Chairperson

Chairperson

The Organisation

Sensational Kids is a social enterprise with charitable status that provides reduced cost therapeutic supports to children and adolescents with additional needs from our four regional Child Development Centres, which are strategically located in every province in Ireland: Kildare (HQ)Town, Clonakilty, Claremorris & Clones.

Celebrating our 16th year in operation this year, Sensational Kids has already positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 children, saving their families over €3 million in therapy fees. Each week 300+ children avail of therapeutic supports at Sensational Kids.

In addition to training workshops and a newly launched online learning platform, for educators and parents, Sensational Kids also operates a Child Development & Learning Store, which is Ireland’s only child development and learning store that is run as a social enterprise to help fund its therapy services.

Sensational Kids is currently embarking on its most ambitious project to date, to build a 17,000 square feet National Child Development Centre on a greenfield site in Kildare Town.

Mission

To transform the lives of children through therapy, toys and training

The Role

Sensational Kids is seeking a voluntary Chairperson to lead the Board of Trustees through a pivotal transitional period and capital development project (National Child Development Centre). This crucial role encompasses guiding the Board in overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, governance, and overall performance. The Chairperson will be responsible for ensuring the Board operates effectively and that the executive team is held accountable for achieving the charity’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will be a strong facilitator, decisive, empathetic, and accountable leader, with the expertise to steer the organisation effectively through this crucial phase. Sensational Kids encourage applications from individuals with extensive experience in leadership and governance who are also passionate about supporting children and adolescents with additional needs. A background in healthcare and familiarity with the operational relationship with the Health Service Executive (HSE) would be advantageous, though not essential.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate effective Board meetings.
  • Provide leadership to the Board.
  • Promote exemplary governance among Trustees.
  • Emphasise transparency and accountability.
  • Provide continuous supervision and support to the CEO.
  • Collaborate to achieve organisational objectives.
  • Uphold the organisation’s integrity.
  • Serve as a figurehead and spokesperson when necessary.
  • Engage with the public on behalf of the charity when necessary.
  • Advocate for and communicate the charity’s mission and values.

Skills and Experience Required:

  • Commitment to Mission and Values: A passion for the organisation’s mission and clear alignment with our values. Is empathetic, compassionate, and attuned to the needs of Sensational Kids families.
  • Leadership and Strategic Vision: Provides clear direction and effective leadership to ensure the development and delivery of organisational strategy.
  • Experience as a Chairperson: Understands the unique role of the Chairperson and demonstrates a track record of effective leadership and strategic oversight across diverse teams.
  • Background in Executive Leadership: Has developed and led high-performance, engaged teams. Ensures clarity, transparency, and responsibility in organisational effectiveness and performance.
  • Governance and Compliance: Understands and ensures adherence to all relevant regulations and best governance practices.
  • Communication Skills: Conveys information clearly and fosters effective dialogue. Positively resolves conflict and facilitates a collaborative team spirit.
  • Advocacy and Public Engagement: Promotes organisational goals and engages effectively and productively with key stakeholders.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee

  • Comply with the Charity’s governing document.
  • Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
  • Acting in the best interest of the charity
  • Act with Reasonable Care and Skill
  • Manage the assets of your charity

Board Meetings

Board meetings are scheduled annually and take place every second in a hybrid format at Sensational Kids, Unit C2 Kildare Business Park, Melitta Road, Kildare Town. The Chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda, ensuring the meetings are conducted effectively, and overseeing the follow-up on action items. Board Sub-Committee meetings are also held in a hybrid format and are planned to occur at least once before each board meeting to facilitate timely preparation and document distribution.

Applications 

Applications by email to

Founder & CEO, Karen Leigh Karen@sensationalkids.ie  and

Dennis O’Connor Dennis@2into3.com