Irish Seed Savers vital work is conserving Ireland’s heritage food crops – open pollinated seed and apple trees – and contributing to sustainable food systems through a range of offerings including training, education and public awareness. Along with our dedicated conservation work, we operate as a social enterprise, producing Irish heritage apple trees and organic open-pollinated seed for sale, ensuring the organisation’s financial viability while practicing conservation through use.

The Role: 

The Board of Directors at ISSA have made great advances in the governance of the organisation – building capacity for growth and development in line with ISSAs mission, vision and values; achieving compliance with the Charity Regulatory Authority standards of best practice and with legal obligations; developing an ambitious strategic plan; the stewardship of resources and good fiduciary care.

We are now recruiting Board members/trustees with skillsets to complement those of our existing Board Directors, such as the following:

  • Financial management or accountancy
  • Human Resources
  • Fundraising
  • Scientific research
  • Horticulture/agriculture/arboriculture
  • Governance
  • Communications

Responsibilities:

  • The Board Directors of the Irish Seed Savers Association are responsible for good governance in compliance with the Charites Regulator.
  • The directors are at all times required to act in accordance with applicable Irish Seed Savers Association’s governing documents, codes and policies, the Companies Act 2014, the Charities Act 2009 together with their fiduciary responsibilities and the obligations of the law.
  • Directors will bring expertise or knowledge to support the work of ISSA, its mission, vision and values

Board Meetings:  

  • Board meetings take place every 6-8 weeks. These are held both onsite at Irish Seed Savers in Scariff, Co Clare and virtually.
  • The Board currently operate through the Finance Committee, Human Resources and Governance Committee, and the Fundraising and Marketing Committee. Each Board Director is expected to serve on at least one of these committees.
  • Board members may be requested to communicate, attend events, and represent ISSA as needed or in relation to their expertise.

 

Applications

If you think this voluntary board opportunity is a fit for you, please email boardchair@irishseedsavers.ie with enquiries or an application that should include a letter expressing your interest and a recent CV. Locally based applicants particularly welcome to apply.