Volunteer FAQs

As a director, you'll be part of a team that guides Heritage Credit Union's strategic direction, ensuring we serve our 57,000+ members effectively. Directors focus on the "big picture" - setting policies, overseeing risk management, and ensuring we stay true to our community values. You won't manage day-to-day operations (that's the CEO's job), but you'll make decisions that shape our members' financial futures.

Most directors dedicate about 8-10 hours monthly:

• Monthly board meeting: 2-3 hours (usually evening)
• Preparation time: 1-2 hours reading materials before meetings
• Committee participation: 1-2 hours if you join a committee
• Annual commitments: AGM, strategic planning day, and occasional training events

We meet at least 10 times annually, with no more than 6 weeks between meetings. While busier periods exist (like strategic planning), we work together to manage the workload.

Absolutely! We need diverse perspectives. Teachers, small business owners, healthcare workers, retirees - all bring valuable insights. What matters most is your commitment to our members and willingness to learn. We provide comprehensive training and support, and you'll work alongside experienced directors who'll help you grow into the role.

Any Heritage Credit Union member aged 18+ who:

• Has been a member in good standing
• Can commit the necessary time
• Meets the Central Bank's Fitness & Probity standards (we'll guide you through this)
• Isn't disqualified under credit union legislation

Think of these as common-sense requirements ensuring directors can serve members effectively:

• Competent & Capable: You bring skills and experience (any kind!) and are willing to learn
• Honest & Ethical: You act with integrity in your personal and professional life
• Financially Sound: You manage your own finances responsibly

Don't worry - these aren't meant to exclude people. They're safeguards ensuring those who guide members' savings can do so effectively.

To avoid conflicts of interest, the following cannot serve:

• Current employees of Heritage Credit Union
• Close relatives of current directors or staff
• Anyone who's been bankrupt (unless discharged for 5+ years)
• Recent paid advisors to the credit union
• Anyone convicted of fraud or dishonesty offences

While you don't need qualifications to start, the Central Bank requires directors to complete certified training by October 2028. Don't let this worry you - we cover all costs and provide full support. Many directors find this training enhances their professional skills beyond the credit union.

Directors typically serve 3-year terms (until the third AGM after election). You can be re-elected, but there's a maximum of 12 years' total board service in any 15-year period. This ensures fresh perspectives while maintaining experience.

Yes! We encourage interested members to:

• Join a committee first to understand how we work
• Chat with current directors about their experience
• Participate in volunteer projects to get a feel for our culture

Life happens! If you need to step down, we understand. The board can co-opt a replacement until the next AGM. We're flexible and supportive - your wellbeing comes first.

You won't be thrown in the deep end! Support includes:

• Comprehensive induction programme
• Mentor assignment from an experienced director
• Access to Irish League of Credit Unions training
• All required regulatory training (fully funded)
• Ongoing workshops and development opportunities
• Regular guidance from our governance team

Directors have legal responsibilities, but you're protected when acting in good faith. We have comprehensive Directors' & Officers' insurance, and as long as you act honestly and in members' best interests, personal liability is extremely rare. We'll ensure you understand your responsibilities clearly.

No, this is a voluntary position - but the rewards go beyond money. You'll:

• Make real impact in your community
• Develop valuable governance and leadership skills
• Build networks with community and business leaders
• Enhance your CV with board experience
• Gain financial literacy and strategic thinking abilities
• Experience the satisfaction of meaningful service

We do reimburse reasonable expenses like travel costs to meetings.

Board service is excellent professional development. Directors typically gain:

• Strategic planning and decision-making skills
• Financial literacy and risk management understanding
• Governance and compliance knowledge
• Leadership and teamwork experience
• Presentation and communication abilities
• Analytical and critical thinking skills

Start with a conversation! You can:

• Complete our online expression of interest form on our website
• Call us on 01 4900162 for an informal chat
• Email volunteer@heritagecu.ie with any questions
• Visit any branch to collect information

1. Expression of interest: Share a bit about yourself and why you're interested
2. Informal meeting: Chat with our Nominations Committee members
3. Suitability review: We'll help you through the Fitness & Probity process
4. Nomination: If all goes well, you're nominated for election
5. Election: Members vote at the AGM (or you may be co-opted to fill a vacancy)

Our AGM typically happens in January. The Nominations Committee meets throughout the year, so you can express interest anytime. If there's a vacancy, the board may co-opt new directors between AGMs.