Independent Non-Executive Director

About the Organisation

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the independent regulatory authority responsible for safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing. The IHRB makes and enforces the Rules of Racing, licenses participants and racecourses, oversees integrity and anti-doping programmes, and ensures that Irish racing operates to the highest standards of fairness, safety and public confidence.

The IHRB’s strategic vision is “assuring public trust in Irish horseracing through best-in-class regulatory and integrity processes.”

The IHRB is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and operates under the Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994 and the Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016. The Board comprises Nominee Directors appointed by the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase CLG, together with independent non-executive directors appointed by the Board in accordance with the Constitution.

Strategic Context of the Appointment

The Board operates within the framework of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation maintains the highest standards of governance, regulatory independence and accountability.

As part of the continued development of the Board’s governance capability, the IHRB is seeking to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Director with significant expertise in corporate governance and regulatory oversight.

The appointment will strengthen the Board’s capacity to oversee organisational strategy, risk management and regulatory effectiveness. Further information may be found in our Statement of Strategy 2024 – 2027 or our annual report.

Independent Directors play a critical role in strengthening governance, providing independent oversight and ensuring that the IHRB meets the highest standards of regulatory practice and public accountability.

Independence Requirement

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independence of judgement and freedom from relationships or circumstances that could materially interfere with the exercise of their responsibilities as an independent member of the IHRB.

In addition, given the regulatory role of the IHRB, applicants must satisfy the organisation's specific independence requirements.

Applicants must not:

be, or ever have been, members of the Turf Club or Irish National Hunt Steeplechase CLG; or
have personal, familial or business interests in horseracing which could create a conflict with the regulatory functions of the IHRB.

Role of Independent Non-Executive Director

This role involves supporting the Board in:

Overseeing strategy and organisational performance
Ensuring effective systems of governance, risk management and internal control
Providing independent challenge and constructive scrutiny of executive management
Promoting the highest standards of regulatory integrity and accountability

Independent Directors may also be invited to serve on Board Committees.

This appointment takes effect on 1 January 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Independent Directors are expected to:

Act in the best interests of the organisation and exercise independent judgement.

Provide constructive challenge to management while supporting effective decision-making.

Contribute to the development and oversight of strategy.

Monitor organisational performance and regulatory effectiveness.

Ensure robust systems of financial oversight, governance and risk management.

Promote high standards of ethical conduct and integrity.

Participate actively in Board meetings and committee work.

Maintain an understanding of the organisation, its regulatory role and the environment in which it operates.

Experience operating at senior executive or board level in the public sector or regulatory bodies, or within regulated sectors or large organisations would therefore be particularly valuable.

Board Capabilities and Expertise

The IHRB Board seeks to maintain a balanced range of skills and experience appropriate to the governance of an independent regulatory authority.

Through this appointment the Board particularly wishes to strengthen its expertise in corporate governance and regulatory oversight.

The IHRB invites applications from individuals with significant experience in one or more of the following areas:

Corporate governance and board leadership
Regulation or public sector oversight
Legal or compliance frameworks
Risk management and organisational control systems
Financial governance and audit oversight

Person Specification

The Board is particularly interested in candidates with strong expertise in corporate governance and regulatory oversight. Candidates should demonstrate several of the following competencies commonly required for State Boards:

Governance and Oversight

Significant experience in corporate governance, board leadership or regulatory oversight

Knowledge of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies

Strategic Perspective

Ability to contribute to long-term strategy and organisational development

Experience of operating at senior leadership or board level

Risk and Control

Understanding of risk management, compliance and organisational control frameworks

Public Interest Perspective

Appreciation of the responsibilities of public bodies and regulatory authorities

Commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability

Professional Qualities

Independence of judgement

Strong analytical and communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively while providing constructive challenge.

Time Commitment

The Board typically meets six to eight times per year, with additional committee meetings up to four times per year as required. Board meetings are usually held at the IHRB offices at the Curragh or via video conference.

Term of Appointment

Appointments are typically made for a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.

Remuneration

Independent Directors receive a fee in line with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) Schedule of Fees for State Boards, currently €11,970.

Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed in accordance with public sector guidelines.

How to Apply

This recruitment process is being conducted through an open expression of interest to ensure transparency and to attract candidates with the appropriate skills and experience. The IHRB is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] and should include:

a curriculum vitae, and

a short statement outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role.

Closing date for applications is Monday 17 August 2026, 12 noon.