Trustees of HIV Ireland

Overview

HIV Ireland is a voluntary non-governmental organisation which provides a range of services and supports to people living with HIV and which advocates on behalf of people with HIV.

Formed in 1987, HIV Ireland has also developed programmes and initiatives around sexual health education and preventative strategies to reduce the contraction and transmission of HIV. Since its establishment HIV Ireland has consistently engaged in policy development and in lobbying and campaigning on issues around HIV, sexual health and the promotion of human rights and equality for people living with HIV. HIV Ireland has also been involved in programmes and strategies aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding about HIV – its causes, its consequences, and the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.

HIV Ireland is not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, incorporated as company limited by guarantee. Established in 1987, Dublin AIDS Alliance Limited (as it was then known) is a voluntary organisation working to improve conditions for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Dublin AIDS Alliance Limited is now operating under the name HIV Ireland.

The organisation, in its Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 has set a clear vision; to end new HIV transmissions and HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Ireland.​ HIV Ireland operates under an ethos of equality and is committed to making a positive contribution towards a humane and just society. We strive to ensure that our staff, volunteers and service users are treated with dignity and respect at all times and to create an environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination.

A copy of the Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 can be found at https://www.hivireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/HIV-Ireland-Strategic-Plan-2022-2025-Final.pdf

Role of the Board of Directors

The organisation is overseen by the Board of Directors (aka the Board). The Board is collectively responsible for leading and directing the organisations’ activities and fulfils key functions, including;

1. Reviewing and guiding strategic direction and major plans of action,
2. Risk management policies and procedures,
3. Annual budgets and business plans,
4. Setting performance objectives,
5. Monitoring implementation and performance etc.

The Board acts on a fully informed and ethical basis, in good faith, with due diligence and care, and in the best interest of the organisation, having due regard to its mandate and guidance from various regulators.

HIV Ireland’s Constitution sets out the role of the Board, meetings and other issues.  Whilst established as a private sector entity, given the nature of the organisation’s funding (mainly from public sources), it complies with many of the provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies along with those of the Charity Regulator.

A copy of the most recent audited financial statements can be found at https://www.hivireland.ie/homepage/about-us/our-governance/

Role Specification

Members of the Board perform key roles in relation to the direction, strategy, and corporate governance of the organisation. Members take collective responsibility for the long-term sustainability of the organisation, working with the Chair of the Board and the Executive Director, to ensure that the organisation is managed and developed in line with legal and policy parameters and accepted standards of best practice.

Board members should bring independent judgement and objective scrutiny to the oversight of the organisation. Members should be prepared to challenge, when necessary, while being supportive to the delivery of the organisation’s mission, objectives and values.

Candidates for membership of the Board are required to work in the organisation’s interests and be prepared to commit sufficient time to undertake the role. It is expected the role will require approximately 6 Board meetings, 2 hours each, along with time to prepare and review various materials. Successful candidates will be required to sit on various sub-committees, which may require an additional 4 meetings in the calendar year. These subcommittee meetings will have similar time commitments to Board meetings.

These positions are non-executive and non-remunerated, although appropriate expenses will be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s travel policy (aligned to public sector). Candidates must not have any conflicts of interest likely to interfere with their ability to assume the role of a board member. Candidates must not be employees of the organisation, and all appointments shall be in line with legislative requirements.

HIV Ireland invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals interested in serving as a Board member. HIV Ireland is keen to reflect a diversity of backgrounds and experience in the composition of its Board. All expressions of interest will be welcomed and evaluated against the skillsets and experience required while also respecting the need for balance and diversity in all areas, amongst them gender.

Person Specification

Ideally candidates will demonstrate some or all of the following capabilities:

• Ability to work constructively with others,
• Commitment to the promotion of human rights / ending discrimination
• Critical thinking, good judgement and independence,
• Excellent communication skills,
• Experience of governance in complex and/or NGO organisations,
• Record of personal experience at board or senior management level.

Candidates with the following experience will be at a distinct advantage:

• Philanthropy, legacies and individual donations,
• Not-for-Profit financial experience or a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA etc.),
• HIV awareness and / or a medical background in infectious diseases,
• Health policy and health education,
• Patient issues to include programme development and programme evaluation,
• Not-for-Profit governance to include a comprehensive understanding of the Charities Governance Code,

A candidate shall be ineligible if they:

• are an employee of HIV Ireland
• are an undischarged bankrupt,
• have been convicted of any indictable offence in relation to a company or any other body corporate
• have been convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty,
• have had a declaration under section 819 of the Companies Act 2014 made against them or is deemed to be subject to such a declaration by virtue of Chapter 5 of Part 14 of that Act,
• are subject or is deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 14 of the Companies Act 2014, whether by virtue of that Chapter or any other provision of that Act.

Appointment Process

Term of Appointment

It is intended the appointee(s) will take office during 2025 however a panel of candidates may be formed for consideration in line with any upcoming vacancies (existing Board Members retiring by rotation etc.). The term of office for these appointments shall be a period not exceeding four years. A Board Member may be reappointed for a second term, should the balance of skills of the Board require such a re-appointment (along with other considerations, such as attendance at meetings, contributions to discussions etc.).

Remuneration

These positions are non-executive and non-remunerated, although appropriate expenses will be covered in line with public service policy.

Appointment Process

The Board has appointed a Nominations Committee consisting of the Chair and Treasurer of the Board. Expressions of interest will be considered and assessed by this Committee, while also respecting the need for balance and diversity in all areas, among them gender diversity.

The number of applications received may exceed that required. In this respect, HIV Ireland may engage a short-listing process to select a number of candidates for interview, based on an examination of the application documents. The Shortlisting Committee will be those members on the Nominations Committee. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the position.

Having duly considered expressions of interest, the Nominations Committee will propose any nominations it deems fit to the wider Board of Directors for further consideration and, if approved, appointment to the Board.

How to Apply

Please complete and submit:

1. A current copy of your CV,
2. Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Candidate’s CV should detail the following:

• Employment history and/or voluntary roles;
• Academic and professional qualifications;
• Other relevant experience and/or achievements;

Candidate’s Cover Letter should outline the following:

• Why the appointment is of interest,
• What you believe you can bring to the role.

Please note the letter should not exceed two A4 pages in length and the CV four pages in length.

A copy of all the above documents should be forwarded to chair@HIVIreland.ie