NIEL is managed by a Board of Directors, elected annually at the AGM, and consisting of Officers plus representatives of Full Members.

The Board of Directors convene four to six times per year to discuss operational matters and plan members’ activities and publications. A number of sub–committees (Strategic Planning, Information and Membership, Human Resources, Finance and Funding) meet to carry forward specific work in their relevant management areas. These sub–committees report directly to the Board of Directors.

Day–to–day running of NIEL is carried out by the staff, who are overseen by the Board of Directors. This staff of ten work closely with at least with one of the sub–committees and liaise with members.