Chairs' Network
There are approximately 25,000 community and voluntary organisations in Ireland, with almost 7,500 of them on the Revenue Commissioners list of organisations with charitable tax exemption. If we just took the latter figure there are an estimated 7,500 people leading their boards and managing the meetings!
The role of the Chair on boards of community and voluntary organisations is key to good governance. The Chair provides leadership to a board in order to ensure good governance and fulfilment of the board members’ responsibilities. Chairing is a much-undervalued skill and the development of the Chairs’ Network is one step towards recognising the strategic leadership qualities of Chairs.
Network events
The Chairs’ Network meetings provide an opportunity for Chairs of not-for-profit organisations to network, exchange ideas and learning, and support each other. This Network is for Chairs, although other board members may also find the resources and signposts of use. It is the beginning of a contact for and between board members and Chairs of not-for-profit organisations.
There are no Chairs' Network meetings scheduled at the moment. If you wish to be notified of future meetings and receive an invitation, please contact our IT Officer Mélanie Gutman via email melanie@boardmatchireland.ie or telephone 01 671 5005.
Previous 2010 meetings
- Limerick on 15th April
- Dublin on 25th March
- Dublin on 9th March
- Dublin on 24th February
Previous 2009 meetings
In 2009 Boardmatch Ireland facilitated six Chairs’ Network meetings in Dublin, Sligo, Fingal and Galway. Chairs and board members involved with over 75 not-for-profit organisations joined these meetings and raised a wide variety of governance issues.
Our collaborative partners in the 2009 series of meetings were:
- Business in the Community (BITC): www.bitc.ie
- Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups (CCVG): www.carmichaelcentre.ie
- Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI): www.disability-federation.ie
- Volunteer Centres Ireland (VCI): www.volunteer.ie
We were also aided by a number of Chairs who gave useful and stimulating presentations, as well as pro bono support from Grant Thornton, Headway and Prospectus Strategy Consultants.
Resources
The Chairs’ Network is a resource base for signposted information concerning the role of board members and Chairs of boards.
Our resources:
- Code of conduct for board members (Word document - 71KB)
- Governance as Leadership (PDF document - 55KB)
- Raising Funds in Turbulent Times (PDF document - 63KB)
All boards are responsible for ensuring resources are available and used properly and effectively. This paper provides a few tips as you meet the challenges. - Recruiting new committee or board members (PDF document - 61KB)
A common response to the question of effective governance in the not-for-profit sector is "... but where will I find good board members?". Here are some ideas for recruiting new strategic leaders! - The Good Practice Chair (PDF document - 55KB)
Support
The online Chairs’ Network is a space for Chairs to find resources to make their roles more effective. We would be happy to respond to individual queries at Boardmatch Ireland.If you want to contribute, either with a comment or a question please do so via email info@boardmatchireland.ie or telephone 01 671 5005.
Get involved!
Your contribution is vital. Whether you are a Chair or a board member your comments and observations are important as we meet the challenges ahead.
The Charities Bill was enacted on 28 February 2009. For further information, contact info@boardmatchireland.ie or telephone 01-6715005.
