
Governance / Compliance | Visual Artists Ireland
At Visual Artists Ireland (VAI)—the trading name of The Sculptors Society of Ireland—we are deeply committed to transparency, accountability, and best practices in corporate governance. We adhere to the Governance Transparency Scale and maintain an open, ethical, and responsible framework for our operations.
Our Key Governance and Ethical Policies
Each policy listed below supports VAI’s mission of serving the visual arts community with integrity and accountability:
Code of Ethics
A foundational document that sets out our core values, principles, and expectations for ethical behaviour. It applies to all staff, board members, and contractors, promoting honesty, transparency, integrity, and respect for diversity.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Establishes procedures to identify, disclose, and manage potential conflicts of interest. This ensures all decisions are made in the best interest of VAI and free from undue influence.
Whistleblower Policy
Encourages staff and volunteers to report unethical, illegal, or inappropriate behaviour confidentially and without fear of retaliation. The policy details reporting steps, investigation processes, and protection protocols.
Donor Privacy Policy
Outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard donor information, ensuring complete privacy and data protection for all supporters.
Fundraising & Gift Acceptance Policy
Defines the process for soliciting, accepting, and acknowledging donations, including gift eligibility, restrictions, and recognition guidelines.
Financial Accountability Policy
Highlights our commitment to transparent financial management, including regular audits, responsible fund allocation, and alignment with VAI’s mission.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
DEI is integrated across all operations—from hiring and programming to leadership and outreach. We are dedicated to equity and representation at every level of the organisation.
Safety and Privacy Policy
Ensures the safety, dignity, and privacy of our members, programme participants, and partners. Covers data protection, physical space safety, and the care of vulnerable individuals.
Environmental Sustainability Policy
Expresses our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible resource management across our programmes and day-to-day operations.
Policy Availability and Review
All policies are reviewed regularly to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. While not all documents are available online due to copyright or sensitive content, full access is available to relevant stakeholders upon request.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
We comply with all relevant Irish and UK legal obligations, including:
- Companies Registration Office (CRO): cro.ie
- Charities Governance Code – Charities Regulatory Authority: charitiesregulator.ie
- Register of Lobbying: lobbying.ie
- UK Government Grants Database: govfundingpublic.nics.gov.uk
We also meet non-legislative compliance requirements, including funding conditions set by our primary funders.
Commitment to Accountability and Transparency
Our governance framework is designed to strengthen stakeholder trust, enhance operational integrity, and support a thriving visual arts ecosystem in Ireland. We welcome inquiries and are happy to provide additional policy documents upon request.