Trustee with Legal Experience for Tar Isteach Housing

Kilkenny Voluntary Housing Association (KVHA) clg, trading as Tar Isteach Housing was formed in 2019 as a voluntary housing association. Tar Isteach Housing works closely with its sister organisation the Good Shepherd Centre to provide longer term housing and tenancies with additional supports.  We share a common value structure, some shared resources and staff and operate through an MOU between both organisations.

Our mission is centered around providing quality and affordable housing with support to enable our residents achieve social inclusion.

We provide housing to individuals over 18 years of age and to families from the local authorities’ allocation list for social housing.

Currently Tar Isteach Housing association owns 338 properties across eight counties and co-manages 56 properties on behalf of the Good Shepherd Centre delivering 439 tenancies to men, women and families. These housing solutions are built on innovative models of tenancy support and provide the housing support that forms the foundation of our other support programmes. You can read more about these programmes here:  https://www.creatinghome.ie/innovations

We are building a dynamic and committed board to help grow our organisation and guide our mission in supporting those experiencing homelessness in the areas where we have a presence.

We are seeking a new board member to join our board who has recent and relevant experience and knowledge in Legal Affairs. Ideally, we are looking for someone who is strategic, passionate about community, housing solutions and interested in co-creating innovative approaches to delivering our services to those most in need.

Prior board experience is very welcome but not essential. We value diverse voices and experiences that reflect the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from demographics that are not represented on our board presently.

Required Skills:
 

1. An understanding of leadership as a director with insight into governance and strategy.
    
2. An operational understanding of the Not-For-Profit sector

    

3. An understanding of the contribution that organisations such Tar Isteach Housing make to social and affordable housing delivery in Ireland.

    

4. A strong commitment to assisting in the growth of the organisation and a focus on contributing to building strong governance controls.

    

5. Strong, insightful business skills and an ability to understand the interplay between complex corporate governance issues, service delivery, legality and risk.
    
6. Legal Expertise:  Legal Qualification:  The legal board member will have a successful senior level background in law and/or governance and will assist with guidance on legal aspects of the organisation.
    
7. Governance and compliance leadership: as a valued member of the board, you will advise on best legal practice in terms of governance.  You will have a responsibility for collaborating with your fellow trustees in ensuring compliance to the highest standards of corporate governance in line with current and future legislative requirements.
    
8. Board Experience: While prior board experience is not necessary, experience of interacting at board level would be an advantage.  

    

Responsibilities:

1. Provide critically important input to the strategic growth of Tar Isteach Housing and contribute meaningfully to grow our organisation into one which is innovative, financially secure, ethically grounded, legally sound and demonstrates robust and best-in-class corporate governance.
2. Be prepared to work for a commitment of 3 years and contribute to sub -committees as required.
3. Ensure Tar Isteach Housing complies with relevant legal requirements.
4. Ensure compliance with the Charity Regulator's Governance Code.
5. Ensure the organisation is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
6. Develop and monitor legally sound, effective risk management strategies for Tar Isteach Housing.
7. Develop and monitor internal systems that are transparent and accountable to stakeholders and funders.
8. Provide general expertise and legal guidance on all matters relating to corporate governance.
1. Comply with the charity’s governing documents.
10. Ensure that the charity is complying with its charitable purpose.

What You’ll Gain

1. Meaningful Effort with Purpose: Directly influence the growth of our organisation improving the lives of men, women and children who are experiencing the trauma of homelessness.
    
2. Professional Growth: You will learn from a diverse group of trustees from all walks of life who are interested in collaborating with other people to make a real difference. You will gain significant problem-solving skills, you will learn how to balance corporate governance, ethical choices and strategic thinking. You will gain experience of working with others on sub- committees and on specific boards.
    
3. Community Growth: You will be part of a team creating visible community growth and engagement and will make a difference in every project you work on.

    

Board Meeting Commitment
The time commitment is one 1-hour board meeting every six weeks with attendance remotely or in person in Kilkenny. The appointees would join the main board and also participate on relevant sub-committees according to preference and skillset. There is a minimum of 7 meetings per year.

Further Information
If you're excited about working to end homelessness and to build our organisation into a force for good we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us with a short statement of interest and your resume or LinkedIn profile. If you require any further information regarding this board vacancy, please contact the CEO Noel Sherry: noel@kvha.ie