Organisation

Foscadh Housing is a national approved housing body committed to providing safe, secure, and affordable homes for those most in need. Alongside housing delivery, we support the development of inclusive, thriving, and sustainable communities.

Founded in 1999 in response to a shortage of quality, affordable housing, Foscadh Housing now manages 145 homes nationwide, supporting families, individuals, older people, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

Website: http://www.foscadhhousing.ie

Role Overview

Foscadh Housing is seeking to recruit a voluntary Board Director (Trustee) to strengthen the governance, oversight, and strategic direction of the organisation.

The Board is particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Public policy or legal expertise
Finance, audit, or risk management
Change management or organisational transformation
Human resources / people and culture, including employment law or workforce strategy
Local to Co. Louth would be an advantage for signing of legal documentation
This is a non-executive, unpaid role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and long-term sustainability of Foscadh Housing
• Provide oversight, challenge, and support to senior management
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and risk management
• Act in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries
• Uphold and promote the values and mission of Foscadh Housing

• Professional experience in policy, legal, finance, HR, or change management, ideally at a senior or strategic level
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, and accountability, or the ability to develop this quickly
• Ability to analyse information, exercise sound judgement, and contribute to board-level decision-making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to contribute independently while working collaboratively
• Commitment to the values and mission of Foscadh Housing and to acting in the public interest

Previous board or trustee experience is desirable but not essential.

In line with the Charities Act, Trustees are required to:

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and relevant legislation
• Ensure the charity operates for the public benefit and within its charitable purpose
• Act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence
• Safeguard and manage the assets of the charity

Time Commitment

Board Meetings:

There will be six board meetings a year. Meetings are held in-person but can be attended via Zoom as necessary.  In-person meetings take place at The City North Hotel and at Foscadh Housing’s offices in Drogheda, Co Louth. Meetings are typically held in the evenings, starting at 4pm and last approximately two hours.

Committee Meetings: There are two board committees: the Audit Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and the Development Mergers Acquisitions Committee (DMAC).  The committees meet four times a year.  Trustees are expected to join one of the two committees.

Equality and Diversity

Foscadh Housing is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Candidates with lived experience relevant to housing or social inclusion are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a non-executive, unpaid role.

Many volunteer board members enjoy giving something back to their local community. Great opportunity to increase your professional and personal network.

There would be no charities without trustees, it is an essential role in Irish society.

It is an opportunity to volunteer in a strategic way – not only giving back to a cause you are interested in or passionate about, but sharing your skills with that organisation, supporting their strategy, learning new skills etc.

Finally, you can continue your life long learning by engaging and learning from fellow Board members.

Click here for link to website.