Chairperson

The Organisation

Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI) is the national charity providing information, education, and support to people living with chronic pain, their families, caregivers, and stakeholders. We advocate on their behalf and collaborate with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to improve the lives of those affected.

Our vision is an inclusive society where people living with chronic pain are believed, understood, and supported. As a transparent and compliant organisation, we adhere to the highest standards of governance, as evidenced by our recognition in the 2024 Good Governance Awards for our annual report.  Chronic Pain Ireland's commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and has triple lock status.

Website:  Home | Chronic Pain Ireland

The Role

CPI is seeking a trustee with prior Chair experience to join the board. This is a voluntary Board position that will play a central role in guiding CPI’s strategy, governance, and long-term development.

The successful candidate will bring leadership and mentoring experience to the Board, supporting the Executive Director and newer Board members in areas such as governance, risk management, and strategic planning.

The Chairperson has a strategic role to play by effectively communicating the vision and purpose of Chronic Pain Ireland, ensuring the Board functions well and that there is full participation at meetings.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Bring prior Chair experience to strengthen succession planning and governance oversight.
• Plan and chair meetings in accordance with the governing document.
• Liaise with the CEO and stay up to date on the affairs of the organisation.
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to meetings and decision-making.
• Ensure decisions made at meetings are implemented.
• Maintain awareness of current issues that might affect the organisation.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to the Executive Director and new Board members.
• Support effective Board dynamics, including facilitating discussions, advising on governance, and ensuring decision-making aligns with best practice.
• Contribute to risk management, strategy formulation, and organisational planning.
• On occasion may be required to represent CPI externally, advocating for the organisation’s mission and enhancing its reputation

General Responsibilities of All Board Members:

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purpose for public benefit.
• Provide strategic direction, development, and oversight for the charity.
• Uphold CPI’s mission, vision, values, and member-led ethos.
• Act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence, and in the best interests of the charity.
• Manage the charity’s resources and assets responsibly.
• Participate actively in Board and Committee meetings, contributing to decisions and strategic initiatives.

Qualities and Skills Required:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences.
• Ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed up.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a governing body.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Have previous experience as a Board Chair or senior leadership role in a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of governance best practice and corporate governance requirements in Ireland (Charities Act 2009, Charities Governance Code, GDPR 2018).
• Possess strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
• Be collaborative, ethical, and committed to CPI’s mission and values.
• Be located in Ireland to facilitate engagement.
• Previous Chairperson experience on a Board, particularly in the voluntary or not-for-profit sector, is an advantage.

Board Meetings:

There are six board meetings a year, plus an AGM. They take place online, in the evening and last approximately an hour and a half.

Committees:

The Chair will also join either the Risk & Governance Committee or the Marketing, Communications and Funding Committee. Each committee meets six times a year, online, in the evening.

Additional Board Commitments:

• The Chair will actively participate in strategic assignments and mentoring of new board members.