Founded in 1987, The Donkey Sanctuary (Ireland) Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered Charity Number: 20032289) is a proud subsidiary of The Donkey Sanctuary UK charity group. For nearly four decades, we have been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for neglected and abandoned donkeys and mules across Ireland.

Since our inception, we have provided lifelong care to over 5,700 donkeys and mules. Today, more than 1,200 donkeys are under our care, with nearly 300 rehomed into loving Guardian Homes within the community.

Beyond rescue and sanctuary work, we actively support donkey welfare in the wider community. Our team offers guidance and assistance to private owners on essential care topics such as castration, microchipping, veterinary treatment, and farriery.

Our operations are based across four farms nestled in the scenic hills of Liscarroll, County Cork. One farm houses our veterinary hospital and new arrivals unit, while another hosts our head office and visitor centre. With a dedicated team of 90 staff members, we continue to deliver compassionate care, education, and advocacy for donkey welfare throughout Ireland.

Vision:  A world where every donkey has a good quality of life.

Mission: Improving the lives of donkeys every day.

Board: Our trustees | The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland

For more information: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/

The Role:

The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland is seeking a dedicated and experienced legal professional to join its Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected charity committed to the welfare of donkeys and mules across Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Expertise: The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in Ireland with senior-level experience. They will provide trusted opinion and support to the board on legal matters affecting the charity.
• Governance and Compliance: As a trustee, you will help uphold best practices in charity governance and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Trustees share collective responsibility for maintaining high standards of governance and leadership.
• Strategic Oversight: Contribute to the development and monitoring of the charity’s strategic direction.
• Resource Management: Support sound financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s resources are managed effectively and in line with agreed policies.

Skills and Experience

• Legal Qualification: Must be a qualified lawyer with senior-level experience in Ireland.
• Governance Knowledge: Experience or qualifications in charity governance or completion of charity board training is desirable.
• Board Experience: Previous experience serving on a board or committee, or working closely with boards in an executive capacity, is advantageous.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders and fellow trustees.
• Time Commitment: Ability to commit sufficient time to attend board meetings and undertake follow-up responsibilities.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning.
• Commitment to Mission: A genuine passion for donkeys, and understanding of the vision and purpose of The Donkey Sanctuary.
• Values: A strong alignment with the charity’s values and ethos.
• Leadership: Proven leadership experience within an organisation of comparable scale.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland is committed to increasing the diversity of its Board to better reflect the communities it serves and to strengthen its governance. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Manage the assets of your charity.

Board Meetings:

The Board of Trustees of The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland typically convenes four times a year. Most meetings are conducted virtually via videoconference during standard business hours.  However, at least one meeting each year is held in person, either at the organisation’s headquarters in Liscarroll, Co Cork, or in Dublin.  Board meetings typically last for 2.5 hours.

Other activities:- The Country Manager hosts regular update meetings. Trustees may also be invited to participate in additional events or training sessions as needed.

Remuneration:

The role of trustee is a voluntary position and is therefore not remunerated, but reasonable travel and other expenses incurred as part of the role will be reimbursed in accordance with Charity Regulator guidance and the charity’s expenses policy.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to:

Thora Mackey, Boardmatch Ireland, thora@boardmatch.i

Closing date for applications:  17:00, 28 October 2025

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, and may be Garda vetted where required for the post. The Donkey Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.