Open Call for Expression of Interest in Board Director (Charity Trustee)

The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation is seeking to add three new Trustees to its Board of Directors to continue leading on the work of the Board in line with its Strategic Plan 2022-2026. 

While this is an open call seeking to reach out to all persons with an interest in serving on the Glencree Board, we would particularly like to hear from those with skills and expertise in the following areas: 

• Peacebuilding 

• Marketing and Communications 

• Fundraising 

• Information technology 

We are conscious that the make-up of our Board, as the strategic decision maker, should represent the diversity of the individuals and groups that we work with to transform conflict, promote reconciliation, encourage healthy relationships, and build sustainable peace.  We are actively seeking a diverse applicant pool, who have a strong interest and passion for the work that we do, and encourage candidates of all backgrounds, faiths, ages, ethnicities, gender and identities, from all over the island of Ireland to apply. 

Background 

Glencree contributes to developing the conditions and relationships that support peace and reconciled communities across the island of Ireland, within Northern Ireland, between Ireland and the UK, and internationally. Our mission is to prevent and transform violent conflict by engaging people in dialogue, trust and relationship building.  

Much of our work takes place at our Peace Centre in the Wicklow mountains, a welcoming place of hospitality and friendliness, a quiet, strong space, surrounded by nature and steeped in history. We also work within the communities we serve. We bring together former enemies, opposing political factions, people who have suffered tremendous trauma, distrust or feel hatred toward the other, and provide an enabling environment where they can talk and listen to each other as they seek to transform divisive relationships. 

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is a nonprofit, non-governmental organisation and a registered charity in the Republic of Ireland. Registered Charity No. CHY5943. Our organisation has grown in strength and stability in recent years and benefits from a dynamic and committed Executive Team. We also pride ourselves on full compliance with the Charities Governance Code and have embedded a governance and management structure that is:   

• an example of best practice of governance;  

• not for profit;  

• truly representative of wide interests;  

• robust and legally coherent;  

• straightforward, transparent and effective;  

• independent of political and other influences;  

• acceptable to all stakeholders;  

• accountable at every level. 

Location:  Board meetings will be held at our Peace Centre in Glencree, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 D635 or remotely by Zoom. While in person meetings are preferable, hybrid meetings are the norm, to accommodate busy schedules. 

Remuneration: Non-remunerated – this is a voluntary position. Vouched and approved expenses are reimbursable.  

Time Commitment: Approximately six Board meetings (3-hour duration) per annum with time required for preparatory reading, and additional time commitments (estimated at 1-2 hours per month) on membership of sub-committees. Board members may be asked to represent the Board on certain occasions, depending on their availability and interests.  

Time of Meetings:  These have generally taken place during the day (between 10am-4pm) mid-week, however, flexibility is there to accommodate new board members. 

Functions of the Board and Duties of Directors 

Glencree is governed by a voluntary board of Directors. Our Board members receive no payments and serve two terms of three years. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction and control of the company. It is responsible for the system of internal financial control and oversight responsibility for the activities of the organisation.  

The Board delegates to the management and sub-committees in specific areas such as governance, audit, risk, programmes and nominations. All sub-committee recommendations arising are then presented to the Board for approval. Each sub-committee includes two directors from the board and is chaired by a board member and is supported by the Secretariat. The Chair of the sub-committee is responsible for reporting on its activities on a timely basis to the Board. The current Board composition and sub-committee membership can be viewed here Glencree Board & organogram.  Members of the Board will be expected to play key roles in relation to the direction, leadership and governance of the organisation. Directors have legal duties and obligations imposed by the Charities Regulator, other statutes and common law. Directors must act in good faith, act honestly and responsibly and act according to the company's Constitution. 

The Board of Directors is responsible for:  

• the employment of senior executives to the company;  

• establishing and ensuring the implementation of policy objectives based upon current and future agreed strategies for the organisation;  

• overseeing and maintaining the financial health of the organisation;  

• ensuring the highest standards of governance and transparency;  

• enabling and delegating to sub-committees/working groups prudent decision-making powers  

Personal Specification 

Glencree encourages applications from all backgrounds, especially those currently unrepresented on our board. While previous experience as a board director in the not-for-profit sector is desirable, Glencree is interested in supporting those who wish to develop their governance skills, while contributing their knowledge and lived experiences to bring a wider perspective to the board and organisation. The applicant should have a strong ability to work with, engage and communicate on a voluntary Board. Confidentially and engendering trusted relationships is at the heart of what we do, and this will be a key requirement of the role.  

We particularly encourage applications from previous participants in Glencree programmes across the island, and people who are D/deaf, neurodivergent & disabled, LGBTQIA+, Minority Ethnic, Black & Persons of Colour, Roma, a member of the Travelling Community, and lie in age profile different to the current board composition. 

Selection Criteria 

Selection criteria used in the recruitment process will be based on good practice. It will include:  (i) expertise (relevant skills and qualifications, where applicable) and (ii) practical relevant experience (networks, community connections, interest, and commitment in the area of  Glencree’s work). Glencree will aim to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers in its selection processes. 

How to Apply 

Please submit a written application by email of no more than two pages collated in a single attachment, with Expression of Interest: Board Director in the subject line  . Your application should include a short cover letter which clearly specifies your particular background and experience, and how this will contribute to Glencree’s mission, along with your CV.

All applications to be made via Boardmatch.

Queries should be sent to helen.irish@glencree.ie.  

The deadline for applications is 5.00p.m. Sunday 15th December 2024