Research and Services Committee – seeking 2 Members

About 

Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage. 

The charity provides low-threshold entry services, primarily to younger people and vulnerable adults with complex needs and offers pathways out of homelessness based on the principles of the Housing First model. 

Peter McVerry Trust’s national headquarters are located in Dublin. The charity currently has a Mid-West regional office in Limerick City, a North-East regional office in Drogheda, Co Louth, a Mid-East regional office in Johnstown, Co Kildare, and a Southern regional office in Cork City. 

In 2025, the charity worked with over 9,000 people across Ireland. 

Vision: 

An Ireland that supports all those on the margins and upholds their rights to full inclusion in society. 

For more information: 

Our Vision - https://pmvtrust.ie/about-us/our-vision/

Board Members: https://pmvtrust.ie/about-us/ceo-management/ 

The Role: 

Peter McVerry Trust is seeking to appoint 2 experienced professionals to serve on its Research and Services Committee. The Research and Services Committee is a formal committee of the Board with delegated authority to oversee research and services provided by Peter McVerry Trust. The Research and Services Committee provides strategic oversight and guidance on research activities, service development, and service delivery. The Committee ensures that research initiatives align with organisational objectives and that services meet the needs of participants & stakeholders while maintaining quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Keep the needs of participants at the center of decision-making.
• Identify research priorities and opportunities. 
• Review research findings critically. 
• Promote evidence-based decision-making. 
• Evaluate service performance and impact. 
• Interpret data and evidence. 
• Contribute strategically to service development. 
• Support good governance and accountability. 
• Develop and review PMVT’s research strategy. 
• Report to, and make recommendations to, the Board & Executive Team on matters within the Committee's remit. 

Skills and Experience Required: 

• Commitment to Peter McVerry Trust’s vision, mission and values. 
• Ability to assess whether services are meeting beneficiary needs. 
• Experience working with marginalized groups, homeless services, addiction services, or complex social care environments would be advantageous. 
• Understanding of charity governance principles. 
• Awareness of legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately. 
• Understanding of service planning, delivery, and evaluation while adhering to governance and compliance requirements 
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills. 
• Understanding of how research can inform service development and organisational strategy. 
• Capacity to assess risks and opportunities. 
• Ensure Health and Safety requirements and regulations are being met and up-held across all services 
• Awareness of relevant policy developments, funding trends, and research developments. 
• Ability to identify opportunities for service enhancement and innovation 
• Capacity to identify emerging trends, needs, and opportunities relevant to our participants. 
• Knowledge of how services are planned, delivered, monitored, and evaluated. Experience in reviewing evidence, reports, data, and service outcomes. 
• Appreciation of quality standards and continuous improvement approaches. 
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest. 
• Previous committee experience is desirable. 

Commitment: 

• Members of the Research and Services Committee will be appointed for a period of three years with the possibility of reappointment for a second term at the direction of the board. 
• The Committee meets online, approximately four times per year, with occasional additional meetings as required. 
• Advance notifications of meetings are given. Meetings typically last 1.5 hours 
• Preparation and review of papers in advance of meetings. Participation in email discussions between meetings can take place. 
• Occasional ad-hoc input as required. 
• This is a voluntary role; reasonable expenses may be reimbursed where applicable.