Please note that these are voluntary and non-renumerated roles with a registered charity. Applications should be submitted via Boardmatch or emailed to [email protected]. They should be received on or by 26th June 2026 and will be treated strictly in confidence. It is intended interviews will take place in the week beginning 20th July 2026. For more information on the roles, please refer to our website at https://www.icel.ie/volunteer-vacancies/.
The Audit & Governance Committee is a Committee of the Centre elected by the Members, to which the Treasurer, Secretary and Board account, and advises the Board on financial controls, regulatory compliance and reports. The ICEL seeks applications for appointment as members of the Audit & Governance Committee. The Chairperson and Members of the Audit & Governance Committee are volunteers, and are not members of the Board or Charity Trustees. The Audit & Governance Committee meetings occur quarterly, in advance of Board meetings. Responsibilities will include the following: The membership of the Audit & Governance Committee will be increased. The Committee is a Standing Committee independent of the Board.
- Finance/Accounting vacancies - The Committee evaluates and monitors the adequacy of financial controls and procedures and ensure that the organisation is compliant with best practice It also makes recommendations to the Board on its annual budget, revised forecasts, annual report and financial statements, and on financial policies. In light of pending retirement of an accountant member, further accounting experience is required.
- Risk vacancy – In light of the recent retirement of a member specialised in risk, further expertise in relevant risks is required.
- Governance vacancy – The Committee evaluates and monitors the Centre’s compliance with statutory requirements, Charites Regulator guidance and best practice for a company limited by guarantee and educational charity. Additional experience in best practice and requirements in governance is desirable.
Desirable skills
- Professional experience in audit, governance, accountancy, law, financial management, risk management, senior business management, a senior level in the public service or equivalent governance experience;
- A professional qualification in accounting, law, governance or risk management;
- Experience in advising charities on compliance;
- Experience as a charity trustee, a committee member, school governorship or similar voluntary role;
- Interest or experience in matters related to the European Union and/or the Council of Europe;
- Interest or experience in event planning and professional educational seminars, events or similar.
General duties of a Committee Member
- Comply with the Centre’s governing document
- Ensuring the Centre is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit
- Acting in the best interest of the Centre
- Act with Reasonable Care and Skill
Time Commitment
(1) Total
Inclusive of meetings, the expected time commitment for the role is approximately 0.5 days per quarter.
NB It is not expected that members of the Audit & Governance Committee play a role in or attend other voluntary activities of the Centre (in particular events in EU and Human Rights law), although this would be welcome.
(2) Board, Committee and General Meetings
Committee members are required to attend on 5 days annually, for meetings of 1.5 hours:
- 4 scheduled Audit & Governance committee meetings (held 2 weeks before Board meetings); and,
- 1 scheduled joint Board and Audit & Governance meeting (held in June).
Dates of meetings may change to suit Board and Committee members.
Committee members are also welcome to attend the AGM and the 2 Advisory Council meetings per year.
(3) Timings of meetings
The timing of Committee meetings is decided by agreement, but typically at 5pm.
(4) Forum of meetings
Committee meetings are typically held online.
(5) Method of communication
Work of Committee members is flexible and will mostly be conducted by email: liaison between volunteers may take place outside office hours; liaison with staff may take place during office hours.
Appointment & Term
The Members of the Audit & Governance Committee will be appointed from 28th September 2026 or such other date as may be agreed by the Board.
Members of the Audit & Governance will be initially appointed for a period up to the September 2026 AGM, with the possibility of a renewal for a term of 3 years.
Work Location: In person
