Board Director, ABI

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives?

If so, we are looking for voluntary Board members to help guide our work in delivering vital services to people living with an acquired brain injury.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland)

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is dedicated to serving and empowering individuals who have experienced brain injury. Through a combination of personalised rehabilitation programmes and dedicated advocacy, the organisation supports over 1,300 brain injury survivors and their families each year, to achieve their personal goals and work towards greater independence. Services are provided across a range of environments, including in people’s own homes, community settings, group settings and assisted living homes, ensuring a holistic, biopsychosocial model of rehabilitation. ABI Ireland operates as a Section 39–funded organisation, with the majority of its income—approximately €22 million—provided through the HSE to deliver core services.

ABI Ireland is dedicated to delivering exemplary services to individuals in need, consistently adhering to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. The organisation operates within robust governance frameworks, including accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), oversight by HIQA, and compliance with the Charities Triple Lock Standard. Furthermore, ABI Ireland maintains ongoing alignment with the standards set by the HSE and the Charities Governance Code, ensuring sustained excellence and accountability throughout all aspects of service provision.

ABI Ireland works in partnership with its sister organisation, Anvers Housing Association, an approved housing body, to provide a housing with support model, enhancing quality of life for individuals affected by acquired brain injury. Through collaborative initiatives, they jointly focus on delivering specialist services, providing accessible and supported housing, and facilitating community-based rehabilitation to empower those impacted by brain injury.

Anvers Housing Association specialises in providing high-quality, accessible accommodation tailored specifically for people with acquired brain injury. Their housing solutions are designed to promote independent living while ensuring residents receive appropriate support. Adhering to the governance standards for AHBs (AHBRA) and the Charity Regulator’s Governance Code, Anvers collaborates closely with ABI Ireland to integrate housing provision with rehabilitation services and community engagement initiatives.

Both organisations operate under a unified leadership and governance structure. This integrated approach ensures strong alignment across their activities, fosters a cohesive strategic direction, and guarantees the consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centred support for individuals living with acquired brain injury.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland invites applications from two highly experienced and values-driven professionals to join the Board. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the advancement of person-centred support for individuals living with acquired brain injury.

Experience & Background

ABI Ireland welcomes expressions of interest from candidates with substantial senior-level experience in Public Affairs, Advocacy, Fundraising, Health, Social Care, Rehabilitation, or closely related fields. Prior Board experience is essential, and additional consideration will be given to those who have chaired Boards or Board committees. Given the organisation’s commitment to strong governance and regulatory compliance, candidates should be comfortable interpreting financial, governance, or risk information at Board or senior leadership level. Experience contributing to or overseeing structured governance processes—such as Finance & Audit, Quality & Risk, or strategic planning forums—is particularly advantageous. Successful applicants will demonstrate values-driven leadership, sound judgment, and a collaborative style consistent with the organisation’s person-centred, mission-focused ethos.

Key Competencies

Strategic Governance

• Applies independent, objective scrutiny to Board decision-making
• Thinks strategically and contributes to long-term organisational planning
• Provides constructive challenge and support to the Executive Team

Financial & Risk Oversight

• Familiarity with SORP standards, Charities Regulator requirements, and best practice in financial governance
• Confidence reviewing financial reports, budgets, and organisational risk frameworks
• Ability to participate effectively in Finance & Audit or Quality & Risk committees

Collaboration & Integrity

• Builds positive, professional relationships with fellow Directors and the Executive Team
• Champions ethical governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance
• Values diverse perspectives and supports inclusive, well-rounded decision-making

Time Commitment

Directors typically attend 6 Board meetings per year, along with strategic or Board development workshops. Directors are also asked to commit to membership of one subcommittee of the Board. Subcommittee meetings are typically scheduled 4-6 times per year. Preparation and review of Board papers is required in advance of meetings.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to meaningful national impact
• A collaborative, values aligned and mission -driven Board environment
• Engagement in strategic projects across governance, housing, service development and organisational growth
• Full induction and ongoing governance development

Remuneration

All work carried out by the Board Director on behalf of ABI Ireland will be done in a voluntary capacity. All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of Board Director will be reimbursed by the organisation.

How to Apply

All applications should be received by Friday 1st May 2026 at 5pm.

For any informal enquiries, please contact:

Gillian Littlefield - Executive Assistant - glittlefield@abiireland.ie

For more information, please see our websites: https://www.abiireland.ie and https://www.anvershousing.ie