Role Profile: Trustee/Board member
Down Syndrome Ireland is currently seeking to recruit a Trustee/Board member with strong finance experience.
About Down Syndrome Ireland
Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status. It consists of a National Office based in Dublin 12 and 25 branches nationwide and has over 100 employees throughout the country. The branches are run almost exclusively by volunteer parents supported by employees in some cases and provide a wide range of vital services and social opportunities to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families, including speech and language therapy, early development, education and adult education, employment and independence.
The National Office in Dublin 12 consists of a small executive team, accompanied by central functions and a member support team that provide support from cradle to grave.
Our Mission
DSI supports people with Down syndrome and their families in their communities. We strive to provide consistent, high-quality advice, support and information to every person with Down syndrome to ensure that whatever their stage of life, they have a network to support them.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We strive to create a society where people with Down syndrome are supported, valued as integral members of their communities and we demonstrate that inclusivity in our own work.
Passion: We strive to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families through our work and support nationwide.
Integrity: We act with honesty, accountability, and professionalism at all levels of the organisation.
Respect: Everyone should be supported to live a meaningful, rewarding, healthy, and happy life.
Collaborative: Together we are stronger. Sharing information, knowledge and expertise improves outcomes for everyone both locally and nationally.
Role overview
Board members are non-executive directors with collective responsibility for the effective governance, strategic direction and financial sustainability of Down Syndrome Ireland. Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the Board sets the organisation’s strategic direction, ensures strong governance and oversight, and upholds DSI’s mission, values and charitable purpose
Key responsibilities
We are seeking a Trustee/Board member with strong operational finance expertise, including financial management, controls, reporting and organisational financial operations. The role requires the ability to apply financial insight through a risk management and strategic governance lens, supporting robust decision-making at board level.
Governance and Oversight
Fulfil the legal duties of a company director and charity trustee, including acting in the best interests of Down Syndrome Ireland and its members, exercising due care, skill and diligence, and ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements
Ensure high standards of governance and best practice including compliance with the Charities Regulators requirements.
Ensure that DSI is complying with its charitable purpose of supporting members with Down Syndrome and their families.
Policy development and implementation as required.
Strategic Input
Contribute to the development, approval, implementation and oversight of the strategic direction of the organisation.
Actively participate in meetings, offering ideas, healthy debate and challenge, particularly in the areas where you have most expertise and experience.
Financial management and control
Ensure the financial sustainability and long-term viability of the organisation and the proper investment of DSI’s funds.
Oversee financial controls, risk management and protection of DSI’s assets.
Support the oversight and development of financial policies and procedures.
Ideal Candidates
Qualified Chartered Accountant with senior level experience in the area of finance including strong operational finance expertise, financial management, controls, reporting and organisational financial operations.
Ability to work strategically, while maintaining appropriate non-executive boundaries.
An understanding of and commitment to DSI’s mission and values and an affinity with the Down Syndrome community.
High level communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively and to challenge constructively within a board setting.
Must be able to dedicate sufficient time for board meetings and to carry out their duties as a board member.
Previous board experience is preferable but is not essential.
Time commitment
There are 11 board meetings a year, 6 of which are held in-person and the remainder are conducted online. The in-person meetings take place from 10am to 2pm on a Saturday. The online meetings generally last 2 hours and take place on a weekday evening.
DSI is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from those who are under-represented at board level. Down Syndrome Ireland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with additional needs. All board members are required to support a strong safeguarding culture and will be subject to appropriate vetting and safeguarding training as part of their induction.
Application Process
Candidates are invited to submit a CV and short cover letter outlining their motivation and relevant experience to Karin.Lanigan@charteredaccountants,ie by Friday the 16th of Janary. Should you have any queries about the role please call me on 01 637 7331.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet members of the Board/Nomination subcommittee.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and vetting.
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