Trustee strong finance

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status. It consists of a National Office based in Dublin 12 and 25 branches nationwide and has over 100 employees throughout the country.

The branches are run almost exclusively by volunteer parents supported by employees in some cases and provide a wide range of vital services and social opportunities to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families, including speech and language therapy, early development, education and adult education, employment and independence.

The National Office in Dublin 12 consists of a small executive team, accompanied by central functions and a member support team that provide support from cradle to grave.

DSI supports people with Down syndrome and their families in their communities. We strive to provide consistent, high-quality advice, support and information to every person with Down syndrome to ensure that whatever their stage of life, they have a network to support them.

• Inclusivity:
  We strive to create a society where people with Down syndrome are supported, valued as integral members of their communities and we demonstrate that inclusivity in our own work.
• Passion:
  We strive to enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families through our work and support nationwide.
• Integrity:
  We act with honesty, accountability, and professionalism at all levels of the organisation.
• Respect:
  Everyone should be supported to live a meaningful, rewarding, healthy, and happy life.
• Collaborative:
  Together we are stronger. Sharing information, knowledge and expertise improves outcomes for everyone both locally and nationally.

Board members are non-executive directors with collective responsibility for the effective governance, strategic direction and financial sustainability of Down Syndrome Ireland. Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the Board sets the organisation’s strategic direction, ensures strong governance and oversight, and upholds DSI’s mission, values and charitable purpose.

• We are seeking a Trustee/Board member with strong operational finance expertise, including financial management, controls, reporting and organisational financial operations.
• The role requires the ability to apply financial insight through a risk management and strategic governance lens, supporting robust decision-making at board level.

• Fulfil the legal duties of a company director and charity trustee, including acting in the best interests of Down Syndrome Ireland and its members, exercising due care, skill and diligence, and ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure high standards of governance and best practice including compliance with the Charities Regulators requirements.
• Ensure that DSI is complying with its charitable purpose of supporting members with Down Syndrome and their families.
• Policy development and implementation as required.

• Contribute to the development, approval, implementation and oversight of the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Actively participate in meetings, offering ideas, healthy debate and challenge, particularly in the areas where you have most expertise and experience.

• Ensure the financial sustainability and long‑term viability of the organisation and the proper investment of DSI’s funds.
• Oversee financial controls, risk management and protection of DSI’s assets.
• Support the oversight and development of financial policies and procedures.

• Qualified Chartered Accountant with senior level experience in the area of finance including strong operational finance expertise, financial management, controls, reporting and organisational financial operations.
• Ability to work strategically, while maintaining appropriate non‑executive boundaries.
• An understanding of and commitment to DSI’s mission and values and an affinity with the Down Syndrome community.
• High level communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively and to challenge constructively…