Volunteer: Non Executive Directors - Kerry Community Youth Service

About KCYS

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) is a voluntary youth work organisation providing programmes and services to young people and communities across Kerry, the Beara Peninsula and the North West Cork region. Founded in 1971 as Kerry Diocesan Youth Service, KCYS renamed in 2024 and is a registered charity operating in accordance with the Charity Regulator guidance. KCYS is Governance Code Compliant and was awarded Triple Lock status in January 2024.

Our vision is that all young people are valued and supported to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to serve all young people in a safe, fun and positive environment through youth spaces, services, mentoring, training, holistic development and advocacy for their needs.

• Support young people in Kerry to achieve their full potential
• Provide targeted and integrated supports to meet the needs of young people in Kerry and their families
• Be recognised as a centre of excellence for youth work
• Establish ourselves as an independent young person‑centred charity
• Strengthen our governance, management and internal coordination
• Be an organisation that enables staff and volunteers to deliver and develop

In recent years, KCYS has taken great steps to strengthen its governance, management and internal coordination. We are looking to recruit additional non‑executive directors, particularly those with at least one of the following skills or lived experience.

• Human Resources & Industrial Relations
• Legal
• Fundraising
• Social enterprise and mission‑led commercial development
• Youth work
• Marketing and PR
• Charity governance

New board members will also be expected to chair or participate in sub‑committees of the board as required.

Candidates must have the capacity to be an active member of the board. Local knowledge, previous board experience and a background working with young people and the voluntary sector are preferred. Willingness to work with the KCYS Youth Advisory Group and to incorporate young people’s views is a priority. The board aims to maintain a gender balance. Candidates ideally based in Kerry or neighbouring counties, or willing to attend in‑person meetings per year, are sought.

Most meetings are online; the board meets in person twice a year.

• Attend regular board meetings (approx. 10 per year) and the AGM.
• Actively contribute to one of the board’s sub‑committees.
• Most meetings are virtual on weekday evenings; the full board meets in person at least twice a year.
• Devote preparation time for reading papers and related documents.
• May attend briefings, educational sessions or conferences with staff and volunteers.

Induction training and ongoing board development will be provided. The term of office is three years, with an option to be re‑appointed for a second and third term. This is a trustee role; it is not remunerated. Necessary and vouched expenses are reimbursed following approval by the board chairperson.

As a non‑executive director of KCYS CLG, you will have the same legal duties and responsibilities as any director. The CEO is responsible for day‑to‑day management and for implementing the strategy and policies approved by the board. The CEO reports to the board and will regularly report on performance. Board members will sign the KCYS Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees to confirm compliance with its provisions during the term of office.

Please email a brief CV and cover letter to board recruitment. Recruitment will remain open until the vacancies are filled. For further information, contact board recruitment.