Governance of An Óige
Committed to Responsible Governance
Our Charitable Purpose
- Help all people, but especially young people, develop a love and appreciation of the countryside, particularly by providing simple hostel accommodation on their travels and by promoting and providing a range of outdoor and physical education activities.
- Foster an appreciation of Ireland’s cultural, environmental, natural and historic heritage.
An Óige is a charity registered with the Charities Regulator under Registered Charity No. 20018252. In 2014, it became a Company Limited by Guarantee without share capital and is registered with the Companies Registration Office under CRO No. 009072. An Óige also holds charitable tax exemption status with the Revenue Commissioners under CHY No. 7877.
Our Commitment to Good Governance
- Advancing our charitable purpose
- Behaving with integrity
- Leading people
- Exercising control
- Working effectively
- Being accountable and transparent
The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and continues to take the necessary actions to ensure that An Óige complies with the requirements of the Charities Governance Code.
Board of Directors
- The Board is made up of a maximum of 11 Directors, 4 of which are “elected” by the membership with the remainder co-opted as necessitates.
- Each “elected” director serves for a 4-year term and may be eligible for re-election one year after expiry of the previous term.
- The Board meets at least eight times each year, with an Annual General Meeting held within nine months of the end of the financial year.
- The Board directs An Óige based on a shared vision, mission and values, ensuring that it fulfils its financial and legal responsibilities. Along with the CEO, it decides on the policy of the organisation and the strategic direction it will take.
- Board members are volunteers and are not remunerated for their work.
- The Board is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Child Safeguarding
General Code of Conduct
Charities Governance Code
CRO and Financial Compliance
Meet the Board
Michael holds an MSc in Business Management from Trinity College Dublin and has held senior operational roles with Irish and international organisations, including Irish Biscuits, AT&T and Continental Tyres. He also worked in claims management within the insurance industry for Allianz and Liberty Insurance. A member of An Óige since 1974 and a Life Member, Michael joined the Board in 2022 and has served on the leadership team for the weekly hiking programme for more than 20 years.
Jim holds an IOSH Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and has more than 40 years’ operational experience in the state and semi-state telecommunications sector, from Posts and Telegraphs through to Eircom. He also worked as a trainer and Health and Safety Auditor in Audit, Risk and Compliance. A Life Member of An Óige for much of his 50-plus years of membership, Jim served on the Council before joining the Board in 2019. He has led hostel trips at home and abroad and now coordinates the monthly hiking programme.
Fergal has been a member of An Óige for 13 years, drawn to the organisation by his passion for outdoor activity and community involvement. As an enthusiastic hiker, he strongly values An Óige’s commitment to helping people of all ages experience and appreciate the outdoors. Through his work on the Board, Fergal contributes to the organisation’s mission, supports its continued development and helps ensure that An Óige remains successful and sustainable for the future.
Philip has volunteered with An Óige for more than 20 years, inspired by his passion for hillwalking and the natural environment. During that time, he has held a variety of roles and developed extensive knowledge of the organisation and its work. Alongside serving as a director and Company Secretary, Philip is also a member of the An Óige Environmental Conservation Group. His commitment to outdoor activity, conservation and the effective running of the organisation makes him a valued member of the Board.
Marion brings more than 20 years of professional experience in the financial services industry. As a director, she is committed to supporting An Óige’s mission and helping the organisation continue to promote youth tourism and meaningful outdoor experiences in Ireland. Beyond her professional work, Marion is an avid walker who enjoys exploring Ireland’s many walking routes, hiking trails and landscapes. Her professional knowledge and personal enthusiasm for the outdoors provide a valuable combination of skills and perspective to the Board.
Joan works in the relocation sector, supporting Irish and multinational organisations whose employees are moving from overseas to work in Ireland. She enjoyed extensive hostelling with An Óige in her younger years and is now actively involved with Glenmalure Hostel in County Wicklow, which is operated by volunteers under An Óige. Joan has served on the Board since November 2021 and is particularly passionate about raising awareness of the organisation’s work and sharing news of the activities and opportunities it continues to provide.