Shuttle Knit: Board Member / Trustees with Governance Experience
Board Member / Trustees with Governance Experience - Shuttle Knit CLG, Wicklow
Local Community Development / Civil and Human Rights / Business and Enterprise Development
About Shuttle Knit
Shuttle Knit is a Company Limited by Guarantee, operating out of CEART in Wicklow Town, with the following social mission: Traveller and settled people collaborate to run a knitting and embroidery enterprise to provide supported employment to Traveller women, and ultimately change attitudes towards Travellers in Ireland. Shuttle Knit is a social enterprise with both public funding and generated income. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Traveller Women and their families through social enterprise having particular regard to the employment needs of the Traveller Community and long term unemployed in County Wicklow. We were then, and remain now, dedicated to “Knitting Communities Together”. Learn more at https://shuttleknit.ie/pages/our-story.
Shuttle Knit is undergoing a period of transition, exploring new models and directions to ensure long-term sustainability in a changing retail, fashion and heritage craft landscape. This moment of change brings both challenge and opportunity, and we are seeking board members who can help shape a resilient and inclusive future grounded in our mission.
Role and Responsibilities Overview
Shuttle Knit board members provide strategic oversight of the organisation's strategy, finances, governance and compliance with the organisation’s mission, and actively work on supporting the organisation. Directors bring their expertise to support and challenge the executive team with sensitivity to the cultural heritage and identities of the Traveller community. This role seeks proven experience in governance within the non-profit or social enterprise sector.
Strategic Oversight: Participate in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, monitoring performance against objectives, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve the mission.
Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure the organisation complies with its governing documents, relevant legislation (including the Companies Act 2014 and Charities Act 2009), and manages risks appropriately.
Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes to ensure financial sustainability and accountability. (Shuttle Knit is part-funded through an Pobal’s Community Services Programme.)
Board Development: Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and effective governance, including the recruitment, induction, and development of board members.
Governance Leadership: Provide practical guidance on governance, ensuring the organisation adheres to applicable legislation, is in keeping with the spirit of the Charities Governance Code, complies with the requirements of donors/grants, and supports board development. Participate in the governance sub-committee.
Board Meetings:
Board members are expected to attend meetings at CEART, Wicklow Town. Currently, meetings take place every second Tuesday of the month (early evening) with seasonal breaks. Timing can be arranged to suit members. The role requires 2 - 8 hours per month and directors are expected to; dedicate time to preparatory reading, participate in strategic planning sessions and sub-committees as required. Subcommittee meetings will be called separately by the members of each subcommittee, but are also required to submit reporting regularly to the full board at the full board meeting. The anticipated term is 3 years (renewable). We particularly welcome those with lived experience relevant to our mission.
Prospective board members will be invited to actively participate in board meetings on an interim basis, allowing time to ensure a mutual fit for both you and the organisation ahead of formal election at an AGM or EGM.