Chair for Suicide or Survive
Suicide or Survive (SOS) is a national suicide prevention and mental health promotion organisation, founded in 2003 and registered as a charity in 2005. Our mission is to create and deliver innovative approaches that educate, inform and inspire people to cultivate good mental health and reduce stigma leading to less death by suicide. One of the key drivers behind the work of SOS is the desire to harness individuals’ own strengths and provide them with the tools to improve their own mental wellness. Underlying SOS’ vision is the belief that every person has the capability to live a full life regardless of the mental health challenges they may encounter.
To achieve our vision and mission and guided by our values, SOS provide a range of educational programmes and workshops aimed at people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, to the public and to those who are supporting people struggling with their mental health. Further details on these programmes can be found on our website at www.suicideorsurvive.ie.
We are currently recruiting a Chairperson for our Board. The Chairperson plays a strategic role in representing the vision and purpose of the charity. He/ she ensures that the Board of Directors functions properly, that there is full participation at meetings, all relevant matters are discussed, and effective decisions are made and carried out.
The main role of the Chairperson is to:
* Governance and Performance: Ensure that the board adheres to good governance practices and that all trustees are aware of their responsibilities, review board performance, and plan for board recruitment and renewal.
* CEO Support: Supervise and support the CEO, ensuring they have necessary resources and guidance needed to perform their role effectively.
* Coordination and Oversight: Liaise with the CEO to oversee SOS's affairs and coordinate board responsibilities and ensure the board focuses on governance and strategy rather than getting involved in day-to-day management, unless specifically agreed by the board and CEO.
* External Relations: Communicate SOS’s vision externally, advocate at meetings, and maintain visibility in the community and build relationships with key stakeholders to support the charity's mission.
* Conflict and Change Management: Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board and SOS.
* Fundraising and Development: Support fundraising efforts and recruit external expertise as needed.
* Awareness: Stay informed about issues affecting SOS.
* Meeting Management: Plan, prepare, and run meetings with the CEO, set agendas, ensure timely distribution of documents, and manage meeting time effectively.
* Decision-Making: Ensure quorum, facilitate discussions impartially, align decisions with SOS's mission, and hold the casting vote if needed.
* Documentation: Ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed promptly.
Personal Skills and Qualities Required
To act effectively the Chairperson should possess the following skills and qualities:
* Good leadership and planning skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* The capacity to stimulate and inspire others
* An ability to remain impartial and ensure that all voices are heard and that every view is given a fair and full hearing
* The ability to ensure that decisions are taken and are followed up
* An in-depth understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, the Company Secretary and the CEO
* Ability to quickly build an in-depth knowledge of SOS, what it does and how it operates both internally and in a wider context
* Knowledge of the principles of good governance
* Experience of organisational and people management
* Experience of chairing committees
* A strong commitment to the organisation and its work
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