Kilkenny Volunteer Centre: Member of the Board of Directors – Law / Governance
Role Title: Member of the Board of Directors – Law / Governance
Accountable to: Chairperson and Board of Directors
Status: Unpaid voluntary role, 3-year term
Membership on the board of the Kilkenny Volunteer Centre (KVC) is an exciting opportunity to govern and oversee a dynamic non-profit organisation in Co Kilkenny.
We are keen to see representation on the board from the local corporate / business sector and we actively encourage county-wide representation and gender balance.
We value diversity and welcome applications from people from all sections of the community irrespective of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Summary of role
Kilkenny Volunteer Centre is seeking to recruit a new member of the board of directors with a focus on law and governance. The role involves playing an active role in the organisation’s governance and strategic direction, while taking a leading role on legal and governance matters.
Role description
Every board member has the following responsibilities:
- Commitment to the development of the KVC and support for its vision, mission, values and objectives – which the board members will be responsible for setting
- Shaping the strategy of KVC
- Acting in the interests of KVC at all time in relation to assets, property, statutory obligations and management requirements
- Where necessary deciding on strategic actions required to achieve KVC’s objectives, ensuring that all activities are consistent with the organisation’s vision and core values
- Ensuring KVC complies with relevant legal requirements
- Promoting prudent and effective management of organisational resources (financial and human)
- Developing and monitoring effective risk management strategies for KVC
- Developing and monitoring internal systems that are transparent and accountable to stakeholders
- Formally registering conflicts of interest or loyalty with the board
- At all times, acting with integrity and upholding the interests of the organisation
- Championing KVC
- Promoting the reputation of KVC and not bringing the reputation of the organisation into disrepute
Additional duties specific to the Law / Governance role:
- Providing general expertise and advice on good governance, legal and regulatory compliance
- Taking an active role in relevant sub-committees established by the board
- Taking an active role in supporting KVC to establish all relevant and compliant governance policies and procedures
Person specification
The successful candidate will have professional experience and a successful track record of strategic leadership and governance.
Essential Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Understanding of good governance and experience of implementing good governance practice in the private, non-profit or public sector
- Experience writing and/or reviewing governance policies and procedures
- Experience of strategic planning and service development
- An enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively
- Understanding of the community and voluntary sector landscape in County Kilkenny
- Recognition of the importance of supporting collective decisions
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Able to manage a wide variety of situations in a meeting and ensure that the outcomes are in the best interest of the organisation
- Commitment to the vision and mission of KVC
Desirable Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Legal background and qualification
- Experience of governance codes and the process involved in becoming compliant
- Board level experience in the non-profit sector
- Knowledge and experience of the Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice)
- Knowledge of the 2014 Companies Act
- Knowledge of the 2009 Charities Act
Time requirement
Approximately 10 hours per year for board meetings with additional time required to read papers and prepare in advance of each meeting, plus involvement in sub-committees and advisory roles. Some weeks there will be no time commitment, on other weeks, 1 – 2 hours may be asked of members.
Training
KVC has a budget set aside for board trustee training, and we encourage all board members to undertake training as part of their role. Training needs will be identified on an ad hoc basis, and also through a board review process.
Application process
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for applying to salena@volunteerkilkenny. Please state “Kilkenny Volunteer Centre Board Vacancy – Law/Governance” in the subject line of your email. The deadline for applications is 31st March 2025.