Overview
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 practical skills, confidence, and connection needed to build sustainable lives and resilient communities. Our mission is to share practical skills for a sustainable life, including 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. Our community programmes bring 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. Our guesthouse and retreat centre offers regenerative tourism as a vital income stream to support our mission while guests experience sustainability in action.
Since 2022, we have been based on a 50-acre site in the Burren, regenerating land and buildings to create a living classroom of sustainability. 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. In 2026 we will begin shaping a long-term vision and action plan to guide us to 2030 and beyond.
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 strategic direction, setting policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against objectives.
Ensure compliance with the company constitution, company law, and 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 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 experience in one or more areas such as management, accountancy, fundraising, legal, or marketing.
Subject matter expertise in 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 Board is currently chaired by Anja Murray (Ecologist, Author and Broadcaster). Former members include 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 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. Our aim is for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, and for all members to feel valued, respected, and able to contribute fully.
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