Trustee with IT Expertise

SECAD Partnership is an Irish Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status registered with the Charities Regulator. SECAD’s goals are to promote and engage in (a) social development, (b) enterprise development for rural regeneration, and (c) community development aimed at improving local welfare and addressing social and economic disadvantage. SECAD’s charitable purpose, is the advancement of community and sustainable development, including rural or urban regeneration.

SECAD is committed to serving community interests, with all income directed toward charitable purposes and surpluses reinvested in the work of the organisation.

SECAD Partnership CLG (SECAD) is a Local Development Company established in 1995. Our main office is located in Midleton, Co. Cork with other offices in Skibbereen and Macroom. SECAD’s main development objective is to promote and enable sustainable development through our Rural Development and Social Inclusion programmes. SECAD has a voluntary Board of Directors and a staff team of over 50 people.

SECAD works with individuals, community and voluntary groups, business, academia and other stakeholders to create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive society. SECAD manages a wide range of funds and services including social investment and employment support programmes, implemented on behalf of various Government Departments, State Bodies, the European Commission and the private sector. SECAD currently delivers a number of major programmes along with other smaller schemes and initiatives.

SECAD currently delivers the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2024-2028) throughout South Cork. SECAD is an implementing partner for LEADER 2023-2027 on behalf of the South Cork and West Cork LCDC's. SECAD has vast experience in administering Irish government and European funds, as well as transnational co-operation projects including LEADER / Rural Development Programmes, Social Inclusion Programmes, the Local Area Employment Service (LAES), Rural Social Scheme and Tús (Employment Schemes), INTERREG, Intelligent Energy Europe, Erasmus+ and the Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning. SECAD also currently delivers WorkAbility (ESF+ 2021-2027) and the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund 2024-2028, and a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) 2025-2029. SECAD also manages Community Benefit Funds associated with renewable energy and related infrastructure projects throughout Ireland, as well as a community food initiative on behalf of a North South Co-operation body.

For more information see www.secad.ie

SECAD is committed to delivering exceptional services to its clients and promoting innovative collaborations to address issues of disadvantage and sustainability with its public, private, academic and community partners. In order to do this valuable work, SECAD needs a Board of Trustees that will embrace this approach and commit to supporting the organisation to achieve its strategic goals.

Purpose of the Role

SECAD is seeking to recruit a dedicated individual to join the Board of Directors as a Charity Trustee, with a specific focus on providing strategic oversight and expertise in Information Technology (IT). The successful candidate will play a role in guiding the organisations’ digital transformation, ensuring robust cyber security, and aligning IT strategies with the company's local and community development goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Governance: Participate actively in board meetings, contributing to the overall strategic direction, governance, and financial sustainability of the local development company.

IT Oversight: Provide expert guidance to the board on IT infrastructure, software solutions, digital tools, and emerging technology trends that can enhance operational efficiency. Assist in evaluating and overseeing digital initiatives

Risk Management & Cyber Security: Advise on policies regarding data protection (GDPR compliance), data retention, information security & and disaster recovery

Required Expertise and Skills

Professional experience in a senior IT role (e.g., IT Manager, Chief Information Officer, Systems Architect, or Cyber Security Specialist). Strong understanding of cloud computing, data management, and network infrastructure. Familiarity with data protection regulations, specifically Irish and EU GDPR requirements. Strategic thinking with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for a non-technical board. Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of a Local Development Company.

Board Meetings

Attendance at approximately 10 Board meetings per year, plus participation in relevant sub-committees if required. While hybrid meeting facilities are available, the Board envisages that trustees would attend in person for at least 50% of meetings.

General Responsibilities

- Comply with the Charity’s governing document

- Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit

- Act in the best interest of the charity

- Act with reasonable care and skill

- Manage the assets of the charity

- Provide input to the strategic direction of the organisation and contribute with insight, oversight, and experience of strategy formulation in the sector

- Policy formation and implementation as required

- A deep appreciation and knowledge of the Not-For-Profit sector

- An understanding of, and commitment to, SECAD’s mission and values

- Commitment to highest levels of corporate governance

This is a voluntary, unremunerated board role with a term of 3 years minimum.