Trust seeking candidates for it’s voluntary board
By Maurice Garvey
OAKFIELD Trust are seeking a number of new candidates for its voluntary Board.
Operating in the Clondalkin area for over 20 years, the property-based social enterprise are seeking three to four additional candidates to its Board, which meets approximately 10 times a year.
The Oakfield Trust building in Clondalkin
Former CEO of Clondalkin Partnership, Aileen O’Donoghue, set up the board in 1996. She was inspired after reading about similar ventures in the USA which helped disadvantaged communities to acquire funding and premises for local projects.
“It is about community investing in itself – spending money to generate money within the area,” said Aileen, who is still an active member of the Oakfield Trust Board of Directors.
“The (Clondalkin) partnership needed property and, as the CEO, part of my job was to look for space but there was nothing suitable available.
Eventually we found a property and refurbished it and I thought it was a good opportunity for an organisation to do that on behalf of other community groups.”
Oakfield Trust currently acquires and manages properties which are then leased to organisations that work with marginalised groups and socially excluded communities in South Dublin.
They also offer loans and grants, property management services and development advice to local projects and groups.
Aileen said: “Board members look at the governance of the organisation, to ensure Oakfield Trust is meeting legal requirements, financial oversight, strategic planning and that is where we are now.
“Ideally, we would like three or four new people who are interested, able and motivated.
People who are skilled in finance, marketing or those with property expertise would be a fantastic fit. We would love to have some people from the local area on the board too.”
For more information visit www.oakfieldtrust.ie.
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