Irish In Britain

Trustee Role Description: Irish in Britain

Role Title: Trustee (up to two roles available)

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

• Interviews will take place 13 & 16 October.

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.

Over the last year, Irish in Britain successfully campaigned with partners for Philomena’s Law, ensuring survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes in Britain can accept redress payments without losing vital means-tested benefits. It has also launched Meitheal Muintire, a national inquiry into Irish end-of-life care experiences, and continued programmes including Healthy Ageing, Cuimhne on memory loss and dementia awareness, Green Hearts on heart health, and Ceannairí Nua for emerging Irish community leaders.

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.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• 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.

• For at least one vacancy, applicants must be current representatives of a full member organisation of Irish in Britain based outside London, bringing a direct understanding of our network's needs and aspirations.

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:

  • Membership organisations and engagement

  • Income generation/fundraising

  • Equality, diversity and inclusion

  • Experience working with the Irish language.