Board of Directors
I am a business man from Castlebar and was appointed to the Board of Directors in September 2019. I hold a BA from GMIT and an MSc from the University of Limerick.
I am a certified automotive engineer (CAE) a fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry (FIMI) and a member of the Institute of Personnel Development. Over the years I have served on a number of public and private organisations such as the National Council for the Elderly, Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Labour Relations Commission. |
![]() Iarla Duffy Chairperson |
I live in Swinford, I am the father of four children who are beginning to leave college and make their way in life. I have a background in construction management and work for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul as a Housing Officer based in Castlebar covering the West Region. I am also a volunteer member with the Saint Vincent de Paul Conference in Swinford. I am very aware of the challenges encountered by the more vulnerable members of our communities. I am delighted to have this opportunity to offer my support to Western Care Association and look forward to making my contribution to the continued success of the Association. | ![]() Michael Prendergast Company Secretary |
A returned immigrant from the 90's, I now reside in Ballinrobe, having married a Mayo man.
My background is in midwifery and I work in Mayo University Hospital as a midwife educator. There I get to witness the miracle and reality of life with the new babies and new parents. My family have been customers of Western Care for over 18 years for the support of our princess Aoife. She has four loyal servants who tend to her every need. Over the years I have dipped in and out of other parent support groups when time has allowed. I was nominated to the Board of Directors in May 2016 and look forward to supporting the Board and Western Care in providing the best standards for all their service users and families. |
![]() Frances Burke |
I am a visual artist with a BA in Film, Video and Photographic Arts. I have over 20 years experience running my own business and worked for many years as a press photographer.
I am currently Secretary of Rice College Parents Council and a volunteer at Westport Resource Centre. I am a member of Kilmeena Drama Group and also a member of a Westport writer’s group. I am originally from Swinford and live in Westport with my husband and our two teenage sons. In my time as a member of the Board I will endeavour to use my communications skills to assist in ensuring quieter voices continue to be heard. |
![]() Angela Campbell |
A Mayo native and a married father of two, I work as an accountant in public practice in my hometown of Ballina.
I am a graduate of NUIG and a registered auditor. I have worked in financial services for over 30 years and during that time, I have assisted on several boards and committees operating in the charities and not-for-profit sector as both a member and an adviser. My appointment to the Board of Western Care in September 2021 is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to be of service to an organisation which I hold in very high regard. |
![]() Alan McCarron Vice Chair |
I am a native of Roscommon and delighted to be appointed to the Board of Western Care in September 2021 and look forward to bringing my experience following an extensive career in the area of Health and Social Services, having held a number of middle and senior management positions in the Western Health Board, now HSE, in Community and Hospital Services over a period of 24 years, followed by 17 years as Regional Manager with the Irish Wheelchair Association, until I retired in 2020, from the post of Regional Manager, Community Supports, HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Areas 1,2,3 and 8. I have always a keen interest in Health and Social Care matters, Social Inclusion and Disability issues.
In June 2021 I was appointed to the Social Workers Registration Board. I am currently a Board Member of a number of Community Organistions, North Leinster Citizens Information Service, Longford Westmeath and Roscommon Community Transport and Employability Midlands, Chairman of Westmeath Local Community Development Committee, Member of Westmeath Public Participation Network Secretariat, as well as being a Member of the HR Committe of Active Retirement Ireland, Finance Committees of Longford and Westmeath and Louth Meath Education and Training Boards and of the Audit and Risk Committee of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board |
![]() Hugh Farrell |
- Western Care Association is a community and voluntary organisation committed to supporting people with disabilities to be full citizens in their communities.
- Western Care Association provides a wide range of supports and services to people with disabilities and their families on behalf of the Health Service Executive, who provides the bulk of its funding.
- Western Care Association acts as a representative voice in relation to supporting people with disabilities and their families.
- Western Care Association is committed to nurturing natural and voluntary supports.
- Western Care Association networks with statutory, community and voluntary organisations to achieve its mission and purpose.
- Western Care Association provides leadership within the sector by identifying relevant new ideas and thinking; providing quality supports and services and assisting in supporting people to have full lives.
- Western Care Association is completely open – anyone or any organisation with an interest in improving the lives of people with disabilities is welcome to join as a company member.
- Western Care Association’s policy and advocacy work seeks to ensure that Government policy provides for the development of a healthy and vibrant community for people with disabilities and their families.
- Western Care Association raises additional funding through a range of fundraising initiatives.
Responsibilities of Board Member
Every board member has the following responsibilities:
- Commitment to the evolution of Western Care Association and support for its philosophy
- Attendance at Board meetings
- Shaping strategy for the development of Western Care Association
- Where necessary, deciding on strategic actions required to achieve Western Care Association’s objectives, ensuring that all activities are consistent with Western Care Association’s vision and core values
- Representing the interests of Western Care Association members. Board members are accountable to Western Care Association’s members and mission.
- Serving on Committees
- Fulfilling all the legal obligations of a member of the Board of Directors of a company limited by guarantee without a share capital.
Members serve a term of 3 years and may go forward to re-election. The Board meets at least 11 times a year and all matters discussed are treated as confidential.
The Board elects a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and any other officers as necessary.
Committees of the Board of Directors
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- Committees can be formed based upon terms of reference agreed by the Board. The Committees’ existence, membership and terms of reference are reviewed annually subsequent to the election of the officers.
- Membership of a Committee ideally to be for three years to allow for continuity as well as for ‘turn over’ of members
- Membership of Committees to reflect different experiences and skills. Membership may also include non-board members, but the Chair must always be a member of the Board of Directors.
- A record is to be kept of all Committee meetings and decisions
- Each Committee is accountable to the board - each formal board meeting to have an agenda item allowing a report from each Committee
- All Committees are strictly advisory in nature
- Currently, Western Care Association has four Committees:
Finance & Audit Sub-committee
HR, remuneration and nominations committee
Quality, safety and risk committee
Governance & compliance committee
Click on the following link to view MemoandArticlesofAssociation
Western Care Association Code of Conduct for Board Members
Western Care Association Code of Conduct for Board Members
This is Western Care Association’s current Code of Conduct for Board Members. The Code of Conduct details what each individual must commit to in their role as Board member - and in all areas relating to their interaction with, and on behalf of, the organisation. Western Care Association asks all its Board members to sign and return this document, and these signed copies are kept on record.
Framework
The intent of this Code of Conduct is to set a standard for governance within Western Care Association. The objectives of having this code are to set out an agreed set of principles, the promotion and maintenance of confidence and trust and the prevention of development or acceptance of unethical practices.
Individual Commitment
As a Director of Western Care Association, I have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the organisation. Abiding by this Code of Conduct and the Governance Code for non-profit organisations describes how I will do that. If any of these commitments cause me to come in conflict with my legal obligations then these latter will take precedence.
Organisational Values
As a board member of Western Care Association I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all the activities of our organisation.
Accountability
Everything Western Care Association does will be able to stand the test of scrutiny by members of the public, the media, members, beneficiaries, stakeholders and the regulatory authorities.
Integrity and Honesty
These will be the hallmarks of all conduct within Western Care Association, particularly when dealing with colleagues (board and staff) and external individuals and agencies.
Transparency
Western Care Association will strive to promote an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation in order to promote confidence to members of the public, staff, beneficiaries and regulators and also to promote strategic and operational effectiveness.
Governance Code
I will support Western Care Association’s adoption of, and compliance with, the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable organisations and its associated implementation actions.
In addition to the above I agree to the following:
Law, mission, policies
- In my role as board member I will not break the law or act against any regulation in force.
- I will support the organisation's mission and actively promote it.
- I will abide by organisational policy and procedure.
- I will seek to maintain and promote integrity, good governance, effectiveness and efficiency for the delivery of the organisation's mission.
- If I find evidence of any non-compliance with statutory obligations that apply to Western Care Association, I will bring this to the attention of fellow Board members with a view to having the matter rectified.
- I understand I can seek independent legal advice, at a reasonable cost to the Association, as set out in the relevant procedure
Conflicts of Interest
- I will always act in the best interests of the organisation.
- I will do my work in accordance with Western Care Association's "Conflict of Interest" policy and declare any conflict of interest or any such circumstance as may be viewed by others as conflicting as soon as it arises.
- I will submit to the judgement of the board and do as it requires regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Person to Person
- I will act in regard of organisational policies in my relationships with fellow board members, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries or anyone I come into contact with in my role as board member.
Guardian of the organisation's reputation
I will not speak as a board member to the media or any public forum without the prior knowledge and approval of the Chair or the Chief Executive Officer.
- When I am asked to represent the organisation, any comments I make will reflect current policy even if I do not agree with them.
- When speaking as a private citizen I will aim to uphold the reputation of the organisation and those who work and volunteer for it.
- I will respect organisational, board and individual confidentiality.
- I will take an active interest in the organisation's public image.
Personal Gain
- I will not personally gain from my role as a board member nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my actions or negligence.
- I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to agreed procedure.
- I will not accept gifts or hospitality without the consent of the Chair.
- I will use organisational resources responsibly, when authorised in accordance with procedure.
At Board Level
- I will embody the principles of good governance in all my actions and live up to the trust placed in me by Western Care Association.
- I will abide by the board governance procedures and practice.
- I will commit to attend all board meetings, and in the event of unavoidable inability to attend, will observe the Board Attendance Policy.
- I will strive to be familiar with all agenda items sent to me in good time and be prepared to contribute my opinions during meetings.
- I will honour the authority of the Chair.
- I will maintain a respectful attitude to the opinions of others.
- I understand that decisions will ideally be made by consensus, but may be by vote. I will consider any majority vote as a corporate decision, and will accept and support it.
- I will maintain confidentiality unless authorised to speak on matters outside board meetings.
Enhancing governance
- I commit to supporting Western Care Association's compliance with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations.
- I will participate in appropriate induction, training and development of board activities.
- I will support the Chief Executive Officer in his/her executive role and the Chair in his/her leadership role.
- I will visit services, in conjunction with the relevant managers, to meet with people using services, their families and staff, to ensure an effective connection between my governance role and the people using and providing services and supports.
Leaving the board
- I understand that any substantial breach of this code may result in my removal from the board ¹
- Should I wish to resign I will inform the Chair in writing, stating my reasons for resigning from the board.
- I will participate in an exit interview if requested.
In addition, I commit to the Code of Conduct which applies to all Board members of the Association and staff, as set out in the Association's policies.
Signed: ________________________ Date: ________________
Board member of Western Care Association
[1] The process for dealing with breaches of this Code of Conduct is that any such breaches will be reviewed by the Governance Committee for subsequent consideration and decision by the Board.
Company Membership
Western Care Association – Information on becoming a Member
If you are a parent, family member or supporter of a person with an intellectual disability and/or autism who receives a service from Western Care, one of the ways to support this person is by becoming a member of Western Care.
- Only members have the right to attend, ask questions and vote on any issue at the Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting of the Association.
- Only members can elect members to the Board of Directors.
- Members are invited to attend a Regional Meeting twice a year.
- Members will get an Annual Report telling them how your money is spent
We all want the best possible service for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Being a member, attending Regional meetings and the AGM will give you the chance to ensure that this is what happens.
No fee is required. Membership is open to anyone in your household or any of your friends or neighbours who have an interest in the wellbeing of those served by Western Care Association.
It is important for the Association to have the engagement and support of members and we want to thank all our current members for their involvement to date.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in being a member, please let them know that they too can apply.
To become a member, please fill in the attached form and return it to:
Application Form - Individual Member of Western Care Association
The Chairperson
Western Care Association
John Moore Road
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
or email to info@westerncare.com
We will check with you from time to time to ensure you wish to remain on the register. If at any time, you wish to be removed from the Register, you can do this by writing to the Chairperson, Western Care Association, John Moore Road, Castlebar, Mayo at any time.
Western Care's Mission Statement
We are a voluntary organisation, made up of parents/family members, service users, staff, supporters and volunteers, and, in keeping with our pioneering traditions, we believe in:
- Supporting service users in making choices
- Community-based services
- Partnership with families and service users
- The essential value of the voluntary organisation
- The vital input of volunteers and friends.
- The principle of accountability.
- The unique contribution of all our staff
- Partnership, unity of purpose and mutual respect in the achievement of our aims
- Service through partnership and co-ordination with local and national organisations
- Continually learning to improve the quality of the way we do things
- The pursuit of equality of access and full service for all
Publications
Western Care Annual Report 2021
Directors Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2021
WESTERN CARE ASSOCIATION - STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2026
Western Care Association Annual Report 2020
Directors' Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2020
Western Care Association Annual Report 2019
Directors' Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2019
Policies
Western Care Association has a wide range of policies and procedures that are used to guide our practice and to ensure that the Association is compliant with a range of obligations, as set out under various legislation and regulations. The following policies can be accessed by clicking on them:
Code of Conduct |
Complaints Policy
List of Complaints Officers |
Referrals and Admissions |
School Leavers Process - being updated |
Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons |
Western Care Association operates a NO TOLERANCE approach to any form of abuse against people using its service, as the safety and wellbeing of service users is the Association's foremost concern. Any act of intimidation, threat of violence, act of violence or threat of any type of abuse as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse National Policy and Procedure will not be tolerated. |
National Safeguarding Policy for Vulnerable Adults
National Safeguarding Flow Chart |
Child Protection and Welfare Policy, Procedures and Practice |
The organisation also has the following policies and procedures in place and you can get a copy of these by emailing info@westerncare.com or phone (094) 9025133.
Essential Policies | Supporting Practice Policies |
Adult Safeguarding Policy/Accessible
Best Possible Health/Accessible Child Protection Procedure/Statement Code of Conduct /Accessible Communication/Accessible Community Connections/Accessible Complaints Procedure Department Safety Statement Policy / Dignity at Work/ Emergency Procedure/Accessible Fire Safety Incident Reporting Infection Control Guidelines/Accessible Listening and Responding to People Manual Handling Medication/Accessible Medication Policy Missing Person Procedure/Accessible Organisational Safety Statement Personal Intimate Care/Accessible Protected Disclosures of Information Records Management Procedure Data Protection Procedure Restrictive Practice Rights/Accessible Rights Policy Risk Management for Individuals Regulations for Service Users' Monies Supervisory Support |
Access to Training and
CCTV guidelines Driving for all Policy Dysphagia Policy Education for Children Policy Empowering People Work/Accessible End of Life Care Epilepsy Falls Risk Reduction Policy Food and Nutrition /Accessible IP (Adults)/ (Autism)/ (Children’s Respite) Information to Residents Loss and Bereavement Policy Managing and Reporting a Death Organisation risk policy 2020b Peg Feeding Referrals Policy School Leavers Visitors Policy/Accessible Visitors Policy Quality Assurance Statement |
Human Resources | Finance |
Adverse Weather Policy
Attendance Management Policy Completion of Payroll Returns Court Procedure Disciplinary Procedure Employee Assistance Programme Employment Following Retirement Garda Vetting Procedure Grievance Procedure Inclusive Recruitment Policy/Accessible Procedure Information Technology Lone Workers Procedure Managing Investigations Probation Policy Recognised Qualification Procedure Replacement of Staff Serious Assault Payment Scheme Sick Leave Policy Smoke Free Workplace Staff Attendance Record Staff Development Through Training Time in Lieu Volunteers WCA Guidance for Trust in Care
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Budget Management Philosophy Budget Process Capital Expenditure Income Regulations Conflict of Interest Policy Internal Audit Procedure Maintenance Procedures Payroll Systems Regulations Petty Cash - Imprest Account Regulations Information Technology Post Opening Regulations Regulation for Income and Receipts Regulation for Purchasing, Goods Regulation for Tenders and Quotations Regulation for Travelling Expenses Statement of Internal Financial Control |
Service Agreement with HSE
The Service Agreement with the HSE can be found by click here