Volunteer: Treasurer, Common Knowledge - Common Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Living CLG
Common Knowledge is a non-profit social enterprise based near Lisdoonvarna and the Wild Atlantic Way. Our vision is for an Ireland of confident, capable and connected people, and we believe that this starts in our homes and in our communities. Our mission is to share skills for a truly sustainable homelife, focusing on practices that are maintainable, self-sufficient and beneficial for people, the planet, and local communities.
Our approach includes hands-on courses, events and community projects. Over the past year we have facilitated more than 800 people to learn new skills whilst engaging with local and underserved communities and securing a permanent home. Our ambition is to support thousands more, while shaping a new base where people can increase their confidence, grow their competence and gain a greater sense of community for a sustainable future.
As a social enterprise, we rely on earned and grant income to fund our activities. We have generated strong earned income and secured funding from Rethink Ireland, the Department of Climate, Communications and the Environment, The Arts Council, Community Foundation Ireland, the Heritage Council, the Design and Craft Council, the Irish Architecture Foundation and Clare County Council.
The Common Knowledge Group consists of two companies. The parent company is Common Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Living CLG, which owns the Centre and delivers our funded programmes. A wholly-owned subsidiary, Common Knowledge Activities Limited, delivers our commercial activities. In 2023, we passed the milestone of securing a permanent home on a 50 acre site in Co. Clare, financed by 35 people via Community Bonds.
Role: Treasurer - Common Knowledge Group
Voluntary Board Officer Role, approx. 8 hours per month in addition to Board Director Role (details included below).
Purpose
The Treasurer is a steward of Common Knowledge’s financial wellbeing, ensuring that resources are managed with integrity and in service of our mission. In a regenerative context, the Treasurer fulfils governance, compliance and control functions, while helping the organisation see finance as an enabler of resilience, trust, and long-term flourishing for people, place and planet.
Key Responsibilities
* Stewardship of Resources - Ensure that our financial practices are values-led, transparent, and regenerative, supporting the flow of resources to where they are most needed.
* Oversight & Governance - Chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Subcommittee, fostering learning and accountability.
* Represent the Finance, Audit & Risk Subcommittee - Be the link between the subcommittee and the CK Board.
* Financial Health - Monitor the organisation’s financial resilience, including management accounts and cash flow, reserves, and sustainability planning, and align resources with impact.
* Risk & Integrity - Ensure appropriate internal controls and risk management processes are in place, balancing prudence with boldness in service of our mission.
* Annual Accounts & Audit - Guide the preparation of accounts and financial reports, ensuring they tell a clear story of stewardship and impact.
* Support & Partnership - Work with the Co-CEOs and bookkeeper to strengthen income generation and cost management.
* Connection to the Whole System - Bring awareness of wider economic, ecological, and social dynamics that affect Common Knowledge.
Person Specification
Essential
* Strong financial acumen, with qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
* Experience of financial management.
* A values-driven approach, committed to integrity, inclusion, and sustainability.
* Ability to translate financial information into accessible insights for the Board.
* Willingness to contribute time, care, and expertise (approx. 8 hours/month for the Treasurer officer role).
Desirable
* Familiarity with social enterprise, non-profits or regenerative practices.
* An interest in the interconnections between financial, social, and ecological systems.
* Experience of working in collaborative, participatory, or community-led settings.
* Previous experience of Directorships or Treasurer roles are desirable, but not essential.
Board Director, Common Knowledge Group
The Treasurer also serves as a Board Director at Common Knowledge. Voluntary Board Officer Role, approx. 4 hours per month (outside any officer roles).
General Duties
* To ensure that Common Knowledge complies with its constitution, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
* To 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 targets.
* To safeguard the good name and values of Common Knowledge.
* To ensure the effective administration of Common Knowledge.
* To protect and manage the property of Common Knowledge and ensure the proper investment of funds.
Personal specification for Board Members
* An understanding of and commitment to our mission and values.
* Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
* Strategic vision, creative thinking and good independent judgement.
* Willingness to speak their mind.
* Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a director including commitment to highest levels of corporate governance.
* Ability to work effectively in a team.
* No conflicts of interest.
Board Meetings
The Board meets monthly via Google Meet. Board meetings are held once per quarter, with an aim to hold two meetings in-person and two online annually. The expected time commitment for the Director role is 4 hours a month with remote monthly informal update calls. The term of office is 3 years with the ability to renew for a further term.
Expectations Of Board Members
* Attendance at Board Meetings.
* Adherence to the Board Code of Conduct.
* Active participation in the work of the Board including preparing for and contributing to Board discussions.
* Attendance at events onsite where possible.
Board Expertise
The ability of Board members to draw on their personal expertise and experience is highly valued. Areas include professional skills (management, accountancy, fundraising, legal, marketing), networks of relevance, community/non-profit experience, lived experience, and experience of Directorships or Treasurer roles (desirable).
Diversity
Common Knowledge is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and Committees. We actively encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and lived experiences. We also welcome candidates from across the island of Ireland, in both legal jurisdictions, and from a variety of professional and community backgrounds. Appointments will be made on merit with due regard for diversity and inclusion.
Our aim is to ensure that the composition of our Board reflects the diversity of the communities we work with, and that all members feel valued, respected, and able to contribute fully.
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