Board Member  

The Organisation: 

Neurodiversity Ireland is a community-driven organisation founded by neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent children. 

Neurodiversity Ireland is committed to: Educating the Community, Supporting Neurodivergent Children, and Advocating for an equitable future. 

Neurodiversity Ireland is dedicated to creating properly inclusive environments, where neurodivergent children and their families are respected, supported, and celebrated. Neurodiversity Ireland promotes understanding of neurodiversity and inclusion across communities nationwide. The charity works to eliminate the stigma often faced by neurodivergent children through education and grassroots campaigns, promoting understanding and inclusion across communities. The organisation is committed to learning and growing together as a community. 

The charity aims to acquire a property in Dublin to serve as a centre of excellence for neurodiversity, a hub for support, offering an eclectic range of services such as occupational therapy, communication and psychological support, education, and family and sibling support all under one roof. 

Neurodiversity Ireland also runs afterschool clubs and mid-term and summer camps for children who would otherwise have limited opportunities for such activities. These child-led activities are designed and guided by occupational therapists, with a high ratio of staff, who include additional needs assistants.  These clubs and camps are a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent children to see and play with other neurodivergent children and to experience authentic neurodivergent experiences, finding connections and confidence in themselves. 
Neurodiversity Ireland is building a future where neurodivergent children and their families are supported to participate in all aspects of community life, fostering a more inclusive society. 

The Role: 

Neurodiversity Ireland is seeking a qualified accountant to join their Board as a Board member. The ideal candidate will have extensive finance experience and strong financial oversight skills. As a key member of the Board, they will collaborate effectively with fellow board members and the wider organisation, contributing to the charity’s growth and success.

General duties of a Charity Trustee 

• Ensuring the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Managing the assets of the charity. 

Role Responsibilities: 

• Financial Oversight: Review financial statements to ensure they align with objectives and comply with legal standards. Monitor and evaluate the organisation's financial health and risk management processes.
• Risk Management:  Oversee the management of financial risks, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Audit and Compliance: Provide oversight for audit preparations and compliance, ensuring adherence to all financial regulations and standards.
• Strategic Financial Advice: Provide strategic financial guidance to the board and management to support decision-making and ensure financial sustainability. Assist in shaping and approving budgets that align with the organisation's goals.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of financial strategies that support the organisation’s long-term goals. Contribute to the development of financial strategies, especially in light of the organisation's expansion plans.
• Active Engagement in Board Meetings and Leadership of the Finance Committee  Active engagement in board meetings and leading the Finance Committee is a key responsibility. This involves adopting a collaborative approach and ensuring availability to attend and participate fully in board meetings. Additionally, it requires helping the board maintain compliance with relevant governance codes, such as the CRA Governance Code.

Skills and Experience required

• Finance Expertise: Neurodiversity Ireland is seeking a qualified accountant to join their Board as a Board member. The ideal candidate will have extensive finance experience and strong financial oversight skills. As a key member of the Board, they will collaborate effectively with fellow board members and the wider organisation, contributing to the charity’s growth and success.
• Board Experience: The suitable candidate must have prior board experience, which is essential for this role. While experience in the not-for-profit sector is valued, it is not a requirement. Relevant board experience in the commercial or private sector is equally welcomed and will be considered highly relevant.
• Proficiency in Financial Risk Oversight: The ideal candidate should demonstrate a high level of expertise in financial risk oversight, with the ability to guide the organisation in identifying, evaluating, and managing financial risks effectively. They will oversee the implementation of robust financial controls, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and support strategies that protect the charity’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
• Understanding of Startup Challenges and Opportunities: The candidate should have a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a startup organisation. They should be committed to supporting the organisation's mission and helping foster its growth in alignment with its objectives.
• Passion for Community Impact: A genuine passion for community impact is essential, particularly a strong commitment to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. The candidate should share the organisation's vision and be dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community.
• Compliance and Governance: The candidate should possess a strong understanding of and commitment to governance standards, specifically those outlined in the Charities Regulator's Governance Code. They should be dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance within the organisation.
• Team Player and Time Availability: The ideal candidate must be a collaborative team player, capable of engaging effectively with board members, management, and stakeholders. They should also have sufficient time available to attend board meetings, participate in committees, and dedicate time to reviewing materials and actively supporting the charity’s ongoing activities.

Board Meetings: 

Board meetings are held circa 8 times a year, typically on Tuesdays at 7 pm, mostly online with occasional in-person meetings. As the charity grows, meeting times may be adjusted to accommodate evolving needs. Committee meetings are adapting as the charity expands.  Trustees are encouraged to participate in or lead committees, with opportunities for further involvement in working groups as necessary. In this instance, the Finance Trustee will also be expected to lead a Finance Committee.