we encourage you to express your interest in this pivotal role.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience/interest in:

• Membership organisations.

• Income generation/fundraising.

• Equality, diversity and inclusion.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in providing leadership, ensuring our charity continues to grow sustainably, and effectively advocating for the Irish community in Britain. Board meetings are typically held five times a year in the evening, with one daytime strategy session.

Are you ready to make a significant impact?

We are looking for individuals with strong strategic acumen, commitment to good governance, and a shared commitment to our values.

How to apply

To apply please submit a CV cover letter (no more than 1 page) setting out why you wish to apply and how you feel you will add value to the board and send this to Ann Gould agould@irishinbritain.org

Please state in your application the Irish in Britain membership organisation you are a member of and include confirmation of this from a representative of the organisation.

If you wish to also be considered for the role as Chair please state this in your application.

• Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually on 22 and 23 October but we will endeavour to be flexible around candidates.

Join us in championing the interests of the Irish community in Britain!

Trustee role description

Term: 3 years (renewable for a further 3 years)

Location: Meetings alternate between taking place online and in-person in London and at other locations across Britain.

Renumeration: None, expenses covered

About Irish in Britain: Irish in Britain is the national membership body for Irish community organisations in Britain. Our mission is to make a positive difference to the lives and experiences of Irish people across Britain by providing support and representation for our diverse network and championing our community's interests. We are driven by the creativity and energy of our members and wider community, valuing their expertise and knowledge in leading, campaigning, and connecting the Irish in Britain.

Role Purpose: The Board of Trustees oversees the strategic development and effective delivery of the charity's mission and vision. Trustees contribute their professional, specialist, and general skills in a non-executive voluntary capacity, ensuring the charity operates within its charitable objectives, relevant laws, and regulations. Trustees act as ambassadors for the charity, working collectively to make balanced and informed decisions that serve the best, long-term interests of Irish in Britain and its beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities of a Trustee:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide leadership to the charity, ensuring maximum impact for its beneficiaries. Contribute to setting and maintaining the charity's vision, mission, and values, and developing its strategy.

• Governance and Compliance: Ensure the effective governance of the charity, operating within its governing document, charity law, and all other applicable laws and regulations. Regularly review major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place for management and mitigation.

• Financial Oversight: Maintain proper fiscal oversight, ensuring the charity's assets and resources are used solely for its purposes.

• Accountability: Take ultimate responsibility for the charity's actions, working with the Chief Executive to guide Board policy-making, and ensuring accountability to members, funders, and the wider community.

• Collective Action: Act collectively with other trustees, contributing constructively to Board meetings with impartiality and objectivity.

• Advocacy and Representation: Represent Irish in Britain at external functions, meetings, and events, promoting the organisation's work and values.

Specific Responsibilities for the Chair:

• Lead the Board of Trustees in its governance role, fostering a culture of collaboration, effective decision-making, and constructive challenge.

• Work closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the Board provides clear strategic direction and effectively holds the executive team to account.

• Act as a primary ambassador for Irish in Britain, both internally and externally.

• Ensure efficient and effective Board performance.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Representative of a Full Member Organisation: Applicants must be current representatives of a full member organisation of Irish in Britain, bringing a direct understanding of our network's needs and aspirations.

• Shared Values: A strong understanding of and commitment to the values, strategic objectives, and cause of Irish in Britain.

• Strategic Acumen: Ability to contribute to strategic discussions and provide clear direction.

• Interpersonal Skills: Tact, diplomacy, active listening skills, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Commitment: Willingness to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role, including attending Board meetings (typically five per year held in the evening with one daytime strategy session).

• Inclusion: Understanding of and commitment to the diverse Irish community in Britain and its needs.

Desirable:

• Board-level experience: Demonstrated experience operating at a senior leadership or board level.

• Governance Understanding: Knowledge of charity governance, legal duties, and responsibilities of trustees.

• Experience/interest in one or more of the following areas:

o Membership organisations.

o Income generation/fundraising.

o Equality, diversity and inclusion.