How We Operate
The HAI is a registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee without a share capital governed by a constitution and a memorandum of association.
The HAI’s Principal Object:
The HAI’s principal object under its constitution is “to advance education and in particular the study of humanism and dissemination of knowledge of its principles.”
The HAI aims to educate, support and represent people who seek to live full and responsible lives without religious beliefs and provide ceremonies for weddings, funerals and other occasions for Humanists and the non-religious through a network of HAI-accredited celebrants.
Structure
A Board of Directors (7) is elected by the membership at its annual general meeting which takes place in early spring each year. Profiles of our Board and Employees can be found under Our People.
The Board appoints a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Finance Director and Company Secretary and meets monthly. The Board is focused on the strategic direction of the organisation.
The HAI employs four staff members: a Chief Executive Officer, an Administrator, a Membership and Website Coordinator, and an Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
The HAI operates under the rules of its Constitution, in line with the provisions of the Charities Act 2009 and the Companies Act 2014. The HAI Strategic Plan 2021–2023 clarifies the association’s mission, vision and values. It outlines a series of aims that will advocate for our members and the wider humanist community, and strengthen the rights of the non-religious in Ireland.
Standing Committees and Volunteer Groups
A number of standing committees carry out voluntary work on behalf of the Association – Finance and Audit Committee, HR Committee and Ceremonies Development and Management Committee. There are other volunteer groups such as Events, Advocacy, and Magazine teams and it is the duty of each of these groups to report to the board through the CEO.
Legislatively, the HAI is subject to the provisions of:
- the Charities Act, 2009
- the Companies Act, 2014
- the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997
- the Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015
- the Standards in Public Office Act, 2001
- the HAI’s authority to conduct legal weddings is provided for in the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act, 2012
Annual Reports
The HAI endeavours to be as transparent and accountable as possible. We publish our annual reports and independently audited financial accounts each year.