CIPS Board of Directors

Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is a company limited by guarantee and is fully funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (CIB). CIPS provides a national service which is available to the public via multiple channels including telephone and web chat. The service supports people throughout their lifecycle by providing information and advice, where required, by supportive referrals to other agencies delivering advocacy services. The service is impartial, confidential, and without charge. Information is provided on civil and social rights, responsibilities and entitlements. CIPS also makes key contributions to other elements of the CIB's remit, such as social policy input; the provision of support to the deaf community via our web chat service, and the provision of support to information-givers throughout the regional Citizens Information Service (CIS) companies, also funded by CIB.

The CIPS Board typically meets at least six times a year, in our offices at Nessan House, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork. Meetings are usually held in person, however provision to tele-conference can be arranged. The Board also has a number of sub-committees, these are:

• Finance Audit & Risk (FAR) committee
• Human Resources (HR) committee
• Nominations
• Service Delivery (SD) committee

Membership of Board sub-committees requires attendance at meetings and further time commitment.

Board members must demonstrate the following essential knowledge and experience, have an understanding of the values and importance of providing valuable services nationally and have governance experience and expertise. The core attitudes and values that the candidate should demonstrate are

• An understanding of the work and remit of the Citizens Information Phone Services and the wider environment in which the Citizens Information Services operates.
• The ability to critically analyse information, constructively challenge the opinions of others, work to a shared consensus and accept collective responsibility for the Board decisions.
• A strong awareness of good governance, including the ability to understand Board level financial data, together with an appreciation of budgeting and sound financial management practices in relation to the 100% state funding received from the CIB.
• The ability to take a broad perspective on the future strategic development of the organisation and its services.
• A strong sense of ethics and integrity together with a clear understanding of good governance practices including the role and responsibilities of Boards and of individual Directors in a modern context.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• A working knowledge of relevant legislation and obligations that Company must adhere to e.g. Companies Act, Charities Act, Data Protection Legislation.
• The ability to work effectively with others and act to address any conflict which may arise.

We are currently seeking a Board member with the following key Skills & Experience.

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in senior IT leadership, digital transformation, or cybersecurity roles.
• Strategic Technology Leadership: Sponsor and input into the development of a digital and technology strategy that supports the charity’s mission, operational efficiency, and future growth.
• Governance and Compliance Oversight: Ensure the board treats digital resilience and the ethical use of AI as strategic risks. This includes guiding compliance with data protection (GDPR) and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
• Operational Advisory: Provide oversight into the adoption of digital tools and cloud strategies, to maximize service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Resource and Risk Management: Identify and monitor key IT risks, ensuring appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place
• Emerging Tech Proficiency: A working knowledge of how AI and automation can enhance program effectiveness.
• Governance Knowledge: Understanding of the legal duties of a trustee.