Director with legal experience

Voluntary Housing Support Services (VHSS) is a company limited by guarantee and based in Limerick. It provides a range of services to volunteer led Approved Housing Bodies. Its board of directors consists of representatives of a number of the Approved Housing Bodies that avail of its services.

General duties of the board of directors include the following:

• Comply with VHSS’s governing document
• Ensure that VHSS complies with its charitable purpose for the public benefit
• Act in the best interests of VHSS
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Manage the assets of VHSS

Day to day operational matters and the delivery of VHSS services to its 28 member organisations are provided by a Manager and five other staff members. Of these 28 Approved Housing Bodies, 21 are based in Co. Limerick and the other 7 are based in counties Tipperary, Cork, Clare, Offaly and Kildare.   

VHSS is seeking an individual with a proven record in legal practice to join the board of directors. He/she should be a qualified solicitor or barrister, with at least five years experience. Expertise in areas that relate to housing and property, such as landlord/tenancy issues, contract law and conveyancing would be an advantage. Experience in employment law and company law would also be of benefit.

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Have an input into the strategic direction of VHSS, contributing with insight, oversight and experience of strategy formation in other areas/sectors that the director may have worked in.
• Act as legal counsel, assisting on legal aspects of VHSS and pertaining to best practice.
• Liaising and engaging with VHSS’s solicitor, accountants and auditors as may be required from time to time.
• Assist with the creation of strategic plans which will comply with current legislation and best practice principles.
• Helping to ensure that VHSS is compliant with good governance principles and practices. 

There will be four board meetings per annum, though other meetings may also be required from time to time. 

Meetings are usually held in Adare, Co Limerick or in Limerick City and are held in person.