Download Advert for new Chair (PDF document)
Role: Chairperson
Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses will be covered.
Location: Dublin
Term: Initially offered on a three‐year term, with the possibility of one further term.
Reporting to: The Board
About EPIC
EPIC is the only independent organisation in Ireland that works with and for young people who are currently living in care, or who have experience of living in care. EPIC provides direct one‐to‐one advocacy support to young people in care, to enable them to have their views and concerns heard, to empower them to speak for themselves, and bring about positive change in their lives.
EPIC was set up in 1999, in order to:
- Give a voice to young people with care experience
- Ensure children in care know their rights
- Give information, advice, and support to young people with care experience
- Advocate for children in care to be more involved in decision being made about them
We do this by:
- Working directly with children in care or young people and adults with care experience;
- Working with organisation that work with young people in care, to better advocate for the rights of children, young people, and adults with care
We are now recruiting for the position of Chairperson, to replace the current Chair when they step down in January 2018.
Current board composition
The board is currently made up of nine board directors, with experience in legal, finance, HR, IT, fundraising, and with both professional and academic experience in the care sector.
There are currently two main sub‐committees of the board. The Finance and Audit Committee oversees areas related to finance, remuneration, HR, risk management, audit, and governance. The Fundraising Committee overseas areas related to fundraising, public relations, and marketing. Both committees meet up to four times a year.
Chair: Purpose
Provide leadership to the Board and ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the values, proper governance, sound strategy and financial sustainability of EPIC in line with our mission, legislation and codes of conduct.
Hold the Chief Executive to account for delivering the strategy and plan in line with agreed objectives.
Support, guide and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive in a constructive manner.
Chair: Principal responsibilities
Strategic leadership
Provide leadership to the organisation and its Board, ensuring that EPIC delivers on its mission, vision and values.
Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the organisation, and is effective at monitoring progress against the strategy.
Work in partnership with other Trustees, our Youth Advisory Group, the Chief Executive and management team.
Governance
Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way Ensure Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of EPIC
Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board through engagement with staff, key stakeholders and our Youth Advisory Group.
Encourage positive change and, where appropriate, resolve any conflicts within the Board.
Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis.
Ensure that the Board is diverse, regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience needed to govern the organisation effectively.
Accountability
Ensure that EPIC’s primary accountability is to children and youth in care.
Ensure that EPIC is also accountable to donors and other stakeholders by demonstrating the impact of the work we do with the funds we raise.
Oversight
Ensure EPIC uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and complies with Irish legislation.
Maintain oversight and ensure effective management of EPIC’s financial and non‐ financial resources.
Maintain oversight of the management of organisational performance and risk. Appoint the Chief Executive.
Set objectives for the Chief Executive, manage their performance and provide support. Ensure EPIC develops a robust annual plan and manages performance against it.
Ensure that the Board reviews major risks and associated opportunities regularly, and ensures that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, manage and mitigate risks.
Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the organisation, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
Board Effectiveness
Chair Board meetings effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process.
Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long‐term interests of the organisation and that the Board takes collective ownership of all decisions made.
Assist the Chief Executive in conducting new Board member induction.
The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. The Chair is also required to declare any interests while carrying out the duties of this post before any conflicts occur.
Time Commitment
Candidates must have sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role of Chair. In addition to regular meetings with the Chief Executive, the Chair is required to:
- Attend and Chair at least six board meetings per annum;
- Attend other Board Committee(s) as required;
- Meet with our Youth Advisory Panel (the EPIC Council) as required; and
- Attend occasional EPIC events and
How to apply
To apply for this position, please forward a comprehensive CV or extended biography together with a supporting statement and a list of any other directorships or trusteeships that you currently hold.
You should give the names, positions, organisations and telephone contact numbers of two referees, relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted.
Applications should be emailed in the form of a cover letter and CV, and in complete confidence, to chairperson@epiconline.ie. All applicants will be acknowledged, although the process may take some time.
Timetable
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 5th of January 2018.
Preliminary interviews will take place during the week commencing 22nd of January 2018.
These dates may be subject to change and candidate will be advised in advance should this happen.
Queries
If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or wish to have an informal discussion, please contact Terry Dignan on 01‐ 872 7661 or via email at terrydignan@epiconline.ie