Join to apply for the Volunteer: Chair - Samaritans Ireland role at Samaritans Ireland.
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The Organisation: Samaritans is a unique organisation dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. It is the only charity in Ireland and the UK offering emotional support 24/7, 365 days a year, to anyone struggling to cope or feeling suicidal. Supporting people in Ireland since 1961, Samaritans volunteers have had millions of potentially life-saving conversations via helpline, email, face-to-face support, and outreach in communities, schools, festivals, and prisons. With over 200 locations, including twenty-four across Ireland and Northern Ireland operated independently by volunteers, and staff teams based in Dublin and Belfast, as well as England, Scotland, and Wales, the organisation’s activities focus on influencing public policy, research, partnerships, and income generation.
Website: Samaritans Ireland
Board: Samaritans Board of Trustees
The Role
Samaritans Ireland, a subsidiary of the UK-based Samaritans, provides governance over the delivery of the strategy in Ireland. The Chair of Samaritans Ireland provides leadership to the board, working with the Executive Director for Ireland to support effective delivery and is also a Trustee of Samaritans. The role involves leading the board to achieve the vision of fewer suicides through service provision and influencing work, ensuring the organisation’s strategy aligns with Ireland’s context.
Responsibilities
1. Chair and lead the board in strategy development, approval, and oversight in Ireland.
2. Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff/volunteers to support effective delivery of the organisation’s vision in Ireland.
3. Maintain relevant, innovative, and impact-focused public policy positions specific to Ireland.
4. Oversee priorities for external influencing and engagement within Ireland.
5. Develop and oversee Ireland-specific strategic partnerships.
6. Identify and oversee nation-specific programmes and fundraising efforts in Ireland.
7. Ensure effective administration, resource management, risk, and compliance oversight.
8. Advise and support the Central Charity Trustee Board on Ireland-specific matters.
9. Represent the organisation externally within Ireland, ensuring alignment with the Central Charity.
10. Lead in advising on service delivery through the branch structure and align with UK-wide policies.
All Central Charity Trustees (UK)
1. Work with the Central Board to maximize impact and ensure strategic relevance and sustainability.
2. Participate in strategic development, monitoring, and long-term planning.
3. Ensure delivery of excellent, accessible, and sustainable services.
4. Manage resources effectively, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
Candidate Skills & Experience
* Based in Ireland (ROI or NI) with understanding of local civic, political, legislative, and funding landscapes.
* Experience working in governance roles, ideally cross-border.
* Knowledge of mental health and equality issues in Ireland.
* Proven leadership, governance, and strategic planning skills.
* Experience with charity or corporate boards, and organizational change.
* Strong communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
* Financial literacy and familiarity with digital tools.
Board Meetings
Travel within Ireland and the UK is required. Attendance at four trustee meetings annually, along with additional meetings and events, with some online and in-person. Meetings typically occur on Tuesdays (6-8pm) and Saturdays (6-8pm), with additional UK Board meetings in July, September, and December.
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Voluntary, unpaid (expenses reimbursed)
Job Function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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