Why sit on a board?

In the last year, there has been a sharp increase in the number of voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland seeking to recruit business skills and expertise onto their boards.

The benefits to the groups are enormous but the benefits to those who take on such a position are also tangible and make good business sense.

Similarly, many employers in the province are looking for new personal development and leadership opportunities for their employees, but many are unsure of the best route to take and want to ensure that they make an informed decision before agreeing to take on a board responsibility.

Business in the Community Board Member, Alan Taylor, Managing Partner, Arthur Cox Solicitors, explains: “In today’s tough economic climate, many voluntary and community organisations are facing significant challenges, including funding cuts, redundancies, pay freezes and increased demand. More than ever, organisations in the sector need a strong board, equipped with appropriate skills and expertise to help effectively manage change and encourage professionalism and efficiency.

“The role a board member plays is extremely important and not to be underestimated. They bring unique skills and expertise that these groups would never be able to fund themselves. The benefits to the groups are enormous but the benefits to those who take on such a position are also tangible and make good business sense.

“For these reasons, I am delighted to be working with Business in the Community in developing a new board matching initiative to pair voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Northern Ireland who are seeking new board or management committee members with business people keen to join a board and share their skills and expertise. In my role as BITC Board Member, I will chair this scheme which will be launched in the coming weeks.”

If you have a skill set that could be used by a community or voluntary sector board but aren’t sure where to start, please contact Patricia O'Rourke.