Charity Trustee and Board Member with Legal Expertise

Reports to: Board Chairperson  

Time Commitment: Varies (typically could be 2 – 5 hours per month, including attendance at virtual meetings) 

Term: In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution 

Key Responsibilities of Directors 

The Parkinson's Ireland (PI) Board of Directors is responsible for setting and overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, rather than a direct involvement in the day-to-day operations.  The Board also has a responsibility to ensure that the highest standards of operations and governance are followed. 

Appointment 

Board members are nominated, appointed and serve in accordance with the provisions of PI’s Constitution. Board members are elected by members at the Annual General Meeting and may for the terms outlined in the Constitution and in accordance with the Charities Regulator’s Governance Code. Board members may also be co-opted to the Board at any stage during the year until the next AGM. Board members cannot receive payment for their role and cannot be employees of the organisation. All board members should also be members of PI.  

Execution of duties 

The Board of Directors has the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of PI. While Officers (Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) have specific responsibilities as outlined in role descriptions, all directors are equally and collectively responsible in law for the board’s actions and decisions, and have equal status as directors of the board. As PI is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, Board members are subject to the provisions of company law and charity law. Board members’ liability is limited. 

Duties of Directors 

Below is an outline of the main duties involved in being an PI director. These duties should be read in association with the Constitution, the Directors Code of Conduct; the Board Handbook and with other governance documents including those on confidentiality, conflict of interest, division of responsibility and the schedule of matters reserved for the board. 

More information on the duties of directors is contained in the Board Handbook and also in this guide published by the Charities Regulatory Authority. 

1. Vision and Leadership:  

• To review and ensure the relevance of the vision, mission and strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that organisational activity supports the vision, mission and aims.  

• To be committed at all times to the vision, mission and aims of PI and to act with integrity in the interests of PI and of its beneficiaries.  

• To provide strategic direction, including approving and monitoring strategic and operational plans. 

• To approve major actions proposed, such as capital expenditures and significant programme or service changes. 

• To monitor all areas of the organisation's performance and ensure that its work is evaluated. Annually review the performance of the Board and take steps to improve its performance. 

• Attend and actively participate in regular board meeting and sub- committee meetings as appropriate. 

2. Accountability and Legal/ Regulatory Responsibilities  

• To ensure that PI complies with the provisions of its Constitution 

• To ensure the organisation adheres to all legal and regulatory obligations, including charity and company law; and fulfils its reporting responsibilities. 

• To ensure that the organisation meets and maintains best practice in standards of charity governance and organisational quality. Approve policies and procedures that enable this goal. 

• To ensure that risks to the organisation are identified and managed. 

• To ensure that the organisation operates transparently and provides appropriate information to stakeholders, members, funders and the public. 

3. Financial Management  

• To approve and monitor an annual budget in accordance with the annual Operational Plan. 

• To understand the financial position of the organisation and ensure that there are adequate financial resources in place. 

• To ensure that all money, property and resources are properly used, managed and accounted for. To make appropriate investment decisions. 

• To ensure that proper books of account are maintained and that the organisation operates within its agreed accounting policies.  

• To review and approve annual audited financial statements. 

• To appoint independent auditors subject to approval by members. 

• To contribute to fundraising strategies and activities. Assist with and contribute to fundraising efforts by leveraging personal and professional networks. 

• To ensure the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities.  

4. Human Resources  

• To ensure the organisation is a responsible employer and adheres to employment legislation.  

• To ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for staff (including volunteers). 

• To delegate to the CEO responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation and to hold the CEO accountable for the execution of agreed strategies and plans. 

• To effectively support the CEO in the execution of his/her duties.

5. Board Development: 

• Engage in board development, including training and continuous improvement of governance practices. 

• Support board recruitment and onboarding of new members. 

6. Other Duties 

• To establish and delegate specific tasks to sub-committees, to participate in sub-committees where appropriate and to hold sub-committees accountable. 

• To attend the Annual General Meeting and any other General Meetings. To attend other major PI events and meetings where possible. 

• To keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues of its work. Engage with beneficiaries, volunteers, and other key stakeholders to gather insights and feedback. 

• Serve as an ambassador for PI, representing its interests to external stakeholders (e.g., donors, branch members, government officials). 

Requirements: 

• Commitment to PI’s Mission: Passion for PI’s purpose and goals. This includes being available to attend the monthly virtual Board meetings and in person at the AGM.  

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision setting. 

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgets, financial reports, and basic financial oversight (may be more critical for certain board roles like Treasurer). 

• Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with other board members, staff, and volunteers. 

• Governance Knowledge: Familiarity with nonprofit governance practices, or willingness to learn. 

• Fundraising Capability: Experience in fundraising or a willingness to support fundraising efforts. 

• Integrity and Independence: Acts ethically and with impartiality in all board activities. 

• Subject matter expertise: be the ‘go to;’ person in their specific area of expertise and support the CEO and Board as required.  

Benefits of Being a Board Member: 

• The opportunity to contribute to the betterment of society and your community. 

• Networking opportunities with professionals and community leaders. 

• Leadership and governance experience that can enhance your professional skills. 

• Personal satisfaction of helping a charity achieve its mission and goals.