Chairperson

Help Shape the Future of Children with a Visual Impairment in Ireland

Located in Drumcondra, Dublin, ChildVision is Ireland’s only dedicated centre for children with visual impairments, some of whom also have profound sensory impairments and additional disabilities.

We are a national resource for families and professionals needing expert help in the area of visual impairment or visual impairment and/or additional disabilities. We also offer a satellite service from our centre in Cork.

As we enter an exciting new phase of development with our 2027 – 2029 strategic plan, ChildVision is seeking a committed and experienced non-executive Director to lead the Board.

Main Responsibilities

 As Chairperson, you will:

· Provide leadership to the Board of Directors

· Promote robust and effective governance through strong practice and behaviour.

Promote high standards of corporate and charity governance, ensuring that ChildVision complies with company law, charity law, its constitution and all other regulatory and legal requirement, including regulatory changes and emerging frameworks, i.e. AI

· Chair effective Board meetings that facilitate and encourage open, constructive and challenging debate.

· Support the delivery of ChildVision’s new 2027-2029 strategic plan and the development of the next strategic plan.

· Work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive team.

· Support ChildVision’s strong values, culture of integrity, accountability and inclusion.

 · Represent ChildVision with key external stakeholders, partners, funders, policymakers, and regulators as required.

Criteria:

 ChildVision is seeking a Non-Executive Director who can demonstrate:

· Experience of strategic planning, organisational development, or governance.

· Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

· Sound judgement, integrity, and the ability to act independently and objectively.

· An understanding of good governance principles and fiduciary responsibilities.

· Experience in driving capital development projects

· Extensive public and private sector network experience

· The ability to chair meetings effectively and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

· A real interest in the lived reality of children with a visual impairment and their families.

· Previous governance or trustee experience within the non-profit/charity sector.

· A strong commitment to the mission and values of the organisation.

Time Commitment

· Approximately 1-2 days per month.

· Attendance at Board meetings (typically 5-6 per year). Meetings are a combination of in-person and virtual.

· Participation in selected sub-committee meetings (typically 5-10 per year per committee)

· Availability for consultation with the Chief Executive and Board members between meetings as required.

· Participation in occasional strategic events.

Appointment Process

The appointment will be made following a competitive selection process and subject to appropriate eligibility checks. The successful candidate will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, with the option to extend the appointment for a further three years in accordance with the ChildVision’s governing documents.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit: 

· A cover letter outlining their suitability for the role.

· A current CV.

· Contact details for two referees. Applications should be sent to peter@boardmatch.ie by Friday 20th November.

·       Please note, interviews will take place in-person on a date to be confirmed, w/c 30th November.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Peter Armitage at Boardmatch - peter@boardmatch.ie.

This is a voluntary, non-executive governance role.