Trustee Board Member - Human Resources Expertise

About Rape Crisis Midwest

Rape Crisis Midwest (RCM) works for the protection of all people from all forms of sexual violence and abuse. It primarily supports survivors of sexual abuse and violence through free, confidential, and non-judgmental support and counselling, working from an intersectional feminist framework. RCM deliver services utilising a survivor-centred and trauma-informed model. RCM operates from the knowledge that survivors have the capacity to grow and heal and that they are the experts in what they need. Survivor identified indicators of recovery and healing inform the way in which services are delivered and developed. A trauma-informed model means services are offered with the understanding that a survivor’s reactions are a normal response to trauma. RCM believes that responding to sexual violence in our society and holding perpetrators to account starts with supporting survivors in ways that are respectful of their dignity, healing and choices. RCM works to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and counteract victim blaming. The headquarters for Rape Crisis Midwest services is in Limerick with outreach centres in both Ennis and Nenagh. Our service delivery includes crisis counselling, long term psychotherapy; Garda and court accompaniment; advice, to both survivors, and their supporters; and sexual violence training to individuals and organisations. We work nationally in partnership with Cuan – the Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence Agency and Rape Crisis Ireland

Purpose of the Role

Rape Crisis Midwest provides free, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence across the Mid-West region. The Trustee Board Member with a Human Resources (HR) background will bring specialist expertise to strengthen the organisation’s governance, ensuring our people management practices are ethical, legally compliant and aligned with our values of dignity, respect and empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in shaping Rape Crisis Midwest’s strategic direction, policies and governance.
• Provide expert HR insight and guidance on workforce planning, recruitment and retention, organisational culture, performance management and staff/volunteer wellbeing.
• Support the development, review and monitoring of HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation and best practice.
• Advise on HR-related risks and opportunities, helping the Board to fulfil its duty of care to staff and volunteers.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion within Rape Crisis Midwest’s workforce and volunteer base.
• Participate in sub-committees, working groups or panels relating to HR, staff/volunteer development, or remuneration, as required.
• Monitor HR metrics and indicators relevant to organisational performance and staff welfare.
• Act as a sounding board for the Executive Director on HR-related matters while maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant professional experience in HR, ideally at senior level (e.g. HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of Irish employment law and HR best practice.
• Commitment to the values and mission of Rape Crisis Midwest and to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
• Ability to take a strategic view and to challenge constructively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of serving on a board or governance committee.
• Familiarity with the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Professional qualification in Human Resources Management (e.g. CIPD or equivalent).

Time Commitment

Attendance at approximately 10 board meetings per year (typically held last Tuesday of each month). Participation in sub-committee meetings or working groups as required. Occasional attendance at organisational events, training or away days.

Term of Office

Trustees are appointed for a minimum term of 3 years and may be re-appointed in line with Rape Crisis Midwest’s constitution.