For Immediate Release
CHARITY INFRASTRUCTURE BODIES WELCOME LAUNCH OF CHARITY TRUSTEE WEEK (13-17 NOVEMBER 2017)
Six leading infrastructure bodies for the charity sector today warmly welcomed the launch of Ireland’s first Charity Trustee Week. The Charities Regulator developed the new initiative to celebrate the role of charity trustees and raise awareness of the vital work done by the over 29,000 people who volunteer their time and expertise to direct, and are legally responsible for, the running of Ireland’s charities.
The six infrastructure bodies (Boardmatch Ireland, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Charities Institute Ireland, Dóchas, Volunteer Ireland and The Wheel ) are additionally encouraging members of the public to come forward and volunteer as trustees to further strengthen the governance of charities.
Michelle McGill, Executive Director with Boardmatch Ireland said“Becoming a Trustee is a great way for the people of Ireland to “Get on BOARD” and to make a real difference to the causes that you care about in our Community, and ultimately to play your part in creating a more transparent Ireland.”
Diarmaid Ó’Corrbuí, CEO of the Carmichael Centre said “It is right that we recognise and celebrate the important and valuable work of charity trustees who play such an important role in the governance of our charities. They need support and guidance in fulfilling their roles and meeting their responsibilities. It is vital that these supports and guidance are available to charity trustees and that trustees are proactive in seeking out and getting these supports.”
Lucy Masterson CEO of Charities Institute Ireland said: Governance is much more than compliance or guarding against failures, it extends to all aspects of a charity. Supporting trustees to raise governance levels from average to great will transform the charity sector and the lives of its beneficiaries.”
Suzanne Keatinge, CEO of Dóchas said, “As we strive to transform our world to ensure that the most marginalised are not forgotten, charity trustees are vital to help shape, guide and strengthen our work. This week we acknowledge their huge time and commitment and celebrate their active citizenship. We would urge anyone interested in playing this important role to put their name forward.”
Nina Arwitz, Volunteer Ireland CEO added “It is easy to forget that charity trustees are volunteers. Not only are they volunteers, but they are very important ones. They take on a huge responsibility on behalf of an organisation and can have a significant impact on the direction and work of an organisation. This week gives us a chance to celebrate the work that these dedicated individuals do for charities across Ireland.”
Commenting on the launch of Charity Trustee Week, Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel said, “Charity trustees (commonly referred to as ‘board members’ or ‘committee members’) lead, support and direct the charitable purposes and activities of charities. It is a role that carries great responsibility, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a positive impact in your community.”
Charity Trustee Week (13-17 November 2017) will be marked by a number of events and activities across Ireland. See www.charitiesregulator.ie for information.
-ENDS-
Representatives from the six infrastructure bodies are available for interview. Contact Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287
About the Infrastructure Bodies:
- Boardmatch Ireland is the National Corporate Governance Charity in Ireland. We work independently to improve governance in the not-for-profit sector by strengthening Boards’ composition. We do this by providing transparent, neutral and impartial “MATCHING” of Professionals with the NFP sector. Thus, providing necessary skills to respond to change whilst meeting charity sector challenges and strategic objectives. Visit www.boardmatchireland.ie
- Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups is a shared services and support facility for charities. We are actively involved in promoting and supporting good governance in charities through a range of training and support services for charity trustees and staff throughout Ireland. Visit www.carmichaelcentre.ie
- Charities Institute Ireland provides leadership, support and effective representation for fundraising charities that are committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability Visit https://www.charitiesinstituteireland.ie for more information
- Dóchas is the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations. It provides a forum for consultation and cooperation between its members, and a platform for them to speak with a single voice on development issues. For more information, visit: www.dochas.ie.
- Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development agency and a support body for all local Volunteer Centres and Volunteering Information Services in Ireland. Our vision is every person connected to and participating in their communities to build a better Irish society. Volunteer Ireland works to increase awareness of, access to and quality in volunteering in Ireland. For further information, visit: http://www.volunteer.ie/
- The Wheel is Ireland’s national association of community, voluntary and charitable organisations. We are a representative voice and a supportive resource that offers advice, training, influence and advocacy for the sector. Visit http://www.wheel.ie for more information.
