Legal & Governance Trustee

The Organisation:  

We’re a charity, a social enterprise, an all-island of Ireland business – with a mission. To create a world-class community finance system that works tirelessly towards ensuring that positive social impact is felt – not just dreamt. 

And we’re getting there. 

Ever since we first opened our doors, in 1995, we’ve worked with capital providers & clients to help see the change and make the change, across the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector. 

Today we’re the most progressive social finance provider on the island of Ireland, with a footprint in every community on the island. 

But there’s still more to be done. 

General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee  

• Comply with the Charity’s governing document. 

• Ensuring the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit. 

• Acting in the best interest of the charity 

• Act with Reasonable Care and Skill 

• Manage the assets of the charity. 

The Role:  

Community Finance Ireland is seeking a Governance professional to serve as a Trustee across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A legal background is preferred, though expertise in charitable law is also highly desirable. 

Essential Criteria: 

• A governance professional with comprehensive knowledge across various sectors, including corporate, public, charitable, or community development, or with relevant experience serving these sectors. 

• Confident in acting as the primary point of contact for the board on all governance-related matters within the charity. 

• Willing to provide strategic governance advice, ensuring alignment with the charity’s overall objectives. 

• A deep understanding and appreciation of the not-for-profit sector. 

• Strong commitment to the charity’s mission and values. 

• Dedication to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. 

• A current or former professional with extensive experience in governance at a senior level. 

• In-depth experience and expertise in governance compliance, ideally within the charity sector, including familiarity with charity regulation and compliance. 

Desirable Skills: 

• Professional experience or board-level involvement in the not-for-profit, charitable, or community development sectors. 

• Understanding of a social impact-driven ethos is an asset. 

• Familiarity with the regulatory frameworks of the Charity Commission in Northern Ireland and the Charity Regulator in the Republic of Ireland. 

• Ability and willingness to serve as an ambassador for the charity. 

Board Meetings: 

Currently there will be 6 board meetings per year. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month (10.30 – 12.30), every two months.  AGM usually held after June Board meeting. 

Member expected to join 2 Subcommittees matched to specific skills and requirements. The Governance Trustee will also be Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. 

Meetings are conducted in a Hybrid model, virtually, and in physical locations in both Northern Ireland (Belfast) and the Republic of Ireland. 

Board meetings generally last 1.5 hr but scheduled for 2 hours.