About Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland 

Belong To’s vision is for an Ireland where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young people are equal, safe, and valued in the diversity of their identities and experiences. We work with LGBTQ+ young people as equals to achieve our vision through youth work, changing attitudes, and research. 

Our core values are those of inclusion, integrity, and respect, in an environment of honesty and openness. Our purpose is to create a welcoming, supportive, safe and fun space for LGBTQ+ young people. We are committed to collaboration and youth participation. We believe in solidarity and intersectional equality, and our work focuses on human rights and social justice. We are dedicated to continuous improvement in everything we do. 

Learn more about us by visiting www.belongto.org and by reading our Strategic Plan 2025-2027 and our 2023 Annual Report.

The Role of the Board 

The role of the Board is to oversee the business of the Charity as per the Constitution. It is the organisation's policy body that sets checks and balances and, individually and collectively, it is the Board Members that have ultimate responsibility for the organisation. 

The Board is therefore committed to its policy making role within the context of a best practice model of good governance. There are two fundamental parts to the role of the Board of Belong To: firstly, to lead and, secondly, to control the organisation as follows: 

• Provide and build leadership 

• To set the mission and purpose of the organisation

• To strengthen the image of the organisation 

• To strengthen the effectiveness of the Board and its appointed officers 

• To develop and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan in consultation with stakeholders, including young people and staff 

• To secure the necessary resources for the effective implementation of the strategic plan 

• To meet all legal obligations placed on the organisation 

• To be accountable to other stakeholders (funders, members, young people, staff and the public) for their stewardship of the organisation 

• To support and monitor the performance of the CEO though an annual performance review 

• To support the CEO and the staff in their roles in running the organisation 

• To actively participate in advancing the mission of the organisation through sharing of expertise and network.

The Duties of Board Members 

Board members’ duties come from the following: 

• The governing document of Belong To. 

• Legislation (e.g. the Charities Acts 2009 and 2024, the Companies Act 2014) 

• Common Law (the body of Irish law based on established practice and decisions of the courts). 

The duties of board members include: 

• Complying with Belong To’s governing document. 

• Ensuring Belong To is carrying out its charitable purpose for the public benefit. 

• Always acting in the best interests of Belong To. 

• Acting with reasonable care and skill. 

• Managing the assets of the organisation. 

• Making appropriate investment decisions. 

• Ensuring the organisation keeps proper books of account. • Ensuring Belong To prepares and furnishes financial accounts and an annual report to the Charities Regulator. 

• Reporting any reasonable grounds for believing a theft or fraud has occurred. 

• Ensuring the organisation complies with directions issued by the Regulator. 

• Being proactive in satisfying themselves that appropriate and transparent structures are in place to ensure all aspects of the oversight and management of Belong To are functioning correctly. 

• Ensuring that decisions are taken within the terms of Belong To’s constitution, and that this document is reviewed regularly and remains fit for purpose. 

• Ensuring sub-committees of the board work to, and within, clear Terms of Reference. 

Board members are also ultimately responsible for ensuring that Belong To meets all its obligations under the Companies Act 2014, including: 

• To keep adequate accounting records. 

• To prepare annual financial statements. 

• To have financial statements audited.

• To maintain certain registers and documents. 

• To file certain documents with the Registrar of Companies. 

• To hold general meetings of the company.

The Role of Individual Board Members 

Board Members should contribute appropriately and effectively at board meetings. No individual board member (including the chairperson) should dominate debates or exercise an undue influence on decision-making. Board members should support the chairperson in their efforts to conduct board business in an efficient and effective manner. However, board members should not hesitate to challenge the chairperson if they feel that a decision has been taken without a full and proper debate or is illegal or ultra vires.

Board members are expected to bring their resources and expertise to bear on the attainment of the organisation’s vision, advancement of its mission, while respecting the organisations values. 

The Board Members: 

• may be asked to represent Belong To on committees, at events, or on state or other boards; 

• are required to publicly support the policy positions and services developed and provided by Belong To; 

• shall act as ambassadors for the organisation when requested by the CEO or Chairperson;

• may seek any support or advice from the CEO, or staff team through the CEO, and copying the Chairperson into that communication. 

For this specific role, the successful candidate will be required to join and chair the Quality, Safety and Safeguarding Subcommittee of the Board, which meets at least quarterly and advises the Board on all matters relating to the quality of Belong To’s youth work provision, the safety of young people in our services, and child safeguarding.

Functional Competencies 

Essential 

• A passion for youth work and commitment to empowering LGBTQ+ young people. 

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in youth work. 

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. 

• An understanding of current challenges, opportunities and trends in the youth work sector in Ireland. 

• Expertise in child safeguarding and Children First.

Desirable 

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ young people or in the LGBTQ+ sector. 

• Board level experience in the non-profit sector.