Board Member – Youth Work Expertise

About Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland

Belong To’s vision is for an Ireland where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young people are equal, safe, and valued in the diversity of their identities and experiences. We work with LGBTQ+ young people as equals to achieve our vision through youth work, changing attitudes, and research.

Our core values are those of inclusion, integrity, and respect, in an environment of honesty and openness. Our purpose is to create a welcoming, supportive, safe and fun space for LGBTQ+ young people. We are committed to collaboration and youth participation. We believe in solidarity and intersectional equality, and our work focuses on human rights and social justice. We are dedicated to continuous improvement in everything we do.

Learn more about us by visiting www.belongto.org and by reading our Strategic Plan 2025-2027 and our 2023 Annual Report.

The Role of the Board

The role of the Board is to oversee the business of the Charity as per the Constitution. It is the organisation's policy body that sets checks and balances and, individually and collectively, it is the Board Members that have ultimate responsibility for the organisation.

The Board is therefore committed to its policy making role within the context of a best practice model of good governance. There are two fundamental parts to the role of the Board of Belong To: firstly, to lead and, secondly, to control the organisation as follows:

• Provide and build leadership
• To set the mission and purpose of the organisation
• To strengthen the image of the organisation
• To strengthen the effectiveness of the Board and its appointed officers
• To develop and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan in consultation with stakeholders, including young people and staff
• To secure the necessary resources for the effective implementation of the strategic plan
• To meet all legal obligations placed on the organisation
• To be accountable to other stakeholders (funders, members, young people, staff and the public) for their stewardship of the organisation
• To support and monitor the performance of the CEO though an annual performance review
• To support the CEO and the staff in their roles in running the organisation
• To actively participate in advancing the mission of the organisation through sharing of expertise and network.

Please see the Role description attached below.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a letter of interest to secretary@belongto.org. The interest letter should outline your motivations for seeking to join the Board of Belong To and what skills and experience you would bring to the charity. Your covering letter should identify any potential conflicts of interest or loyalty that may arise if you were appointed to the Board of the Charity.

The closing date for applications is 10:00 on Monday 21st July 2025.

Who can apply?

To be a Board Member you must:

• not be disqualified from being either a Director of a Company or the Trustee of a Charity (i.e. a bankrupt or have a court order saying you cannot be a Director of a Company or Trustee of a Charity). Further information is available at www.cro.ie and www.charitiesregulator.ie
• be 18 or over.
• be willing to undergo Garda Vetting, (having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify a person in terms of rehabilitation of offenders).

What happens next?

• The Board Nominations Committee will consider all applications received and will shortlist applicants, with priority given to those who meet any skills gaps the board have identified. Shortlisted candidates may then be contacted and invited to an informal phone or Zoom interview (more than a chat, less than a formal interview).
• The Nominations Committee will select a number of candidates to meet with in person, which has been provisionally scheduled for Saturday 9th August at a venue in Dublin city centre.

*** Please note that canvassing will disqualify ***

Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.