Board Opportunity: Governance and/or Legal Expertise
Location: Meetings held online (open to candidates across Ireland)
Time Commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month. (7 Board meetings and 6/7 Committee Meetings)
Term: 3 years, renewable once by invitation
About Chronic Pain Ireland
Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI) is the national charity providing information, education, and support to people living with chronic pain, their families, caregivers, and stakeholders. We advocate on their behalf and collaborate with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to improve the lives of those affected.
Our vision is an inclusive society where people living with chronic pain are believed, understood, and supported. As a transparent and compliant organisation, we adhere to the highest standards of governance, as evidenced by our recognition in the 2024 Good Governance Awards for our annual report. Chronic Pain Ireland's commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and has triple lock status.
Role Overview
CPI is seeking to appoint a new Board member with Governance and/or Legal expertise to support the charity’s continued growth and ensure best practice in compliance, governance, and risk management.
This voluntary role offers an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and effective oversight of a national organisation working to improve quality of life for people living with chronic pain.
General Responsibilities of All Board Members
* Comply with the charity’s governing document and all legal and regulatory requirements.
* Ensure the charity is carrying out its purpose for public benefit.
* Provide strategic direction, development, and oversight for the charity’s work.
* Uphold CPI’s mission, vision, values, and commitment to being member-led.
* Act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence, and in the best interests of the charity.
* Ensure effective management of assets, resources, and risk.
* Actively contribute to Board discussions and decision-making in line with the Charity Regulator’s Governance Code.
Specific Responsibilities for This Role
* Provide legal oversight and advice on matters relating to governance, compliance, and risk management.
* Support the Board and Executive Director in maintaining and updating CPI’s governance framework, policies, and procedures.
* Advise on company law, charity law, and employment law as they relate to a CLG and registered charity.
* Support compliance with the Charities Regulator Governance Code, Companies Registration Office, and Revenue reporting requirements.
* Assist in identifying and mitigating key organisational risks, ensuring a robust risk management strategy.
* Advise the Board on regulatory changes and recommend appropriate compliance responses.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a current or former professional with a background in governance, law, or risk management, ideally with experience in the not-for-profit or charity sector.
Essential Skills/ Qualities Required for This Role:
* Demonstrate a sound understanding of governance best practice and commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance.
* Have knowledge of the Irish not-for-profit and charity sector, including relevant laws, regulations, and governance frameworks.
* Understand company and employment law as applicable to charities.
* Have experience in developing or overseeing risk management frameworks (advantageous).
* Show a strong commitment to CPI’s mission, values, and member-led ethos.
* Possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
* Exhibit excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; prior board experience is an advantage.
Commitment
* Approx. 6 hours per month for Board and subcommittee meetings.
* Meetings are held online, allowing participation from anywhere in Ireland.
* Occasional attendance at the AGM or strategic planning sessions.
* Board term: 3 years, renewable once.
Why Join CPI?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that empowers individuals living with chronic pain to live well and to influence health policy and awareness nationally. You will work alongside a committed, multidisciplinary Board and play a key role in strengthening CPI’s governance and sustainability.
Diversity & Inclusion
CPI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of chronic pain, carers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities.
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