Are you interested in advising our staff on the work of the Network in Northern Ireland?
Heritage Network has 41 members located throughout Northern Ireland ranging from building preservation trusts managing several properties to small community organisations based in historic buildings. We work closely with the Architectural Heritage Fund, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and other community and heritage groups, the Northern Ireland Executive and local authorities.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have recently employed a part-time Development and Outreach Officer for Northern Ireland, Martina Byrne and wish to refresh our Northern Ireland Committee.
The role of the Committee
The Heritage Network has national committees for each of the four nations of the UK. Our Northern Ireland Committee is one of those. National committees are advisory bodies to the board and staff. The role consists of:
- Developing a plan for the Network’s work within their nation.
- Advising the board regarding how the objectives of the Network can be achieved in their nation
- Advising senior management regarding the operating context in their nation and how the work of the Network should be delivered
- Helping facilitate discussion regarding the policies of devolved Governments (and the policies and practices of other national bodies and partnerships) to help the Network decide its position on policy issues and the extent to which it wishes to engage with them or participate in networks and partnerships.
- Supporting the board in selection of a representative director for their nation to sit on the UK Heritage Network Board, as a Trustee and Director of the Charity
- Guiding and supporting the work of the representative director on the board
- Guiding and supporting any staff dedicated to that nation (e.g. Development and Outreach Officers and Heritage Trainees) and receiving reports from them.
- Undertaking tasks as volunteers to support the work of the Network, such as making contacts, speaking on behalf of the Network, representing the Network at forums and networks.
Commitment
Membership of Northern Ireland committee will be for a term of three years, extendable for a further period of three years. Exceptionally this might be extended for up to three years (for example to allow a representative director to complete their period on the Board).
The Committee will meet quarterly, generally online but with opportunities sought for one in-person meeting per year (perhaps by aligning it with an in-person Network event). One meeting a year, usually in March, April or May, will be an annual review meeting, looking back at achievements of the previous (financial) year and planning for the one ahead.
Why we are recruiting
The Northern Ireland Committee currently consists of three people drawn from members, funders and other professionals working in the field. Our newly ratified National Committees policy sets out terms for national committees which we will meet through recruitment to the current committee.
Our approach to National Committee recruitment
We try to ensure a mix of National Committee members, some from within the Network’s membership and some who can bring a fresh perspective from elsewhere in the private, voluntary and public sectors. We value committee members who can make a creative contribution to discussions around the ambitions of the Network and the challenges it faces.
Like many heritage organisations we face challenges around diversity and inclusion. However, the Board and staff team are committed to meaningful change and to inspire change in our members. We want to diversify the committee, so it properly represents all the communities in Northern Ireland.
The membership of national committees should include:
- Representatives of different sizes, types and classes of member
- A gender balance
- Representatives of major funders
- People from different geographical areas of the nation
- At least one young person (under 30)
Recruitment & How to apply
Open, informal recruitment has begun for Northern Ireland Committee members with the closing date of 5pm on Wednesday 17th September 2025
To apply to be on the committee, please complete this short online application form. If you have any questions, please email Martina Byrne at Martina@heritagenetwork.org.uk
You may be asked to attend an informal chat about the role, followed by an invitation to attend the next committee meeting. Following the meeting, you and the committee will be asked for feedback and so long as there are no immediate issues or conflicts of interest you will be invited to join the committee, with your term beginning at the next Northern Ireland Committee meeting you attend.
Note: if we receive a high number of applications, this process may need to be revised, which we will inform applicants of at the earliest possible time.
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