As you are probably aware at this stage, both the CBAI and the NIBU have formally agreed to amalgamate into a new body responsible for bridge across the island of Ireland. It is envisaged that this new body will be known as Bridge Ireland, and that it will become operative with effect from 1 January 2027.
The new body will be a Company Limited By Guarantee, and as such it is required to have a Board of Directors. The Board is appointed to act on behalf of the membership of Bridge Ireland and to serve the long-term interests of the company, with a particular focus on governance, financial control, and strategy, so these are very important roles. Expressions of interest are sought for up to nine Director positions, including a Chair. It is intended that the Board will be balanced, is so far as possible, in terms of gender and geography, and that it will comprise a mix of the skills and experience needed for Bridge Ireland to be successful. Applications are therefore encouraged from individuals with experience in areas such as finance, governance, human resources, strategic planning, legal, operations and IT, marketing, etc, preferably at a senior level. Because of the specific responsibilities of the Chair, additional criteria will apply to that role.
While it is expected that at least some Board members will have experience in bridge administration, this is not an essential requirement, and applicants need not be a member of either the CBAI or the NIBU.
Board positions will be for rolling-three year terms, with rotation, and are subject to a maximum of three three-year terms for Directors, and two three-year terms for the Chair.
You’ll find full details of the roles, the required competencies and experience, and the application process here: Bridge Ireland Board Appointments
Applications will be assessed by a specially convened panel, under the direction of an independent Chair, Fred Barry. Fred has extensive relevant experience. He acts regularly for the Irish Public Appointments Service in shortlisting candidates for appointment to state boards, frequently as Chair of assessment panels. His own board experience includes the National Transport Authority (Chair), the National Development Finance Agency, the National Pediatric Hospital Development Board (Chair), the National Roads Authority, and several other state and private sector bodies.
The closing date for applications is Friday 16 October at 5 p.m., and applications should be sent by email to dermot@cbai.ie (the private email address of Dermot O’Brien, Chief Executive of the CBAI), with the subject line “Bridge Ireland Board Appointments”. All aspects of the application process will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.