Vice Chair (Voluntary)

Job Title: Vice Chair 

Location: East Wicklow, Ireland

Organisation: Wicklow Dementia Support CLG

Contract Type/ Salary: Part-time, Voluntary

About Wicklow Dementia Support

Wicklow Dementia Support (WDS) is a local charity committed to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families across County Wicklow. Through community-based programmes, support groups, and advocacy, we aim to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for those affected by dementia. 

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Vice Chair to support the Chair, filling in during their absence, and assisting in shared leadership responsibilities to ensure a manageable workload. The Vice Chair will concentrate specifically on delivering the operational aspects of the WDS Strategy, which requires monthly meetings in the Bray/Greystones area during working hours. Hence the role is ideal for someone who is retired or works part-time and has background/experience  in Dementia, Disability, Health or Social Care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Chair in providing leadership and direction to the board in order to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of WDS.
• Deputise for the chair when necessary and assume any or all of the duties of the chair or as delegated by the chair and prepare for succession. 
• Ensure the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, and is compliant with charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations 
• Develop organisational policies, ensure adherence and compliance; define goals, evaluate performance against agreed targets.
• Monitor the implementation of board decisions. 
• Oversee the delivery of WDS Operational targets
• Keep in regular contact with the Programme Manager and Group Facilitator and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges
• Works in partnership with the Programme Manager to support the volunteers, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation. 
• Represent and advocate for Wicklow Dementia Support at meetings with Funders and stakeholders

Person Specification

Essential:

• Knowledge and understanding of dementia and concept of personhood: seeing each person with dementia as an individual with strengths and aspiration for the future 
• Passionate about the enablement and empowerment of people with dementia to continue to engage with meaningful activities and pursue new interests.
• Experience of organisations and people management
• Ability to ensure that decisions are taken and followed through to completion
• Excellent interpersonal skills and be a good communicator
• Ability to think, plan strategically and grow the charity
• Capacity to devote time to carry out the role in an effective and efficient manner including attending meetings and groups if required.
• Based in Ireland and within 50 mins of Bray/ Greystones, County Wicklow.

Desirable: 

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work, including experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance. 
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation; leading out on and implementing innovative programmes 
• Knowledge of governance and compliance requirements for small charities Understanding of governance and compliance with the Charity Authority Regulator’s Code of Conduct.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an important cause.

• Experience in non-profit governance and strategy.

• The chance to expand your professional network and develop new skills.

Time commitment: The vice-chair will need to attend 10 online board meetings per year, and one in person strategic planning meeting. In addition, participate in separate in person monthly meetings with the Chair, the Programme Manager and Facilitator.  Due to the organisational structure of the Charity (no CEO), we estimate the time commitment to be 20 hours per month. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for joining Wicklow Dementia Support as Vice Chair board member to board-applications@wicklowdementiasupport.ie by 25th January 2026.

For more information about WDS and our work, please visit our website at www.wicklowdementiasupport.ie