Charities Code of Governance
In December 2020, the Board of the Irish Georgian Foundation, operating as the Irish Georgian Society, signed off on its compliance with the Charities Regulators “Charities Governance Code”. This compliance will be submitted along with the annual report in 2022 to the Charities Regulator. Compliance with this code indicates that the Irish Georgian Society is following the 6 principles of The Charities Governance Code. To view these 6 principles and to view further information on the Charities Governance Code please click on the following link: https://www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-charities/charities-governance-code
About Governance in the IGS
The Irish Georgian Society was founded by Desmond and Mariga Guinness in 1958 with the purpose of addressing the threat posed to the remaining Georgian built heritage of Ireland by a combination of political, social and economic factors along with government neglect and speculative activities of property developers. Since that time many buildings of significant architectural merit have been saved through the work of the Society.
Originally organised as a membership society, it was later augmented by a corporate body (Irish Georgian Foundation (IGF)) to hold property assets and to apply for tax exempt status. Charitable status has been obtained in Ireland, UK and the USA - see references elsewhere on this website. Nowadays most of the organisation’s activities are carried out under the IGF structure but the membership society still exists (it has neither income or assets) and the combined entities are referred to under our registered operating name - Irish Georgian Society - the name by which we are best known, in Ireland and internationally. Education continues to be a high priority for the work of the Society as illustrated by the programme of activities available to members and friends. The complexities of modern life, particularly in the business world, have demanded that all corporate entities look to their governance structures.
The governing body of IGF is the Committee of Management, commonly called "the Board" whose invited members are bound by rotation rules. Board positions are not remunerated in accordance with tax rules for exempt bodies and directors are bound by a code of conduct. Officers are appointed including a President (appointed by the IGF Committee of Management), a Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer and Company Secretary - all volunteer positions . The work of the board is assisted by a number of sub committees (Audit & Risk, Governance, Membership Events, Planning etc.), all of which are composed of a mix of board members and ordinary members.
The full-time and part-time staff and interns in the IGS are managed by the Executive Director who attends board meetings and many sub-committee meetings. The Executive Director reports to the Committee of Management
A Governance Committee is tasked with setting and maintaining standards of corporate governance within the organisation. Most recently it guided the Board in meeting the requirements of the Charities Governance Code (see below for further details).
Irish Georgian Foundation Constitution
Constitution of Irish Georgian Foundation (amended June 2022)
Annual reports of the Irish Georgian Society
Annual Report 2020
Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2018
Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2016
Financial statements of the Irish Georgian Foundation
Financial statement 2022 - PDF, 2 MB.
Financial statement 2021 - PDF, 2 MB.
Financial statement 2020 - PDF, 1 MB.
Financial statement 2019 - PDF, 2 MB.
Financial statement 2018 - PDF, 624 KB.
Financial statement 2017 - PDF, 15 MB.
Financial statement 2016 - PDF, 2 MB.
Code of Conduct for Staff, Volunteers & Members Statement
The Irish Georgian Society is committed to the development and the maintenance of a positive working and social environment, in which all members, volunteers, employees and those who engage with us are treated with respect and dignity. To this end, the Society shall endeavour to provide all employees and volunteers with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form.
Priorities and Actions
IGS Strategic Plan 2021-23 - PDF, 332 KB.