The SCOOP Foundation Chairperson Trustee

SCOOP: Supporting Children Out Of Poverty

Mission: Empowering marginalised young people to fulfil their potential in Ireland and abroad.

Vision: An inclusive world where all young people have equal access to education and opportunities for a sustainable future.

Values:

S - support grassroots organisations

C - create opportunities for young people

O - offer a sustainable platform and voice 

O - overcome inequality 

P - promote positive innovative ethical fundraising

The Organisation:

The SCOOP Foundation (SCOOP - Supporting Children Out Of Poverty ) is a registered charity in Ireland whose mission is to empower displaced and marginalised young people to fulfil their potential in Ireland and abroad. Founded in 2009, The SCOOP Foundation works closely with grassroots organisations and international partners to deliver support, education and training opportunities to displaced people and communities. Our services support individuals within the direct provision system in Ireland, and those that have been displaced through humanitarian emergencies and conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.

Trustee Role:

As a subject matter expert, you will be part of a dynamic board overseeing an experienced and dedicated executive team.  Full induction and training will be provided by The SCOOP Foundation upon your appointment.  The Trustee Induction pack has information regarding our governance framework, financial reports, policies and service programmes. The governance framework is supported with training and assessments to ensure the latest information and requirements are available to all Trustees throughout your tenure. Additionally you will be invited to The SCOOP Foundation’s programme events and meet with our partners, supporters, beneficiaries and stakeholders. 

General duties of a Charity Trustee

• Comply with the charity’s governing document
• Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit
• Acting in the best interest of the charity
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Manage the assets of the charity
• Contributing to discussion on the organisation’s strategic direction, providing insight, oversight and experience from other sectors
• Ensure to keep the organisation updated with any changes of circumstances, personal details or conflicts of interest that may arise

The responsibilities of the Chair are as follows:

• The Chair provides comprehensive leadership and oversight support and guidance to the Board of Trustees. 
• The Chairperson has a strategic role to play by effectively communicating the vision and purpose of the organisation, to ensure the Board functions well, and that there is full participation at meetings.
• To plan and chair Board of Trustee meetings in accordance with the constitution.
• To liaise with the CEO and to keep up to date on the affairs of the organisation.
• To bring impartiality and objectivity to meetings and decision making.
• To ensure that decisions made at meetings are implemented.
• To be aware of current issues that might affect the organisation.
• Provide oversight and support to ensure Regulatory Returns are completed.
• To advocate for and represent the organisation at external meetings and events if required.
• To promote, support and attend events to extend the organisation's network.
• Be available to Board Trustees and advocate on their behalf.

Board Meetings:

There will be 4 quarterly board meetings and 4 sub-committee meetings a year. Meetings are held in the early evening using a hybrid model of remote or in person meetings when possible.

Qualities and skills required:

• Proven 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 business strategic planning/NGO leadership

Trustee Tenure

A Trustee shall retire and cease to be a Director where the Director:

• resigns by notice in writing under his hand left at the Office, or
• becomes incapable of discharging his duties as a member of the Board, or
• is removed or retires under any of the provisions of the Act,  
• is absent for three or more consecutive meetings of the Board, unless the other Directors otherwise determine.
• Trustee tenure is three years and each trustee is permitted to stand for re-election twice.
• Trustee Tenure based on re-election rotation will not exceed a period of nine years.