Board Member – Legal & Governance

Voluntary Commitment: This is a voluntary, unpaid Board role.

About Breaking Through

Breaking Through is a national charity established 26 years ago. We place a strong emphasis on high-quality governance, transparency and accountability. We won a Good Governance Award in 2022 and were shortlisted again in 2023 and 2025, reflecting our ongoing commitment to best practice. We are also a Triple Locked member of Charities Institute Ireland.

Role Title: Board Member – Legal & Governance

Purpose of the Role

This role will provide expert guidance on legal compliance, governance standards and regulatory responsibilities, supporting the Board and the National Director to ensure Breaking Through continues to operate to best‑practice standards.

The role will also provide strategic guidance to the Company Secretary (currently the National Director), ensuring our governance documentation, filings, records and processes remain strong, compliant and future‑focused.

Our Board Culture

Our Board works in a highly collaborative, respectful and supportive way. We value constructive contribution, kindness, good judgement and a steady, solutions‑focused approach. We are seeking someone who will complement this positive dynamic and contribute to a Board culture that is professional, warm and free from politics.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance Oversight

• Advise on compliance with the Charities Governance Code, Companies Act and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Support the strengthening of governance policies, procedures and Board systems.

•Support the Board in promoting transparent, ethical governance practices and ensuring that governance documentation is clear, accurate and up to date.

2. Legal & Regulatory Guidance

• Provide high‑level legal guidance on contracts, agreements, regulatory obligations, organisational risk, data protection and GDPR.

• Provide governance‑level guidance on employment‑related policies and responsibilities (not individual HR matters).

• Support the Board in identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risks.

3. Company Secretarial Guidance

(You do not become the Company Secretary — you provide guidance and support.)

• Provide strategic advice to the Company Secretary to ensure statutory filings, record‑keeping and governance documentation meet best practice.

• Support oversight of AGM documentation, annual reports and the governance calendar.

4. Risk & Assurance

• Contribute to the organisation’s risk management framework.

• Support the Board in reviewing governance and organisational policies to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

5. Board Contribution

• Attend approximately five Board meetings per year (two in-person and three online).

• Provide advice on governance, legal and compliance matters as needed.

• Support the Board Chair and National Director to uphold high standards of organisational oversight.

Skills & Experience Required

• Professional background in charity law, company law, governance, compliance or related legal fields.
• Strong understanding of the Charities Governance Code, Companies Act, GDPR and expectations set by the Charities Regulator.
• Integrity, balanced judgement, confidentiality and commitment to high‑quality governance.
• A collaborative, supportive and values‑aligned approach.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 6–8 touchpoints per year (4 Board meetings, 2 online and 2 in person plus an AGM plus occasional consultation).
• Light but meaningful involvement at key governance milestones (annual returns, policy reviews, contract oversight).

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a high‑performing, award‑recognised Irish charity.
• A warm, professional Board with a strong commitment to positive culture and shared purpose.
• A strategic, oversight‑focused role that respects your time and expertise.
• The chance to shape the future governance of a small, impactful national organisation.