International Rescue Committee UK Trustee

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from conflict or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

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 that also 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, a programme that is rapidly growing.

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 the organisation in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.

The primary focus of the Board is on 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 at 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.
• Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Board meetings per year.
• Participate in at least one Board Committee, and as such prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three Committee meetings per year.
• Promote the organisation externally – attend/contribute to social events, meetings with donors, and supporters.

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.

The Board places an emphasis on ensuring that our Trustees provide the specific mix of skills that have been identified as important to the charity’s objectives and activities. All new Trustees receive a full induction programme and training to ensure they understand their role and responsibilities, including with respect to safeguarding.

We are seeking a Trustee to join the 13 current members of the Board. The roles are unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with IRC UK’s Expenses Policy.

Skills, experience and attributes we are looking for:

We are seeking one Trustee with experience in the NGO/humanitarian sector to join the Safeguarding Committee and, through this Committee, provide strategic and objective advice and guidance to the Board and IRC UK management on the IRC’s implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as its response to safeguarding violations. Ideally the candidate would have knowledge and experience of Charity Commission requirements in regards to safeguarding.

Aside from these specific skills and interests, we are looking for:

•  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 othersAn interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role

Given the IRC’s work, we particularly welcome applications from individuals with first-hand or indirect experience of conflict or displacement, and equally welcome applications from women, people of colour and other under-represented groups, such as persons with disabilities.

The application deadline date is 4^th June 2023.

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