Have you thought about being a GCCN Rep, or do you know of someone who has?
We have some exciting opportunities for members who wish to join the GCCN Representatives Team!
GCCN is currently seeking three passionate and dedicated volunteers for the following seats:
- The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) – one vacancy for the the environmental seat
- Galway City Partnership – two vacancies
Nominations are invited from Wednesday, 12 March to Wednesday, 26 March.
If this interests you, please read the application information below and submit a nomination before the closing date.
Otherwise, we would appreciate your help. Feel free to share this email with your colleagues and contacts.
If you know someone who would be a great fit, please spread the word!
Vacancies
Below you can find an overview of the local structures currently seeking representation from GCCN:
Local Community Development Committee
Environment Vacancy
GCCN invites expressions of interest for the role of GCCN Representative on the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) – (Environment Pillar vacancy).
The purpose of the Galway City Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) is to develop, coordinate and implement an integrated approach to local and community development.
LCDCs bring together local authority members and officials, State agencies and people actively working with local development, community development, and economic, cultural and environmental organisations to implement a joined-up, cross-sectoral approach to local and community development programming.
The LCDC is responsible for the development and implementation of the community elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) and is the contract holder for the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP). GCCN has five seats on this committee, representing the Community/Voluntary, Social Inclusion, Environment sectors in Galway City.
Galway City Partnership
Two Vacancies – Any Pillar
GCCN invites expressions of interest for the role of GCCN Representative on the Board of Galway City Partnership.
The ideal candidate is a GCCN member who:
• Has a broad knowledge of social inclusion, social exclusion and the groups/communities that are most adversely affected;
• Has general knowledge of the work and issues of concern to Galway City Partnership;
• Has the capacity to represent social inclusion issues at board level;
• Is willing to engage with and report to the GCCN Social Inclusion Subgroup.
The selection process will be cognisant of the need to ensure gender balance and geographical representation.
The required commitment is up to 2 hours every 2 months for Board meetings and may involve additional time if you engage in subcommittee work.
Please read the GCP Board Code of Conduct here.
For more on the work of Galway City Partnership please click HERE.
Criteria for GCCN Representation
Representing GCCN is an important task. In order to ensure that representation is informed and based on knowledge of the policy area and on commitment to the values of GCCN, the representatives are required to meet the criteria for GCCN Representation as outlined in the GCCN Representative Elections 2024 – 2029 – Guidelines and Information (updated) HERE.
NOTE: All GCCN representatives are elected to represent GCCN. They are accountable for their representation to the GCCN membership. In GCCN representative capacity, they do not represent their own group/organisation, but the entire membership of GCCN.
To become a GCCN representative, you must be part of a current GCCN member group, have a history of engagement with GCCN, and be nominated by a member organization. You should have knowledge and experience in the relevant policy area, regularly attend meetings, and actively contribute to discussions while promoting GCCN’s values.
In addition, for certain roles, like on the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), specific knowledge of local government reforms, community development, and programs like SICAP is required. GCCN Representatives on the LCDC also must not be affiliated with Galway City Partnership or hold political office.
For more details please refer to the GCCN Representative Charter.
Nominations
Nominations are invited for the vacant GCCN Representative seats as follows:
- Galway City Partnership: All groups and organisations who are full-members of GCCN are entitled to make one nomination.
- LCDC – Environment Seat: Only organisations/groups that are members of the Environmental Pillar can nominate and vote for the environmental vacancy on the LCDC;
To check what Pillar your organisation is registered under, please see the GCCN membership under the three pillars at the link: GCCN Directory of Members.
Please note:
- GCCN representatives can only sit on one structure/committee.
- All nominated GCCN members will be required to attend the Plenary meeting and give a brief 2-minutes presentation on who they are and why they wish to represent GCCN.
Elections
Provided that nominations were received in time for these vacancies, elections for the three GCCN representatives on the LCDC and the Galway City Partnership will be held at the upcoming Spring Plenary Meeting on April 2, 2025.
- Each member of the GCCN Environmental Pillar will be provided with a vote for the LCDC vacancy together with instructions on how to vote.
- Each member of GCCN will be provided with a vote for each of the Galway City Partnership vacancies together with instructions on how to vote.
To submit a nomination, please fill out the GCCN Representative Nomination Form HERE and email it to communications (at) gccn . ie before 5pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
Important Key Points from the PPN Handbook
Nomination Procedure (Additional information)
As included in the PPN Handbook, any person who wants to be considered as a GCCN Representative must:
- Nominees should ensure that they understand the time commitment, required attendance etc. relating to the position applied for;
- Be proposed and seconded by 2 members of their own PPN Member Group
- Include a short Biography (max 200 words) of the nominee for inclusion on the Ballot Sheet
- Complete in full the appropriate Nomination Form;
- Ensure nomination form is returned to Oana at communications@gccn.ie by closing date for applications at 5pm, Monday, 30 September 2024.
Additional details:
- Representatives are nominated by Member Groups following an open and transparent nominations process. If the original nominating body no longer exists, or the Representative is no longer associated with that nominating body, the Representative will be deemed to have stepped down from the role and an alternate will be selected following another nominations process.
- An individual may only represent GCCN on one Board or Committee (with the exception of Secretariat members, who are permitted to hold positions on both the Secretariat and one other Board or Committee following the usual nominations and elections process.
- Where an individual has been nominated for, and elected to, more than one seat, they must choose their preferred Board or Committee. The seat on the Board or Committee not chosen will then be filled by the nominee with the next highest number of votes (if applicable) or re-advertised for election by GCCN.
- Where an individual is currently a Representative on a Board or Committee and is then nominated for and elected to another seat, they must choose their preferred Board or Committee.
- Where they prefer to continue in their current Representative role, the seat on the Board or Committee not chosen will then be filled by the nominee with the next highest number of votes (if applicable) or re-advertised for election by GCCN.
- Where they want to take up the role on the new Board or Committee, they must resign from their current Representative role. The vacancy on that Board or Committee will then be advertised and filled by GCCN in the usual way.
- Only in exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of the Plenary, and on a temporary or interim basis, would an individual be allowed to sit on more than one Board or Committee.
Read all details in the PPN handbook in the “Nominations Process” section at page 44 and in the “Sample Nomination Form” at page 163.
Who can be a Representative (Additional criteria information)
Following the guidance provided in Departmental Circular CVSP 01/2014, the following criteria will apply in making a decision on who to nominate:
- The track record of the nominee in working on the issue that is the focus for the representative forum. • The ability of the nominee to make an effective contribution.
- The participation of people experiencing the problem/issue to be addressed at the representative forum.
- Whether the problem/issue to be addressed at the forum is a ‘core issue’ for the PPN member.
- As far as possible ensuring fair distribution of positions across geographical areas.
- As far as possible ensuring gender balance.
- A commitment from the person(s) to participate fully with the Linkage Group, including reporting back.
Read all details in the PPN handbook at page 40.
Commitments of GCCN Representative (Additional information)
Representing the views of GCCN on a Board or Committee is one of the most rewarding aspects of joining a PPN.
The role of GCCN Representative is an active and participative one which requires time and commitment. In summary representatives are required to:
- Organize Linkage/Thematic Group meetings and ensure effective communication.
- Use basic electronic communications (email, internet) or alternatives.
- Prepare for and actively participate in meetings on behalf of the PPN, avoiding personal or political interests.
- Collaborate with group members, respect diverse views, and work on research and proposals.
- Convey the group’s opinions to the Board/Committee and provide clear feedback.
- Attend relevant training and networking events.
- Act with honesty and build positive relationships with stakeholders.
- Represent the PPN in a constructive, positive way.
Read all details in the PPN handbook in the section “Role, Rights and Responsibilities of the Representative” at page 41.
