Chairperson

The Organisation:

Tolka River Project is a community-based rehabilitation programme that delivers evidence-based treatments through a warm and friendly environment for our clients.

Our programme is focused on clients having the opportunity to focus on their chosen recovery path. We use evidence-based treatment interventions to guide this process. The programme is 12 months’ duration and we also provide an aftercare programme based on SMART Recovery.

The Project opened in July 2008 with the support from Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Fingal County Council and the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force in addition to other local services.  The project is primarily funded by the HSE and Department of Social Protection as well as ad hoc donations and fundraising events. 

Website:               Tolka River Project

Directors:             Gael Le Roux (Outgoing Chairperson); Gary Keogh: Tom McGrath; Louise Kavanagh.  

Board Members: Anita Harris, David Meskill, Clodagh Ni Ghallachoir, Rosaleen Purtell, Maria O’Reilly (Secretary), Paul Gibney, Amir Zulkurain (Treasurer).

The Role:

Tolka River Project is seeking a new Chairperson to replace the outgoing Chairperson who is approaching the completion of his term of office.  This is a voluntary role with a 3-year term.

Main Duties and Commitments:

•   Chair the bi-monthly Tolka River Project (2 hours, in person)

•   Attend the monthly Tolka River Project Finance Meeting (1 hour, online)

•   Attend a monthly meeting with the Service Manager to review the tasks and needs of the Tolka River Project.

•   Attend bi-annual meetings with the HSE.

Alongside this, the Chairperson will be invited to attend meetings or events with the HSE, the Department of Health, the Chairpersons Network, the Oireachtas, and other community and voluntary groups.

Essential Competencies:

• Experienced Chairperson.
• Time to commit to the role.
• Knowledge and experience of managing staff and teams.
• A partnership approach to problem solving.
• The ability to bring organisations and individuals from different sectors to work cohesively as a successful team.
• An ability to develop and oversee strategic and operational planning within a local context while remaining aligned with national goals and objectives.

Desirable Competencies:

• An interest in and understanding of drugs and alcohol misuse.
• Knowledge and experience of social inclusion issues
• Previous experience in the community development approach to the problem of drug misuse and community violence. 

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Board Member:

·       Comply with the charity’s governing document.

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

·       Act in the best interest of the charity.

·       Act with reasonable care and skill.

·       Manage the assets of your charity. 

Time Commitment:

It is estimated that an equivalent of 2-3 working days per month will be required for the Chairperson’s duties. The person must be able to commit to the necessary time commitment to carry out the role. This will entail attending meetings of the Tolka River Project, working with the Tolka River Project Service Manager, and attending national meetings.

Board Meetings:

There are six board meetings a year, plus the AGM which takes place the same day as the May board meeting.  Board meetings are held at 9.30 am for 90 minutes on a Friday.  In person attendance at our premises in Dublin 15 is preferable, with hybrid by exception. 

Board Committees:

The Finance Committee meets monthly mainly online for an hour.  

Additional:

·       Bank Signatory: The Chairperson is one of four bank signatories.  This is done remotely online as required.