Cork event aims to connect volunteers with charity boards 

Many people mistakenly believe that the boardroom of a charity is a closed space, reserved for well-connected, highly experienced professionals or those who somehow ‘belong’ there.

I used to think that myself, before I began working in the not-for-profit sector. I assumed board members owned or controlled charities in a way that made these boards inaccessible to ordinary people.

The truth is very different. And this month, we’re inviting you to discover that for yourself. On Thursday, April 23, Boardmatch will host BoardMatch Live, at the Clayton Hotel, a unique event designed to connect people with charities across Cork that are actively seeking new volunteer board members. It’s not a conference or a seminar; it is like a speed-dating event.

Why do charity boards matter? Because charities and not-for-profits play an essential role in Cork’s social fabric, from arts and culture to mental health, housing, and community development.

These organisations rely on strong governance to guide their strategy, ensure accountability and maximise their impact. And good governance depends on having a diversity of voices around the boardroom table.

That’s where you come in.

Volunteering on a charity board is one of the most impactful ways you can contribute to your community. If you talk to any charity board member, the vast majority speak positively: “truly rewarding experience”, “I’m making a meaningful difference”, “an enriching opportunity both personally and professionally” are some of the feedback we have received from board members of charities.

Unlike hands-on or front-line volunteering, which often requires flexible or unpredictable hours, board roles are structured. Meetings are typically scheduled well in advance, often a year ahead, making it easier to fit into busy lives.

But the real value goes beyond convenience. Board membership allows you to apply your skills, whether in finance, HR, marketing, legal, technology, community knowledge or lived experience, in a strategic way.

You are not just helping to deliver services; you are helping to shape the direction of an organisation. You see, first-hand, how decisions are made, how challenges are navigated, and how impact is achieved. Couple that with a cause you are passionate about, and you’ll see how your contribution makes a difference and an impact to society.

For many, it is also a professional development opportunity. You gain insight into leadership, governance and organisational strategy, experience that is increasingly valued across all sectors, especially as we move into a world where the use of AI is increasing.

So, whether you are in the early stages of your career looking to broaden your experience, or you’re an established professional seeking to give back, board volunteering is a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Yet, despite all of this, many never take that first step. Often, it’s because they don’t know how. This is one of the issues Boardmatch actively tries to address. Since 2005, we have worked to make board roles more accessible, more transparent and more inclusive. To date, we have placed more than 5,000 people.

Our Boardmatch Live event is one of the ways we help bring prospective new board members and charities together.

At BoardMatch Live, charities from across Cork will each host a stand. Some are well-known organisations, like Cork International Film Festival, Dance Cork Firkin Crane, Wildlife Recuse; others are smaller, community-based groups like O’Connell Court, who are doing vital work at a local level. All of them have one thing in common: they are looking for enthusiastic people to join their boards.

As an attendee, you can move freely around the room, have informal conversations with the exhibiting charities, ask questions, and see what might be a good fit for you. There’s no pressure, no formal interviews, just an opportunity to have an informal chat.

You might find yourself speaking with an arts organisation about promoting culture in the city, or a community group working at the heart of a local community. You may discover that the skills you use every day in your job, or the experiences you’ve gained in your life, are exactly what a charity is looking for.

And importantly, you’ll realise board roles are not just for ‘experts’. Charities today are actively seeking diversity, in background, perspective, age and experience. Lived experience, community insight and fresh thinking are just as valuable as professional expertise.

Of course, stepping into a board role can feel daunting. Questions about responsibility, expectations and governance are natural. That’s why support is a crucial part of the journey. Boardmatch doesn’t just connect people with roles; we support them when they are placed. From guidance on governance best practices to training and resources, we help ensure that new board members feel confident and capable in their positions.

Cork is a city known for its strong sense of community and civic pride. Board volunteering is an extension of that, a way to contribute not just your time, but your voice, your ideas and your perspective.

If you have ever thought about giving back but weren’t sure how; if you’ve wanted to develop your skills in a meaningful way; or if you simply care about the future of your community, I would encourage you to come along.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open to the conversation. And there’s a seat at that boardroom table waiting for you.

Boardmatch Live takes place on Thursday, April 23, drop-in from 5.30pm to 7pm. Registration and information on participating charities: https://boardmatch-live.ie