Chairperson

Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership 
 

The Organisation:

Kids’ Own is Ireland’s only dedicated publisher of books by children. Through a range of local, national and international projects, we connect children with professional artists and publish the work that they create.

We are seeking a Chairperson for Kids' Own Board who has experience working with in children and young people’s arts, rights and/or publishing, particularly within the not-for-profit sector. 

We are seeking expressions of interest from potential candidates to take on the role of chair and who want to join our exciting team on a voluntary basis to help make a difference in children’s lives. We welcome applications from dynamic individuals who will be committed to our mission and values and complement the range of skills and experience of our existing Board.

We would like to diversify our Board to better reflect the communities of children that we support, so we particularly welcome applications from people whose identities and voices are underrepresented in our society.

Please send an application to our Chairperson Naomi Feely chair@kidsown.ie including the following:

– A detailed CV.
– An expression of interest, outlining why you would like to join the Board of Kids’ Own and the specific skills that you can bring.
– Details of any previous or current directorships.

General Trustee Personal Specification

• Commitment to Kids’ Own
• Commitment to children and young people
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Board membership
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Follow the principles outlined in the code of conduct

The chairperson’s duties include: 

Leading the board;

·      Ensuring smooth running of board meetings;

·      Promoting good governance among fellow Kids’ Own board members;

·      Providing supervision and support to the manager/CEO (where applicable);

·      Acting as a figurehead or spokesperson where required.

To lead the board

Prioritising the governance role:

The board of directors is responsible for the governance of Kids Own.  At meetings of the board, the chairperson must be clear on whether a matter being considered by the board relates to an operational issue i.e. the day-to-day work of Kids’ Own, or whether the issue is strategic in nature and thus relates to the longer term plans or governance.

- -Directors, should keep their eyes on the ‘bigger picture’. It is very easy for the board to get drawn into the operational side of things. It is the role of the chairperson to be clear in their own mind about the boundaries between governance, management and operations and to ensure that the board fulfils its governance role and doesn’t stray into areas of management or operations, which may be carried out by employees or other volunteers.

Ensuring that Kids’ Own is managed effectively:

The chairperson must co-ordinate the board directors to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for the effective management of Kids’ Own. The chairperson should ensure that where the Board delegates authority to carry out any of its functions, to a manager/CEO or other employee of the charity, that such delegations are subject to regular reporting requirements. Delegations of authority by the Board and the associated reporting requirements should be documented, understood and applied.

Driving Kids’ Own board recruitment and succession planning:

Successful recruitment of the board of directors requires thought, planning and effort. It is essential that the chairperson takes the lead in this process. Consideration should be given to succession planning for both their role as chairperson and other board members who may be nearing the end of their term of office. The chairperson should also consider how they will be replaced when they step down as chairperson and how new board members with the necessary skills and experience will be recruited. 

Leading board development:

It is also part of the chairperson’s role to make sure that the board directors is operating as effectively as possible. This may involve the induction of new board members and on-going training and development to ensure that all board members  understand their role and have the necessary skills to carry it out. All board members benefit from the opportunity to reflect on the way in which they work together and there are a number of ways of doing this such as planning days, training and board evaluations.

To ensure smooth running of board meetings

Preparation:

A certain amount of preparation is necessary to ensure that board meetings are as effective as possible. The chairperson and secretary should agree the agenda ensuring the focus is always on strategy and governance. In all cases the agenda itself should tell board members as much as possible about what to expect at the meeting. It is also useful to draw up a calendar of annual items such as agreeing the budget, approving the annual report and financial statements or preparing for the AGM so that they can be scheduled appropriately. These items should also appear in the charity’s work plan.

Managing the meeting process and behaviour of Kids’ Own board members:

The chairperson must work through the agenda in a timely fashion, but also allow for the necessary discussion and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. If board members exhibit unhelpful behaviour the chairperson can refer them to the Kids’ Own code of conduct for board members and challenge difficult or inappropriate behaviour in an objective manner. 

Decision-making:

There should always be a certain number of decisions to be taken at board meetings. If the decisions that are proposed to be made at a particular meeting are unclear, the necessity for the meeting should be questioned. It is helpful if the agenda indicates where a decision needs to be taken and, where appropriate, supporting papers should outline both the background and the proposals. The chairperson’s role here is crucial, in ensuring that all board members understand what the decision, if taken, will mean for Kids’ Own. It may be necessary for the chairperson to put the decision to a vote, in accordance with the charity’s governance procedures and/or its constitution. 

Checking and signing the minutes:

The chairperson should work closely with the secretary and read over the draft minutes prepared after each meeting, before they are circulated to the board in order to correct any major inaccuracies. Minutes are draft minutes until they are approved and signed at the following board meeting by the chairperson. 

To promote good governance among fellow Kids’ Own board members

Leading on recruitment of suitable new Kids’ Own board members. Supporting new board members through the induction process. Following up with board members on items or actions outstanding throughout the year. Encouraging dialogue and participation from board members. 

To supervise and provide support to the manager/CEO (where applicable)

Overseeing the recruitment process of the manager/CEO:

It is the role of the chairperson to oversee the recruitment process and ensure that all steps are taken to find the best possible person for the role.

Guiding work priorities:

It is vital that the chairperson and manager/CEO meet regularly to discuss and agree work priorities.

Providing support:

The chairperson will encourage the manager/CEO to discuss any difficulties that they may be facing and act as a sounding board. While there may be times when they have to act as a ‘critical friend’, this needs to take place against a backdrop of encouragement and support.

Succession planning:

The chairperson will also give some thought to what will happen when the current manager/CEO leaves. Ideally, this is something that the chairperson and manager/ CEO will work on together.

Acting as figurehead or spokesperson

The chairperson may be seen by many people as the figurehead or spokesperson for that charity. The chairperson may delegate a significant amount of their public duties or contact with the media to the CEO. It is also possible to delegate attendance at events or meetings to other board members, as long as everyone is clear about what they are, or are not able to say on behalf of the charity.

However there will be certain meetings that require the presence of the chairperson, such as meetings with regulatory bodies including the Charities Regulator, significant funders or politicians. It may also be the case that the media will want a comment from the chairperson if  Kids’ Own is receiving adverse publicity. In these circumstances, the chairperson should have the confidence and competence to rise to the occasion on behalf of the charity.

The chairperson leads the board in developing an ethical culture in line with the values of the organisation. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity.

Average monthly time commitment:  An average of 6 days annually in addition to the standard board minimum annual time as outlined in the letter of induction to the board which is: a minimum of 6 days (which breaks down as follow: 4 half days to attend board meetings, 4 half day to prepare for board meetings, 2 days miscellaneous) per year.

Qualities and skills required

·      Good leadership skills

·      Good communication and interpersonal skills

·      Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences

·      Ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed-up

·      Good timekeeping

·      Tact and diplomacy

·      Understanding of the roles/responsibilities of a governing body

·      Background in working with in children and young people’s arts.

Board Meetings:

There will be 4 board meetings and 4 sub-committee meetings a year. Meetings are held in mostly online with 1 in person meeting scheduled in Sligo each year.