Chairperson

Louth Volunteer Centre exists to support, promote and strengthen volunteering across County Louth. Our vision is "a thriving County Louth where volunteering strengthens communities and enriches lives." Every year, we work alongside volunteers, community groups, schools and charities to turn goodwill into meaningful, well-supported action that benefits people across the county.

With our new Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 recently approved, and LEADER funding just secured to deliver the 2nd County Louth Volunteering Framework, this is a pivotal moment in the organisation's development. We are now seeking expressions of interest from people available to take on the role of Chairperson, succeeding our current Chair who steps down in May 2027. We are recruiting well ahead of that date to allow a proper handover, so the incoming Chair can shadow board meetings, build relationships with the Board and staff team, and take up the role with real confidence and continuity.

About the Role

The Chairperson provides strategic leadership to the Board and works closely with the Volunteer Centre Manager to guide the organisation through this next phase of growth. The role supports strong governance by ensuring the Board functions effectively, decisions are made and followed through, and the staff team is supported to deliver on our vision with clarity and confidence. Our Board has consistently upheld best practice in governance and finance, and was shortlisted for a good governance award in 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Previous experience chairing a board or committee
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a governing body, including the Charities Governance Code
• Awareness of the operating environment for non-profits in Ireland's Community & Voluntary sector
• A commitment to the vision and mission of Louth Volunteer Centre, and the time required to lead effectively at Board level
• A genuine belief in the value of volunteering — for volunteers, the organisations and people they support, and the wider community

What You'll Contribute As Chairperson

As Chairperson, you will:

• Communicate the organisation's vision and purpose clearly, working closely with the Board and the Volunteer Centre Manager
• Chair Board meetings, ensuring agendas are focused, discussion is effective, and meetings run well within their timeframe
• Work with the Board and management to keep the organisation fit for purpose as it delivers the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to Board discussions, and ensure decisions made are followed through
• Stay alert to sector developments, policy changes and emerging issues that could affect the organisation
• Advocate for and represent Louth Volunteer Centre at external meetings and events, including in relation to the 2nd County Volunteering Framework
• Support a smooth leadership transition ahead of May 2027, working alongside the outgoing Chair

Why Volunteer With Us?

By chairing the Board of Louth Volunteer Centre, you will help shape how volunteering is led, valued and supported across County Louth at a defining moment for the organisation — as we deliver a new five-year strategy and shape the next County Volunteering Framework. Your leadership will directly support an organisation that enables thousands of volunteer hours each year and strengthens hundreds of community and voluntary organisations to better serve their communities.

This is a chance to lead long-term strategy, guide a dedicated staff team, and help realise a vision of volunteering that truly enriches lives across County Louth.

Time Commitment

• 9 Board meetings per year, roughly every 6 weeks, with at least one in-person meeting per quarter
• Quarterly sub-committee meetings as required
• Additional time for handover with the outgoing Chair ahead of May 2027