Chairperson

The Organisation:

Age Action was established in 1992 and is the leading advocacy organisation for ageing and older people in Ireland. Age Action is values-led and aims to achieve a more equal Ireland for all of us as we age. 

With a head office in Dublin and offices in Cork and Galway, Age Action’s services are available in the 26 counties of Ireland. 

In late 2023, after an extensive consultation and organisation review, we launched our 2024-2026 strategy. This strategy sets out a ten-year ambition for Ireland with three-year aims and objectives.  

Age Action has ambitious plans and is now seeking a chairperson to lead the board and support the CEO in the delivery of that ambition.  

As a values-led organisation Age Action promotes a positive culture and workplace for staff and volunteers. We appreciate the contribution that our people make and we try to demonstrate that through our actions. 

We are looking for a chairperson who will lead the board and support the executive to continuously improve our values-based approach.  

Website:          Home Page - Age Action | For all older people

Board:             Meet our team - Age Action | For all older people

The Role:

The Chairperson of Age Action plays a key role in the governance and oversight of Age Action. The board of Age Action places significant importance on good governance and risk management. The Chairperson, supported by board sub-committees, ensures that general trustee duties of the board are fulfilled.  

If you believe in equality for all, share Age Action’s values, and have the time to lead an organisation of committed staff and volunteers, you will enjoy this role. 

Our work is underpinned by Human Rights and our decisions by our values. The board works to ensure our limited resources are used appropriately, and with good effect in delivering our mission.  A good chairperson will ensure we make decisions in an informed and timely manner. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and governance of the Board to create the conditions for overall Board and individual Director effectiveness and ensures that all key and appropriate issues are discussed by the Board in a timely manner. 

• Ensures that board practice upholds Age Action Ireland policies and values statement. 

• Promotes effective relationships and open communication among Board members and with the CEO. 

• Creates an environment that allows constructive debates on challenges among board members and between the board and CEO. 

• Ensures that the Board, plays a full and constructive part in the development and determination of the organisation's strategies and policies, and that Board decisions taken are in the organisations best interests and fairly reflect Board consensus. 

• Sets, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Company Secretary, the Board meeting schedule and agenda to take full account of the important issues facing the organisation and the concerns of all Directors and ensures that adequate time is available for thorough discussion of critical and strategic issues. 

• Working with the CEO, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, the Governance & Risk Committee and other Board Committee Chairs as required, ensures that the Board is properly briefed on issues arising for discussion at Board meetings. 

• Ensures annual Board review of its effectiveness; Board understanding of the distinct role of CEO & Directors; Directors understanding of their role and relationship with CEO/staff; and identification of training or development needs. 

• Ensures annual appraisal of CEO. 

• Working with Committee Chairs and Board members ensures all Board meetings and Committees operate effectively and efficiently i.e., meeting regularly; delivery of tasks; good timekeeping and records etc. 

Skills and Experience Required:

This is an exciting time to lead Ireland’s lead advocacy organisation on ageing and older people. With a range of developed policies, important services and a newly developed strategic plan, Age Action has ambition to achieve measurable change in the next few years.  

The successful candidate will be: 

• an experienced non-executive trustee/Board member, ideally with experience as a chair or in a leadership role, or proven ability to lead and inspire a team. 

• may have extensive committee or board experience, but not at Chairperson level, and is ready for the next step. 

• a strategic thinker with ability to see the big picture and guide long-term planning. 

• of the highest ethical standards with a commitment to transparency and accountability. 

• financially literate with a good understanding of financial statements, budgets, and resource allocation. 

• an effective communicator. 

• committed to collaboration. 

• knowledgeable of best practice in relation to good governance. 

• experienced in the not-for-profit sector and in fundraising and its challenges.  

• adaptable and flexible with an ability to navigate challenges and changing circumstances 

Age Action operates in the community and voluntary sector, while not essential, some knowledge of this sector would be an advantage.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee:

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity.
• Act with reasonable care and skill.
• Manage the assets of your charity.

Board Meetings:

There are approximately 9 board meetings a year.  Meetings are held online or in the Dublin city centre, and are held between 12 and 1.30 pm.  Other duties arise during the year such as attendance at committee meetings, strategy days etc.