Volunteer Board Member - Human Resources

 Breaking Through

Board Role Description: Volunteer Board Member - Human Resources

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a HR professional who would like to use their skills and experience to support a small national charity making a real difference. As a Board member, you will help shape our approach to people, culture and staff wellbeing, ensuring Breaking Through remains a positive and supportive place to work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR & People Governance

• Provide HR insight and guidance to help Breaking Through remain a positive, supportive and well-governed place to work.
• Help the Board ensure our HR policies and practices reflect current employment legislation and good practice.
• Offer an independent HR perspective on workforce planning, staff wellbeing and organisational development when required.

 2. Staff Wellbeing & Support Oversight

• Provide oversight and guidance regarding organisational approaches to staff wellbeing and employee support.
• Support periodic review of wellbeing structures and staff support measures.
• Help ensure that appropriate supports are available to staff while maintaining clear governance arrangements and management responsibilities.

 3. HR Committee Leadership

• Chair and lead the HR Committee.
• Convene and attend two HR Committee meetings annually.
• Work collaboratively with committee members to review HR-related policies, procedures and governance matters.
• Provide recommendations to the Board on HR, people and wellbeing matters.
• Support the Board in ensuring compliance with Irish employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Provide specialist HR insight to inform committee discussions and recommendations.

 4. Advisory Support

• Be available on an occasional  ad hoc basis to provide advice on HR-related governance matters.
• Offer guidance to the National Director and Board where specialist HR knowledge may be beneficial.
• Provide guidance and oversight in relation to annual review processes and associated HR policies, ensuring consistency, fairness and good practice.

5. Designated Independent Contact

From time to time, an employee may feel uncomfortable raising a concern through the usual management channels. In these exceptional circumstances, the HR Board member will act as an independent point of contact, providing a confidential and impartial listening ear and helping the employee understand the options available to them.

This role does not replace management responsibilities, organisational policies or formal procedures. Instead, it provides an additional source of support when normal routes may not be appropriate or possible.

In this role, the Board member will:

• Listen to employees in a confidential, impartial and professional manner.
• Provide guidance on relevant policies, procedures and reporting options.
• Help employees understand the most appropriate route for raising or addressing a concern.
• Signpost employees to the relevant organisational process or support where appropriate.
• Support fair and consistent application of organisational policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate communication with the Chair while respecting confidentiality and due process.

 Time Commitment

•  Attendance at two HR Committee meetings annually.
• Attendance at four Board meetings per year (two online and two in person).
• Attendance at the AGM, which is normally held online.
• Availability on an occasional ad hoc basis to provide HR-related governance advice and support.
• As this role may occasionally be called upon to provide timely guidance on HR matters,  aim to acknowledge queries within 48 hours where possible and advise when they are unavailable.

Person Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant HR experience, with a strong understanding of employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Strong understanding of governance, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Excellent judgement and an ability to consider matters fairly and objectively.
• A commitment to the values and mission of Breaking Through.

What We Offer

• A warm, professional Board with a strong commitment to positive culture and shared purpose.
• The chance to shape the future and make a difference to a small national charity.