Board Secretary (0.6 Fte)

The National Concert Hall (NCH), based in the heart of Dublin City Centre, is Ireland's National Cultural Institution for music. Our vision is to be regarded worldwide as one of the great centres for music and a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere. Hosting over 1,000 events each year, we offer world class music and entertainment for all ages - enriching people's lives through music and the magic of live performance.

As a body governed by public law, the National Concert Hall is subject to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (hereinafter 'the Code'). The Code is published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is updated periodically. It aims to ensure that commercial and non-commercial State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance. Matters addressed by the Code include Board effectiveness, business and financial reporting, risk management, internal control and internal audit.

The Code places particular governance, reporting and disclosure obligations upon the NCH, which overlap to some extent. To support the NCH Board in the fulfilment of these obligations, and provide advice as required, the NCH is seeking to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced Board Secretary. The successful candidate will possess a strong track record of advising Board members on issues of governance and best practice.

As a Charity, the NCH is also subject to the Charities Governance Code which outlines the minimum standards of charity governance. Under the Code all charitable organisations are legally required to complete and submit an Annual Report to the Charities Regulator regarding their activities and financial affairs in the previous financial year.

Role summary

The role of Board Secretary with the NCH will ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Board and its Committees, including the timely information flows between the Executive and Board, and vice versa; the development, management and review of governance policies and procedures; and act as a sounding board and advisor to the Chairperson, Board and Senior Management Team on governance matters.

Key Responsibilities

The role of Board Secretary is a key leadership role within the NCH and will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

1. Provide advice and assistance to the Chairperson and Board members and Chief Executive Officer of the National Concert Hall (hereinafter 'the NCH) in relation to the Board's statutory and legal obligations.

2. Review and monitor the NCH's compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Charities Governance Code.

3. Develop and implement processes to promote and sustain strong governance arrangements, providing support and advice to the Board in fulfilling its reporting and disclosure obligations.

4. Act as a repository for all written communications related to the governance reporting obligations of the NCH.

5. Responsible for the Board Management Software including Administration of the system.

6. Review all documents that set out the governance responsibilities of the Board and the NCH, and prepare a matrix of all governance reporting responsibilities, and respective filing dates.

7. Review the terms of reference for the Board, and Board Committees, to ensure that the terms are consistent with agreed oversight responsibilities, making recommendations for amendments, where applicable.

8. Provide advice and assistance relating to governance in relation the NCH Redevelopment Project, ensuring the project is delivered in accordance with the Approving Authority approvals and related policies.

9. In conjunction with the Chairs of the Board and Board Committees, schedule sufficient meetings each year, set agendas for such meetings, and ensure that the Board meets its governance reporting responsibilities.

10. Attend all Board and Board Committee meetings, record the minutes, and prepare drafts for the respective Chairs. Following circulation and review, ensure that the minutes are approved, with appropriate arrangements made for signature and filing.

11. Act as a repository for, and facilitator of, any Freedom of Information requests pertaining to reports in respect of governance obligations, and the minutes of Board and Board Committee meetings.

12. Act as a co-ordinator for the preparation of reports for submission to the Board for consideration and approval before the relevant dates, including:

Statement of Internal Control Assertions Report

Annual Compliance Statement Assertions Report

Annual Protected Disclosures Assertions Report

Annual Gender Pay Assertions Report.

13. Assist the Board with governance matters including:

Maintain registers of Board members and their interests

Review and update (as required) the Code of Conduct for Board members

Review and update (as required) the schedule of matters reserved for Board approval

Develop and deliver the induction programmes for new Board members

Assist with sourcing, planning and co-ordinating continuous development and training opportunities for Board members

Assist the Chairperson with arranging internal and external Board meetings

14. Manage the "Statement of Interest" reporting requirements for "Designed Directorships" as required by the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995.

15. Engage and manage external Counsel on behalf of the NCH.

16. Managing Risk in line with corporate governance best practice.

17. Support the development and updating of the NCH's policies, procedures and guidelines (as appropriate)

18. Ensure that all relevant provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are adhered to, with robust mechanisms in place to safeguard adherence to these obligations.

19. Carry out annual Board reviews and Board objective setting with the Chairperson.

20. Support the embedding of the NCH values and behaviours at Board level.

21. Attending to all necessary filings with the Charities Regulator.

22. Carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post at all times with absolute integrity and in compliance with the NCH's policies and legislative duties.

The Person

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of:

A third level/professional qualification in finance, law, governance business administration or relevant discipline

A minimum of 3 years' experience performing the role of Board Secretary on behalf of an organisation (either public or private) of comparable scale and complexity to the NCH

Proven experience of the legal and regulatory requirements of both public sector organisations and charitable organisations

A proven understanding of State Body governance requirements including best practice and the roles and responsibilities that attach to a leader of a significant public sector organisation

Track record delivering superior results, commanding respect and assuming leadership roles

Have experience working across teams and of developing and maintaining good working relationships

A strong commitment to the values of the Public Service and clear understanding and insight into the challenges facing the NCH

Desirable Requirements

The following requirements are desirable:

Chartered Secretary qualified (i.e. an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute of the UK & Ireland, or a full member of an equivalent qualifying organisation) or post Graduate qualification in Governance

Demonstrable experience of governance arrangements applying to the Charities Governance Code

Previous experience of developing and implementing strategic plans in collaboration with Boards

General

The role is offered as a part-time (0.6 FTE) permanent position.

Salary and Pay arrangements

The Assistant Principal Officer (PPC) salary scale applies pro rata for this role (rates effective from 1st October 2024) as follows:

€79,086 - €81,999 - €84,952 - €87,914 - €90,873 - €92,579 - €95,563* - €98,559** (Full time equivalent)

(Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current Government Policy. * After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum **After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum)

Starting Salary

Entry will be at the 1st point of the Assistant Principal (PPC) scale at a 0.6 FTE rate, equivalent to €47,451.60 per annum.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online and must include:

1. A cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and why you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role and;

2. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.

Only applications fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign.

Further details on the role and the application process may be viewed in the Candidate Information Booklet at the following link: https://app.occupop.com/job/211528

The deadline to apply for this role is 5pm on Thursday, 12th December 2024.

At NCH we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community or any other characteristic protected by the Equality Acts.

We are committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any questions regarding building access, please contact us on (01) 417 0077.