Jigsaw Board Director
Over the coming months there a number of vacancies will arise on the Jigsaw Board. As a result, we are currently seeking candidates to fill three roles on our Board of Directors.
We are seeking applications from interested candidates, with significant senior experience in the following areas – Human Resources; Education and the Youth sector and who have a passion for youth mental health and influencing change in relation to youth mental health services in Ireland.
WHO WE ARE:
We are Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health CLG. Formerly known as Headstrong, we were set up in 2006 and to this day, we remain committed to leading a nationwide transformation in youth mental health. By joining the Jigsaw Board, you will help us to create an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.
OUR VISION:
We are a community of professionals, supporters, and volunteers with a shared belief in an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.
OUR MISSION:
Together, we will achieve better mental health outcomes for young people (aged 12-25) by delivering therapeutic services, promoting youth mental health and mobilising community and societal change, while ensuring our organisation evolves to support all aspects of our work.
We aim to better inform, support, educate and empower communities, enabling a better understanding of our collective responsibility in supporting young people’s mental health. Our youth mental health promotion work seeks to enhance community engagement and increase knowledge and understanding in relation to youth mental health.Our community-based workshops and programmes build the capacity of those who work or volunteer with young people, better equipping them to promote and support the mental health of young people where they live, learn, work and play.
We undertake pioneering research and conduct robust evaluation leading to transformative evidence. We are changing the way Ireland thinks about and responds to young people’s mental health. It is essential for our young people’s wellbeing that we respond at the right time, in the right way.We work with Government, the HSE and other policymakers to make sure the right frameworks are being put in place to help Ireland’s young people for generations to come.
Requirements
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Jigsaw Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. In joining the Board, the successful candidate will contribute to the Board's collective responsibility for:
- Acting in the best interests of Jigsaw, the users of our services and our staff
- Ensuring that appropriate clinical and professional governance arrangements are in place
- Providing strategic guidance for the implementation of Jigsaw’s Strategic Plan Together (2022-2025)
- Working with Jigsaw’s Youth Reference Group (YRG) to ensure that the voice and experience of young people and service users is central to decision-making at Board level
- Monitoring the activities and effectiveness of the CEO and the management team
- Ensuring effective systems are in place for identifying and managing risk
- Ensuring the adequacy of internal financial controls; and
- Accounting accurately to the State and other funders.
Members of the Board of Directors work in a voluntary capacity and do not receive any remuneration in respect of their services to Jigsaw. Directors should act on an informed basis, in good faith, with due diligence and care, and in the best interests of Jigsaw, to ensure that public monies are applied for the purpose they have been provided.
TIME COMMITMENT:
- At least six scheduled meetings per annum
- Membership of other Board Subcommittees as appropriate
In addition to the meetings outlined above, preparatory reading will be required.
Where possible, Board members are encouraged to participate in:
- Visits to local Jigsaw services
- Attendance at occasional events, training and seminars.
SUPPORTS:
- Induction and ongoing training support – induction and training will be provided on the structure and function of the Board and its operations as well as on Jigsaw’s approach to youth voice and engagement
- Ongoing and regular support from the Chair of the Board – The Chair meets regularly with Board members to support their ongoing engagement and contribution
- Administrative support – provided for all Board members
TERM OF APPOINTMENT:
The Board member will be appointed for a term of three years with an option to extend this term. To qualify for appointment, a person must not have any conflict of interest likely to interfere with his/her ability to assume the role of Board member of Jigsaw.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Have significant senior experience in one of the following areas – Human Resources; Education and the Youth sector
- Passionate about youth mental health and an interest in influencing change in relation to youth mental health in Ireland
- Candidates must have sufficient time available to fulfill the role
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Knowledge of the youth mental health area and of the work of Jigsaw
- Knowledge of the statutory or legal responsibilities of acting as a Director of a Company
- Knowledge of the charity sector requirements and regulations
- Understanding of youth engagement and participation theory and practices
SELECTION PROCESS:
- Vacant posts on the Jigsaw Board will be publicly advertised and promoted through social media, and across the Jigsaw network
- The list of candidates who apply, will be reviewed by members of the HR & Governance Subcommittee and the CEO
- A shortlist of prospective candidates will be drawn up and an interview will be held with candidates by the Board Chair, the CEO, and Jigsaw Youth Advocate, as part of the selection process
- Once all candidates have been considered, a recommendation for appointment will be sent to the Board of Jigsaw for approval
- Application is by way of an online form outlining why you wish to be considered for the position of Board Director of Jigsaw and how you believe you and your experience might contribute to the organisation.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Please submit your application via the link provided on www.jigsaw.ie
- The closing date for applications is 5:00 pm, Friday 30th of May 2025
- For further information go to www.jigsaw.ie or contact our CEO, joseph.duffy@jigsaw.ie (086 7765580) for more information on Board or for more information on Jigsaw. A discussion with our Board Chair, Dr Jacinta Stewart, can also be facilitated
- All documentation received by Jigsaw will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018). The information will only be used by Jigsaw in the processing of applications and for ongoing administrative purposes with Board members.