Chairperson

The Organisation 

The Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) was established in 1979 to promote excellence in funeral directing and to foster cooperation between members - to enable them to provide a better service to their clients. IAFD members conduct 80% of funerals on the island of Ireland. The Association is consulted by government, local authorities, media, interest groups and the general public on matters relating to funerals. IAFD has an established Code of Practice and Quality Standard which must be adhered by all of its members. 

Our members follow our Code of Practice and offer only the highest level of quality and professionalism in funeral services to the communities they serve. 

For more information:  www.iadf.ie  

Our board members: Irish Association Of Funeral Directors 

The Role: 

The Chairperson of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight, ensuring the organisation upholds its vision: 

"To inspire our members to achieve standards of excellence in order to help them serve their communities and represent the funeral sector as one voice in a professional and client-focused manner." 

The Chairperson will guide the board, oversee strategic direction, and advocate for the funeral profession while ensuring that IAFD continues to support its members in delivering high standards of service. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Leadership & Governance 

• Chair board meetings, ensuring productive discussions and effective decision-making. 

• Provide stability and consistency on the board, serving a minimum term of two years. 

• Ensure adherence to best governance practices, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards. 

• Lead the board in fulfilling its fiduciary and strategic responsibilities. 

2. Strategy & Development 

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of IAFD’s strategic objectives as outlined in the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. 

• Ensure the association stays aligned with its mission to support members and serve the community. 

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the funeral profession. 

3. Member & Community Engagement 

• Support initiatives that promote education, training, and excellence among funeral directors. 

• Strengthen relationships with members, suppliers, and partners in the funeral industry. 

• Foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all IAFD members. 

4. Business & Financial Oversight 

• Ensure financial stability and sustainability, working with the board to oversee budgets and funding. 

• Guide business decisions that enhance the IAFD’s long-term success. 

5. Representation & Advocacy 

NB: Advocacy & Representation will mainly fall under the remit of the IAFD President.  

• On occasion, and if appropriate, act as the public face of the IAFD, representing the association in media, government, and industry discussions.  

• Advocate for professional standards and best practices in the funeral sector. 

• On occasion, and if appropriate, engage with key stakeholders to ensure IAFD speaks with one unified voice. 

Essential Skills & Experience: 

• Experienced business leader and board member. 

• Proven ability to chair board meetings effectively, ensuring engagement and accountability. 

• Strong strategic thinking, governance knowledge, and decision-making skills. 

• Excellent communication, advocacy, and relationship-building abilities. 

• Experience in overseeing strategic development and implementation. 

• While an understanding of the funeral industry and the challenges facing members is not essential, openness to gaining understanding of profession is crucial.  

Personal Attributes: 

• Integrity and professionalism, ensuring ethical leadership. 

• Commitment to IAFD’s mission and long-term success. 

• Empathy and diplomacy, given the sensitive nature of the profession. 

• Ability to inspire and motivate others in a collaborative environment. 

Board Meetings 

There are twelve meetings per year, usually held on the third Thursday of each month except for the pre-AGM meeting in November which takes place on a Friday, with the AGM which takes place on a Saturday.  Half the board meetings are held in person in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and half are held online. Online board meetings run from 2pm to 5pm, with in-person meetings running from 10am to 4pm.  This schedule is subject to review. 

Committee meetings: 

There are two committees: Audit & Risk and Redress & Mediation.  The Chair is not expected to sit on either committee, however, there will occasionally be groups established to work on short-term projects that may arise. Committee meetings are typically one hour in duration.