Finance Board Member

The Organisation:

Established in 2006, Nova Helpline trading as Connect Counselling is a freephone telephone counselling and support service for any adult who has experienced abuse, trauma, or neglect in Childhood. This organisation provides a vital support structure that often bolsters and eases the demand on other mental health support structures, such as the National Counselling Service, primary and secondary mental health services. Connect is an additional service to the HSE’s National Counselling Service which provides free face-to-face counselling for people who have suffered abuse, trauma or neglect in their childhood. Connect provides counselling services by telephone which may suit some people better.

For more information: Free Telephone Counselling Service for Adults who saw Childhood Abuse

Our board: About Us - Connect Counselling

The Role:

Nova Helpline is seeking a new board member with financial expertise.  Please note, board members should not be related to any employee or volunteer of Nova Helpline as it presents a conflict of interest.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide input to the strategic direction of the charity and contribute with insight, oversight and experience of strategy formulation and oversight.

• Advise and guide the board on all financial matters.
• Evaluate and monitor the adequacy of finance policies and procedures and ensure that the charity is compliant with best practice principles.
• Membership of the Finance Committee.

Skills/Qualities:

• Qualified accountant with experience of working at a senior executive or board level.
• Financial management and oversight: ability to interpret financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Audit and Risk Oversight: understanding of internal controls, risk frameworks, and compliance.
• Strategic planning: experienced in aligning financial decisions with long-term organisational goals.
• An understanding of and commitment to our Mission and Values.
• Prior board membership, either as an executive or non-executive would be an advantage.
• The successful candidate must be able to guarantee the time commitment required for the role.

General Duties of a Charity Trustee

• Comply with the charity’s governing documents
• 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 the charity

Board Meetings:

There are five board meetings a year, in addition to an AGM which takes place on the same day as the September board meeting. Meetings are held in person at the HSE office in Ormond Quay, Dublin 1.  Meetings typically take place from 10am to 12pm.  Meetings for the coming year are agreed at the November board meeting.

Board Committee Meetings:

There are three board committees: Finance, Strategic Planning and Human Resources. Trustees are invited to join the committee relevant to their expertise and experience. Committee meetings usually take place online and are convened as required.

This is a voluntary role for which renumeration is not applicable.