Chairperson

The Organisation:

The Training and Development Project steering group was established in April 1999.  It included staff from a number of community-based projects: MACRO Community Development Project, Chrysalis Community Drugs Project, The Snug Counselling Service and The Local Employment Service. The project is also represented by the local community.  The Education Officer from the Northern Area Health Board and representatives from An Siol Community Development Project, the Dublin Inner City Partnership and the North-West Inner-City Area Network were also involved at the development stage.

The Steering Group applied to FÁS, as it was then, for the provision of a Community Employment Project to establish a Training and Development project for stabilised opiate users in Dublin’s North West Inner City. This group became the North-West Inner-City Training & Development Project Ltd in March 2002 and the Community Employment Project started in July 2002.

The first participants started on the project in September 2002 and since then the participants have formed a coherent group. Through training and development, they progressed well through their rehabilitation and learned and developed new skills and improved their own self-esteem and confidence.

Vision: A vibrant community service that provides inclusive, innovative and sustainable programmes and services, improving individual and community physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing for all. 

The Role:

The NWICTDP is seeking a new Chairperson to lead the board.  The current Chair will be stepping down at the end of the year.  This crucial role encompasses guiding the board in overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, governance, and performance. The Chairperson will be responsible for ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the executive is held accountable for achieving the strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will be a strong facilitator, and a decisive, empathetic, and accountable leader, with the expertise to steer the organisation effectively. The NWICTDP encourages applications from people with extensive experience in leadership and governance. 

Role Requirements and Key Responsibilities Include*:

·       Provide leadership to the board and facilitate effective board meetings.

·       Provide input to the strategic direction of the organisation and contribute with insight, oversight and experience of strategy formulation.  Development of a new Strategic Plan is a priority for the board.

• Governance and oversight of the organisation to ensure that it delivers on its mission and is compliant with the relevant regulations and best practice. 
• Prudent oversight of the organisation’s resources ensuring that the structures are in place to deliver the strategic objectives.
• Collaborate to achieve organisational objectives and engage with the organisation’s key stakeholders. 

Skills and Experience Required:

·       Leadership and Strategic Vision: Provide clear direction and effective leadership.

·       Governance and Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulations and best governance practices.

·       Financial Oversight: Oversee financial operations with responsibility and strategic insight.

·       Communication: Convey information clearly and foster effective dialogue.

·       Empathy and Sensitivity: Respond to others with compassion and consideration

·       Decision-Making and Follow-Up: Make timely decisions and ensure thorough follow-up.

·       Commitment to Mission and Values: Alignment with the mission and values of the organisation and a commitment to social justice.

·       Availability to attend board meetings and carry out the duties of the role.

·       Experience of the voluntary sector in Ireland would be welcomed but is not essential.

·       Previous board experience is required, preferably as a board or committee Chair.

·       Desirable skills:  Applications would be welcomed from people with one or more of the following skills/experience: Legal, HR, Community Development, Change Management.

·       Experience of working with Government Departments in Ireland would be desirable. 

Board Meetings:

The board meeting schedule will be reviewed by the new Chairperson and the board.  

Currently there are 4 to 6 board meetings a year, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.  The board meets twice a year in-person at the Macro Resource Centre, Green Street, Dublin 7, and online for the remaining board meetings.  This is subject to change.   

Subcommittees:

There are no board sub-committees currently, however a Project Management Finance sub-committee will be established and will report to the Board.   The sub-committee meetings will be online, twice a year for one hour.

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*Appendix: 

Role and Responsibilities of the Chairperson as per the NWICTDP Handbook

There are two separate parts to the role of Chairperson as follows:

1.      Planning and running meetings which involves:

·        Being sure everything is covered and decisions are made when required.

·        Keeping order and encouraging everyone to express their views.

·        Delegating and sharing responsibility among the group.

·        Working to resolve difficulties and conflicts in a sensitive manner.

·        Ensuring that everyone wants to or ha s a chance to speak.

·        Taking responsibility for helping everyone in the group to work well towards aims.

·        Having an overview of all that is happening.

·        Being objective and listening to all points of view.

·        Motivating board members and encouraging participation by all.

·        Ensuring meetings commence and finish on time.

2.      Ensuring the group as a whole makes and sticks to its ethos, policies and procedures:

·        Acting as a spokesperson for the organisation.

·        Making essential or emergency decisions between board meetings.

·        Helping others in the group deal with difficult situations.