The Organisation:
Ataxia Foundation Ireland is the national support group for people affected by all types of ataxia including Friedreich's Ataxia (the most common Genetic Ataxia) and up to 200 other types of Ataxias, some still undiagnosed.
Ataxia Foundation Ireland is the only national organisation that supports people with all types of ataxias. Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological disorders affecting the nervous system. This can lead to damage of the cerebellum - the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement and may affect balance, coordination, speech.
Ataxia Foundation Ireland advocates strongly on disability issues. Ataxia knows no borders and affects most parts of the body while the intellect is unaffected, with the nature of ataxia, people with a diagnosis can experience many different effects and types of disabilities over time. It is a rare, progressive, degenerative, neurological condition.
Ataxia Foundation Ireland strives to enhance the quality of life for every person living with an ataxia and their families.
The Role:
Ataxia Foundation Ireland is seeking a new trustee to join the board.
Responsibilities:
1. Providing input to the strategic direction of the organisation and contributing with insight, oversight and experience of strategy formulation.
2. Governance oversight.
3. Policy formation and implementation as required.
Essential skills/qualities required for the role:
1. Previous board or chair membership within the charity sector.
2. An understanding of and commitment to AFI’s mission and values.
3. Knowledge of and commitment to the highest levels of corporate governance.
4. Experience in one of the following would be an advantage: legal, HR, PR/public affairs, business leadership.
5. Experience within the disability or health sectors would be an advantage, in particular knowledge or experience of progressive neurological conditions and the challenges.
6. Experience of accessing funding would be an advantage.
General duties of a charity trustee:
1. Comply with the charity’s governing document.
2. Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
3. Act in the best interest of the charity.
4. Act with reasonable care and skill.
5. Manage the assets of your charity.
Board Meetings:
The board meets on the last Wednesday of every month, with the exception of December. Board meetings are held online and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. An in-person planning day is held annually on a Saturday in January in Chapelizod, Dublin. The AGM is held online in May. The organisation also holds four to five regional meetings a year which trustees are encouraged to attend.
The time commitment for trustees is estimated at circa ten hours a month.
Board Committees:
There are three board committees: a Finance Committee, a Voluntary Committee and an Ataxia Support Team. Committee meetings last for an hour and are held online. Trustees are encouraged to join a board committee.
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