How we are governed

Concern is controlled and regulated by its members.

The members form the general body that has responsibility for the Articles of Association election of the Council, appointment of the auditors and approval of the annual accounts.

As well as its membership, and Council, Concern has a senior management team.
Have a look at the diagram of our management structure (pdf – 25.25KB).

Council

The Council of Concern is elected from the membership at each annual general meeting of Concern. The maximum number of Council members is 24. One third of the members must retire from office each year - while remaining eligible for re-election.

Council co-opts members of the organisation when necessary to maintain its full complement of members.

Council meets at least four times per year. It has three standing committees, an Officers Committee, which meets monthly, together with a Finance Committeee and a Monitoring and Evaluations Committee, which normally meet quarterly.

Under Concern's governance regulations, Council members may not be paid staff.

Policy making

The Council's primary function is to agree the policy parameters within which Concern will operate, approving budgets and actions based on proposals from management and monitor performance.

Accountability

The Council is accountable to:

• The relevant Irish minister for ensuring that the provision of the Companies Act 1963 and the Memorandum and Articles of the Association are adhered to
• The general public for ensuring funds donated are accounted for and are put to the appropriate use and the welfare and safety of all personnel, with particular responsibility for overseas personnel

Membership

Membership is open to individuals from the general public who have demonstrated an interest in the developing world and are proposed and seconded by two other members.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Concern, contact joe.jennings@concern.net.

Who is on the Council?

The Council of Concern is currently made up of the following people: Anne Cummins, Barbara O’Reilly, Chinedu Onyejelem, David Gwynn-Morgan, Evanna Barry, Frances O’Keeffe (Secretary), Helen Burke, Jan Rotte, Jim Miley (Chairman), John Treacy, Mark Shinnick, Mary Considine, Mary Finn, Mary Humphreys, Nick North, Nora Owen, Nurul Amin, Paul Jeffcutt, Sally-Anne Kinahan, Teresa McColgan, Tom Lavin, Tom Shipsey, Tom O’Higgins.