Chairperson

The Organisation

The overall function of the Board is to deliver both the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities and the Patient Advocacy Service in accordance with a Service Level Agreement with the Citizens Information Board (CIB) and a contract with the Department of Health.

High standards of corporate governance in community and voluntary boards are critical to ensuring a positive contribution to the disability community, patients and their families nationally.

 The main object for which the company is established (as per the Constitution) is to benefit the community at large by integrating those who are disadvantaged and by promoting their full participation in society through the provision to them of independent, confidential and free, representative Advocacy Services.

The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) focuses on ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are upheld. It provides people with disabilities across Ireland with an independent, professional and free advocacy service that helps people to have their voices heard, make their own decisions and live their lives independently.

 The Patient Advocacy Service is provided by NAS. It provides people who wish to make a complaint about their care in a Public Acute Hospital or a Nursing home or people who have been harmed by a Patient Safety Incident with a free, independent, confidential and professional empowerment advocacy service. It helps to keep people at the centre of the complaint or incident review process and have their voice and lived experience heard to inform learning and quality improvement.

 The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities CLG is a national company and registered charity and is a dual funded organisation.

The Board must serve the interests of those supported by NAS and PAS and comply with funder requirements and legislation and pursue value for money in their endeavours. The Board must adhere to the principles of:

·       Clarity

·       Governance

·       Value for Money

·       Fairness

 Our Values:

·       Independence

·       Autonomy

·       Equality/Citizenship

·       Respect

·       Empowerment

Who are we looking for?

Candidates for the Chair position must demonstrate that they understand the core values of the organisation and demonstrate robust knowledge, skills and experience of non-profit governance, company law and sector knowledge, demonstrating a passion and strong commitment to human rights, diversity and disability rights.

The Candidate will have considerable leadership capabilities and have 3-5 years’ experience serving on a governing board, or as a Chair of a governance sub-committee, and an understanding of the dynamics of effective Board functioning. Experience of serving as a chair of a Board is desirable.

They must demonstrate the ability to oversee strategic plans and understand the importance of the mission of the organisation. The ideal candidate will have 3 – 5 years’ experience in areas such as independent advocacy, disability legislation, regulation and policy and barriers faced by our service users.

The Role

The Chair of the Board is responsible for leading the Board in their function as well as numerous other functions including but not limited to:

·       Both the Chairperson and the National Managers of both services are responsible for effective management of the Board’s Agenda. This agenda is set by the Chairperson in consultation with the Company Secretary, Board and the National Managers.

·       Act as Chairperson for the meetings they attend.

·       Ensure the charity is managed effectively.

·       Promote a culture of openness and debate by facilitating the effective contribution of key management and all Board members.

·       Promote good governance.

·       Ensuring that the Board receives accurate, timely and clear information.

·       The Chairperson should ensure effective communication with all relevant stakeholders.

·       Act as a figurehead or spokesperson where required e.g. to meet funders.

·       Provide supervision and support to the National Managers.

 General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee

·        Comply with the Charity’s governing document.

·        Ensure the charity complies with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.

·        Acting in the best interest of the charity.

·        Act with reasonable care and skill.

·        Manage the assets of your charity.

Time Commitment

The Board of the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities currently meets six times a year, five of these meetings are held online with one meeting being held in person.

 The Chair of the Board as an Officer will also be expected to meet with the National Managers regularly mainly using online methods and also to be available to support them in their roles in managing both services. This can involve being available to review documents and provide guidance and support. The Chair of the Board may also meet with other Board members when required and to also be involved in the recruitment of new Board members and provide support to them when needed.

 Company Secretary duties and Board recruitment are managed by the Executive with leadership from the formal Company Secretary and Chair and other Board members as appropriate.

 From time to time the Chair may be asked to attend meetings with funders, either in person or online as well as other external organisations.

Closing date: Friday 25th September

 A Recruitment Booklet, with more details of the role and the requirements will be provided to candidates.