Trustee with expertise in Community Development, Early Learning & Care (ELC), and/or School-Age Childcare (SAC)

South Dublin County Childcare Committee (SDCCC)

South Dublin County Childcare Committee (SDCCC) is one of 33 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) across Ireland, funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth (DCEDIY).  SDCCC plays a key role in supporting and enhancing early years services in South Dublin County. We provide guidance and resources to early years providers, parents, childminders, and employers, helping to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality in early childhood care and education. For parents, SDCCC offers information and advice on choosing an early years’ service, understanding key considerations, and accessing financial supports to reduce costs. For early years providers, we offer guidance on national practice frameworks (Síolta & Aistear), accredited and non-accredited training, compliance with Preschool Regulations, funding requirements, and overall service development and improvement.

Our mission is to strategically coordinate the sustainable development of an accessible, high-quality, and inclusive childcare infrastructure in South Dublin County.

The Role:

SDCCC is seeking a trustee with expertise in Community Development, Early Learning & Care (ELC), and/or School-Age Childcare (SAC) to support its mission of enhancing childcare services in South Dublin County.

Ideal candidates will have experience in community-based initiatives, policy development, and advocacy, particularly in childcare accessibility, affordability, and quality. A strong understanding of ELC and SAC frameworks, including Síolta, Aistear, Preschool Regulations, and national funding models, is desirable.  Experience in service development, compliance, and capacity-building for childcare providers is highly valued. Candidates should also bring governance and leadership experience, with knowledge of corporate governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight in the non-profit or public sector. Additional strengths such as funding expertise, research and evaluation skills, and public engagement abilities would be an asset. Above all, the trustee should be committed to child safeguarding, ethical leadership, and advancing SDCCC’s vision for high-quality, inclusive childcare services.

General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee

• Governance & Compliance – Uphold SDCCC’s mission, legal duties, and regulatory requirements.
• Financial & Strategic Oversight – Manage assets responsibly and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Board Participation – Attend meetings, contribute to committees, and support leadership.
• Ethical Conduct – Maintain integrity, confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Advocacy & Representation – Promote SDCCC and engage with the community.

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Governance & Strategy – Provide strategic direction, contribute to policy formation, and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Financial Oversight – Review budgets, financial statements, and funding applications to ensure sustainability.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Represent SDCCC, build partnerships, and advocate for ELC and SAC improvements.
• Organisational Development – Support strategic objectives, monitor impact, and advise on service improvements.
• Board Participation – Attend meetings, collaborate with the board, and contribute to decision-making.

Essential Skills/Qualities required for these roles:

• Leadership & Strategic Thinking – Ability to provide direction, make informed decisions, and drive organisational growth.
• Financial & Risk Awareness – Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and risk assessment in the non-profit sector.
• Advocacy & Communication – Strong ability to represent SDCCC, engage stakeholders, and influence policy.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively with board members, staff, and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Proactive in addressing challenges and responding to sector developments.

Board Meetings:

The board will hold six meetings per year, along with six sub-committee meetings, which may not involve every trustee but may require participation at some point. Meetings will be conducted through a mix of in-person sessions in Clondalkin, South Dublin, online meetings, and hybrid formats.