As you may be aware, there are many new rules and regulations surrounding charities and their management which has arisen from the setting up of the Charities Regulatory Authority. As a result of this, we have had to look at the IDS and how it practices. We have found that it is not ‘best practice’ to have members of the board who are also working for the IDS. We have sought advice on this issue from The Wheel and Boardmatch as well as our own Solicitor and Auditor and we have not been able to find any solution or alternative yet.
Two of our Board directors are working tutors with Deaf Adult Literacy Services (DALS) for which they receive payment. While this is not illegal, it is not following best practice. Therefore, we must announce that Wendy Murray stepped down from her position as Chairperson of the IDS on Thursday 26th May and will serve as a board director until an EGM is called. The Hon. Treasurer Melissa Howlett will also step down from her duties at the upcoming EGM. The Vice Chairperson Lianne Quigley has now become the acting Chairperson until the EGM. The decision to leave by both Wendy and Melissa is entirely voluntary; it was made without any pressure or suggestion either directly or indirectly from the board of directors.
Although the IDS is very disappointed to lose these two dedicated board directors, the board has no option but to honour the advice given.
We will announce the date of the upcoming EGM during the summer. Any further questions regarding this situation, please contact Eddie Redmond, CEO of the IDS at eddie@www.irishdeafsociety.ie.
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