The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, we first helped people fleeing violence and persecution in Europe find safety in the United States.
Today, we work in over 50 crisis-affected countries, bringing ingenuity, fortitude and optimism to making a lasting impact for the people we serve. We arrive at the onset of crisis and aim to stay as long as we are needed. We also help refugees and other vulnerable people integrate into their new communities across dozens of cities in Europe and the Americas.
The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.
IRC UK
IRC UK is a registered charity in the UK and forms part of the IRC’s global network. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.
IRC UK Board of Trustees
Members of our Board of Trustees are the charity’s Trustees and act as company directors. They are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation and guidance, including the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
The primary focus of the Board is on furthering IRC UK’s charitable purposes as set out in the Articles of Association, and in turn growing and improving the support that IRC clients receive. To this end, Board members work closely with IRC UK’s leaders in setting strategic direction in areas such as fundraising, advocacy, communication, people and culture, and also technical oversight of UK programmes. They also work with leaders across the IRC global network who are responsible for delivery of our international programmes. Staff may seek advice and support from Trustees on subjects where they have expertise.
Being a Trustee of IRC UK requires you to:
- Fulfil the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and act in accordance with these to ensure good governance of the organisation. – Use your specific experience and skills to provide the Board with strategic advice and guidance and lead discussions on areas relating to your expertise. – Support the IRC UK Senior Management team and Executive Director. – Work with fellow Trustees to oversee implementation of the organisation’s strategy. – Support IRC UK with regard to its Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy, including by holding management and staff to account in delivering on its ambitions and by committing to the Board’s own GEDI action plan. – Engage meaningfully with the IRC clients through, for example, attending events with our clients in the UK or travel to international programmes. – Promote the organisation externally – attend/contribute to social events, meetings with donors, and supporters.
In terms of time commitment, Trustees are required to:
- Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Board meetings per year, plus one development meeting. – Participate in at least one Board Committee, and as such prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Committee meetings per year.
Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. At the recommendation of the People & Culture Committee, the Board may vote to keep a Board Member (who wishes to stay) for a third term of one or maximum two years. All board members must rotate off the board after eight years.
Skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for
The Board places an emphasis on ensuring that our Trustees provide a mix of skills, knowledge and experience (including lived experience) that are important to the charity’s objectives and activities. All new Trustees receive a full induction programme and training to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities, including with respect to safeguarding and Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
We are seeking up to three Trustees to join the Board as several current trustees come to the end of their terms. The roles are unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with IRC UK’s Expenses Policy.
We are seeking Trustees with strong general governance and management experience, through, for example, membership of other Boards or in senior positions in other organisations (non-profit, public or private). The successful candidate(s) will have:
- The objectivity and ability to decision-make independently and influence accordingly; – Ability to communicate complex information to members of the board and other stakeholders; – Ability to work collaboratively with others; and – An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.
