Chairperson

Scallywags Lismore Community Childcare Centre is a community-based childcare service located in Lismore, County Waterford. Established in 2008, the centre operates as a registered charity and provides high-quality early learning, care and after school services for children and families in Lismore and the surrounding area. The centre is registered with Tusla and participates in national childcare and education schemes including ECCE, NCS and AIM.

Scallywags has built a strong reputation as a welcoming, child-centred service where children are encouraged to learn, explore and develop through play within a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.

Mission

Scallywags aims to provide a caring, supportive and stimulating environment where every child can thrive emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. The centre works in partnership with families and the wider community to ensure children receive the best possible start in life.

What We Do

The centre provides high-quality childcare and early years education from infancy through to school age. Services include:

·       Full-day childcare

·       Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme

·       National Childcare Scheme (NCS) supported places

·       Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) supports

·       Breakfast Club

·       Afterschool care

·       Holiday childcare programmes

These services help support working families while ensuring children benefit from engaging educational experiences and positive social development.

Scallywags provide:

• Qualified and experienced early years educators
• Safe and stimulating indoor and outdoor environments
• Strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and safety
• Freshly prepared nutritious meals and snacks
• Individualised support for every child's development

Children are encouraged to build positive relationships, develop self-confidence and gain a sense of belonging within the centre community.

Values

·        Child-Led Learning

·        Outdoor Play

·        Family Partnership

·        Culture & Community

The Role

Scallywags is seeking to appoint a new Chairperson. This crucial role encompasses guiding the Board in overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, governance, and overall performance.

The Chairperson will be responsible for ensuring the Board operates effectively and that the operational team is held accountable for achieving the organisation’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will be a strong facilitator, empathetic, and accountable leader, with the expertise to steer the organisation effectively.

Applications from individuals with extensive experience in leadership and governance, particularly in the charity and childcare sector, are encouraged.

·       Ensure the charity is managed effectively.

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

·       Promote good governance.

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

Experience & Skills

·       Previous experience serving on a board or committee, or working closely with boards in an executive capacity, is advantageous.

·       Experience and understanding of the charity sector is desirable, as is experience of the childcare sector.

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

·        Ability to commit sufficient time to attend board meetings and undertake follow-up responsibilities.

·       Candidates will need to demonstrate alignment with the values and aims of the organisation.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee

·       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.

Board Meetings:

Currently, the board meets monthly, alternating between completely remote and hybrid. They take place on a Tuesday evening.

The AGM is in-person.