The Irish Red Cross is a registered charity in Ireland. As a registered Irish charity, we are listed on the Charities Regulatory Authority’s Register of Charities (Registered Charity Number: 20005184).
The Irish Red Cross is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and subscribes to a number of codes in this regard, including:
- The Charities Governance Code
- The Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public
- The Dochas Guide to Ethical Communications
Every year, our finances are independently audited and are published in our Annual Reports which are available here.
How we are governed
The Irish Red Cross is governed by the Board of Directors which operates through the delegated authority of the Society‘s General Assembly. Its role is to direct and supervise the affairs of the Society on a day-to-day basis, to ensure it delivers on its goals and objectives, and to uphold the values and principles of the Red Cross Movement in every aspect of its activities.
The Irish Red Cross Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers elected by members of the General Assembly, the Irish Red Cross’ highest governing body including government independent nominees. In turn, the members of the Irish Red Cross General Assembly are elected by the deliberative membership of the Society as representatives of their area.
Corporate Governance Publications, Annual Reports and Policies
Our mission
As laid out in our strategy, the Irish Red Cross Strategic Plan 2019-2024, the Irish Red Cross mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance, both at home and abroad, to those who are most in need. In achieving this we will be guided by the fundamental principles of the Red Cross.
The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home in Ireland and abroad.
The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
As a National Society of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross. They are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages
The Irish Red Cross is a signatory of the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages (“the Code”) and commits to applying the Code’s principles for all their communications.