We are seeking two new Trustees to lend skills and expertise to strengthen IRC UK’s board capability for the years ahead. These appointments will replace Trustees nearing the ends of their terms.
Trustee Duties
- Fulfil Trustees’ legal duties and act in accordance with the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee to ensure good governance.
- Lend your expertise: use your specific experience and skills to provide strategic advice and guidance to support the effective working of IRC UK.
- Provide strategic oversight: work with fellow Trustees and the IRC UK Senior Management Team to ensure strategic objectives are achieved and course‑corrected where required.
- Ensure sound governance: oversee regulatory compliance, risk oversight and organisational resilience.
- Contribute to Board and Committee effectiveness: prepare well for meetings and offer effective insight and challenge.
- Act as an ambassador: promote the organisation externally by attending and contributing to events, meetings with donors and supporters.
- Uphold our commitments: support safeguarding and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments, including engaging meaningfully with IRC clients in the UK and overseas.
Time Commitment
Full Board: Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three half‑day Board meetings per year (typically March, July and October), plus one development meeting in January. In‑person attendance at the London office is encouraged but not essential.
Board Committee(s): Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least two committee meetings per year in one of the following committees – Audit & Governance, People & Culture, Safeguarding, or External Relations. Committee meetings typically last two hours.
Programme visits: Attend an overseas programme visit (self‑funded, though IRC UK will reduce or remove financial barriers as required) or a visit to UK programmes each year, amounting to 8–10 days per year.
Trustees may serve up to two three‑year terms. A third term may be considered at the recommendation of the People & Culture Committee, subject to a maximum of two years. All Trustees must rotate off the board after eight years.
Person Specification
Essential experience
- Senior leadership experience within a complex international and matrix‑structured organisation (charity, NGO, public or private).
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to support and challenge executive leadership.
- Strong cross‑cultural awareness and a commitment to role‑modelling and advancing diversity, equality and inclusion.
- High standards of integrity and accountability.
- Ability to understand and interpret complex information concerning IRC UK’s financial position, risk and performance.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.
Desirable experience
- Experience in or understanding of the international development or UK charity sector.
- Experience operating at a Board or equivalent strategic level.
- Strong networks and willingness to make connections that advance IRC UK’s charitable purpose, particularly in high‑value fundraising.
We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who can demonstrate any of the following:
- Strategic understanding of refugee issues in the UK, including asylum, resettlement and integration.
- Digital expertise and networks, including an understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape and networks across technology, social media and digital marketing.
- Philanthropy and partnerships experience, including strong connections across UK foundations, trusts and the wider philanthropic sector.
Upholding the IRC Way
All IRC UK Trustees must adhere to the IRC Way – the core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality – and ensure safeguarding and the wellbeing of clients are prioritised in all work.
Benefits
A rigorous induction programme and training to ensure new Trustees understand their roles and responsibilities.
Expenses: reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with IRC UK’s Expenses Policy.
Exposure to global and UK programmes to enhance understanding and representation of client interests.
Equal Opportunities
IRC UK is a committed equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all candidates, including under‑represented groups and those with lived or proximate experience of conflict or forced displacement. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with disabilities.
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