At Common Knowledge, we believe that the solutions to the biggest challenges of our time already exist in our hands.
Based in the Burren in County Clare, we are a non-profit social enterprise helping people to rediscover the practical skills, confidence, and connection needed to build sustainable lives and resilient communities.
Our mission is to share practical skills for a sustainable life. For us, this means more than reducing our impact on the planet. It is about helping people to create lives that are maintainable, connected, and creative through skills like building, making, mending, and growing.
Our courses teach hands-on skills for sustainable living, from natural building and carpentry to traditional crafts, repair, and food preservation. The Build School programme supports people to design and build with confidence using sustainable materials, while shorter workshops explore fermentation, weaving, and tool care. Every course is designed to build confidence and self-reliance through practice and participation.
Our community programmes bring this learning into shared spaces and collective action. Projects such as Field Good Fridays and Common Ground connect volunteers, neighbours, and community groups through land stewardship, biodiversity, and shared skill-building. The Queer Sheds initiative has created inclusive hubs for LGBTQ+ people across Ireland, offering spaces to build, make, and grow together. Through these programmes, people are not just learning skills but building community and resilience.
Alongside our learning programmes, we also operate a guesthouse and retreat centre that welcomes visitors seeking connection with nature, community, and craft. This regenerative tourism offering provides a vital income stream that supports our mission while allowing guests to experience sustainability in action through the food, landscape, and culture of the Burren.
Since 2022, we have been based on a 50-acre site in the Burren, where we are regenerating both the land and the buildings to create a living classroom of sustainability in action. Our ambition is to support thousands more people to grow their confidence, competence, and sense of community, while demonstrating new ways of living, working, and travelling that care for people and place alike.
We are now approaching our fifth year and an exciting new chapter. In 2026 we will begin shaping a long-term vision and action plan to guide us to 2030 and beyond.
We are seeking new Board Directors to join us in this next stage of growth and renewal. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Common Knowledge, contributing your skills, perspective, and creativity to an organisation that is proving what practical, hopeful climate action looks like in practice.
Whilst we are open to applications from all backgrounds, to complement existing skills we are particularly interested in hearing from those with experience in skill sharing or further education, climate change and sustainability, regenerative leadership, corporate engagement, hospitality, social enterprise development and Irish culture and heritage.
The Role: Board Director, Common Knowledge Group
Voluntary Board Role, approx. 4–6 hours per month
General duties
Contribute actively to Common Knowledge by giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed objectives.
Ensure compliance with the company constitution, company law, and all relevant legislation and regulations.
Safeguard the good name and values of Common Knowledge.
Ensure effective administration and governance.
Protect and manage the property of Common Knowledge and ensure the proper investment of funds.
Person specification
Understanding of and commitment to our mission and values.
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision, creative thinking, and sound independent judgement.
Willingness to speak your mind and engage constructively.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directorship, and commitment to the highest standards of governance.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
No conflicts of interest.
Board meetings
Monthly informal meetings via Google Meet.
Formal Board meetings once per quarter, with two held in person and two online annually.
Term of office is three years, renewable for a further term.
Expectations of Board members
Attendance and participation in Board meetings.
Active contribution to Board discussions and preparation.
Support for Common Knowledge's mission through sharing perspectives, connections, and expertise.
Adherence to the Board Code of Conduct.
Attendance at events on site where possible.
Profile
Board members are recruited for their experience and expertise across one or more of the following areas:
Professional skills such as management, accountancy, fundraising, legal, or marketing.
Subject matter expertise in areas including education, community development, hospitality, ecology, climate change, social enterprise, or Irish culture.
Networks relevant to Common Knowledge's mission, including experts and potential funders.
Lived experience of one of our participant groups.
Previous experience as a Director or Treasurer is desirable but not essential.
Our Board
Our esteemed Board is currently chaired by Anja Murray (Ecologist, Author and Broadcaster). Former members have included Manchán Magan (Writer and Broadcaster), Ali Sheridan (Just Transition Commission), and Mick Kelly (GIY).
Diversity
Common Knowledge is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We recognise that a broad range of perspectives strengthens our decision-making and helps us better serve our mission. We actively encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and lived experiences, from across the island of Ireland and both legal jurisdictions.
Appointments are made on merit, with due regard to diversity and inclusion in strengthening the Board. Our aim is for our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, and for all members to feel valued, respected, and able to contribute fully.