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The Governance Code for Community, Voluntary & Charitable Organisations

Governance Code Coordinator

(Unpaid volunteer or intern position) Background: In 2009, a Working Group came together to develop and disseminate a ‘Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations in Ireland’. – The “Code”. (The list of the current Working Group members can be found in the Appendix) Following an extensive consultation process, the Code was formally launched by Phil Hogan the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the Mansion House Dublin in June 2012 with over 500 people from the sector attending. The Working Group is now embarked on the next phase of the Code’s development which is focused on increasing the awareness and understanding of the Code and promoting the adoption and compliance of the Code by community, voluntary and charitable organisations. The Work: The Working Group, which is a voluntary and unfunded group, is looking for volunteer/intern to provide administrative support to the group in its work in promoting the Code. The Governance Code Coordinator will play a valuable and important role in promoting good governance practice across the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The holder of the role will work directly with Chairperson of Working Group, Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí, Chief Executive Officer of Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups. The Coordinator will also have access to designated support contacts in Carmichael Centre and in The Wheel. Role Responsibilities:

Providing support to the Working Group (WG) and its sub committees (e.g. circulating

documentation, following up on actions, liaising with WG members, organising

meeting logistics, etc.).

Identifying and organising suitable speaking opportunities and other events to enable

the WG promote the Code.

Developing promotional and awareness raising material.

Liaising with The Wheel’s designated contact regarding any amendments needed to

the Code’s website www.governancecode.ie

Taking ownership of the Info@governancecode.ie email address and responding to

communications received.

Setting up a query-tracking mechanism and monitoring to ensure that queries are

responded to in a timely manner.

Assisting with the review and analysis of all feedback received.

Contacting Community, Voluntary & Charitable organisations and other relevant

stakeholders to promote the Code.

Monitoring and reviewing other Governance codes, tracking wider corporate

governance developments and briefing the WG.

Identifying potential sponsorship and funding opportunities for the Governance Code.

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The Coordinator will need to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues, community and voluntary organisations and a range of statutory agencies and other stakeholders in pursuit of the interests of this project. She/he will need to work in such a way as to encourage the best from, and support the efforts of, others. Period of Opportunity: Initially, this is a 6-month opportunity with an equivalent of a two to three-day week over an initial six month period. The precise time requirements are yet to be finalised, but this role description provides an approximation of the time required. It may be that certain weeks require more work than others, depending on Working Group activity. Remuneration: This is a volunteer role and is unpaid, although all legitimate expenses incurred by the role-holder will be reimbursed. Experience Required:

Track record of project work and the associated project management and administration.

Experience in a corporate governance or standards compliance role would be desirable but not essential.

Skills Required:

Commitment to and interest in the promotion of good governance practice

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrable ability to work to deadlines.

Ability to work effectively on own initiative.

Demonstrable ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to use standard computer software for word processing spreadsheets and databases.

Excellent project management and organisational skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to foresee problems that might occur with an event or other plans and procedures, and the ability to proactively seek and implement solutions before problems arise.

Must be capable of working as a team player, be highly motivated, enthusiastic and capable of using their initiative.

Commitment to and understanding of working within a voluntary organisation in an inclusive manner.

High motivation, positive disposition and flexible attitude. Workplace: A desk, computer, phone, etc. will be made available in the Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. Applications of interest should be submitted by Friday, 24th May 2013 in the form of a letter/email explaining why you are the right person for the role, and a two-page CV relevant to this role. Supports and Learning Offered: This opportunity offers the successful applicant the opportunity to become deeply familiar with the following subject areas:

Corporate governance

Standards compliance

The non-profit sector in Ireland.

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It also offers the successful applicant:

The opportunity to network, and develop relationships with, the senior management

teams in the Governance Code Working Group.

Regular supervision (from the CEO of the Carmichael Centre) and support throughout

the internship with learning and development objectives identified jointly at the start

of the internship/project. These will be regularly evaluated and adjusted if necessary

in order to meeting the learning objectives set.

The chance to gain practical skills and experience in communications, project

management, governance issues and report writing.

Free training, as appropriate and agreed, from the range of training offered by

Working Group member organsiations.

A reference will be provided upon the conclusion of the internship/project and we will support you to find paid work in the sector upon completion of the internship/project. Applications should be addressed to: Judy Sheridan, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Or by email to: Judy@carmichaelcentre.ie . Closing date for applications 5pm, Friday, 24th May 2013.

APPENDIX A

Working Group Members The following organisations from the community and voluntary sector are the current active members of the Working Group of the Code of Good Governance:

Boardmatch Ireland (www.boardmatchireland.ie)

Business in the Community Ireland (www.bitc.ie)

Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups (www.carmichaelcentre.ie)

Clann Credo (www.clanncredo.ie)

ICTR (Irish Charities Tax Reform Group) (www.ictr.ie)

The Disability Federation of Ireland (www.disability-federation.ie)

The Wheel (www.wheel.ie) The organisations in the Working Group have worked in a collaborative manner since autumn 2009, meeting regularly. Sub-groups have been formed to progress various aspects of the work between Working Group meetings. This project is not funded, so the people and organisations on the group voluntarily give of their time in the belief that the development and promotion of the Code and good governance practice will be beneficial for all.