Board of Directors
A Mayo native and a married father of two, Alan works as an accountant in public practice in his hometown of Ballina.
He is a graduate of NUIG and a registered auditor.
He has worked in financial services for over 30 years and during that time, he has assisted on several boards and committees operating in the charities and not-for-profit sector as both a member and an adviser.
Alan's 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 he holds in very high regard.
Hugh has had an extensive career in 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 and as Regional Manager with the Irish Wheelchair Association, until he retired from the post of Regional Manager, Community Supports, HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Areas 1,2,3 and 8.
He has a keen interest in Health and Social Care, Social Inclusion and Disability matters.
He is currently a member the Social Workers and Physiotherapists Registration Boards.
He a Board Member of a number of Community Organisations, ie. Chairperson North Leinster Citizens Information Service and Chairperson, Longford Westmeath and Roscommon Local Link. He is also a Member of Co. Westmeath Local Community Development Committee and a member of Co. Westmeath Public Participation Network Secretariat and a member of the Finance Committees and of the Audit and Risk Committees on a number of Education and Training Boards.
Angela is a member of the Board of Western Care for over five years.
She is a teacher of visual art, ceramics and ESOL to adult learners at MSLETB. She lives in Westport with her husband and 2 sons.
Cathy Fleming is a secondary school teacher with MSLETB. Her current role is a HSCLO (Home, School, Community Liaison Officer).
Cathy’s daughter has ASD and accesses Western Care services.
She is a passionate advocate for careers and people living with a disability.
Martin now retired from the HSE where he worked in various positions over 47 years of service. In particular, he held the position of General Manager of Mayo Community and Continuing Care Services for many years which included involvement with internal and grant aided services providing Disability Services. He later held the position of Head of Social Care which extended his involvement with these services Regionally.
Martin has a long term involvement with the Money Advise and Budgeting Service (MABS) both in Mayo and regionally and is the current Chairperson of South Connaught MABS.
Martin is also Chairperson of the Board of Management of Breaffy National School.
Seamus is a native of Ballinrobe now living in Claremorris. Since 1992 he is the Area Manager in Mayo for WestBIC the official EU Business Innovation Centre for West/North West Ireland, providing Business Planning support to early stage and growing enterprises. Seamus has over 30 years of involvement with voluntary organisations in Ireland and England including:
- Secretary and subsequently Chairman of the Federation of Irish Societies the representative voice of the Irish in Britain.
- Trustee and currently Chairman of Safe Start Foundation in London.
- Director and subsequently Chairman of South West Mayo Development Company (LEADER).
- Director and Chairman of Clar IRD an integrated resource development company in Claremorris.
- Director and Secretary of Clar ICH a Social Enterprise delivering housing and retrofitting services nationwide also based in Claremorris.
Mark Moore is a highly accomplished IT Leader with over two decades of distinguished experience in both multinational and SME organisations. His expertise lies prominently in Operations and Customer Success, underscored by a proven track record of cultivating profitable client relationships, adeptly managing global teams, and overseeing mission-critical infrastructures for some of the world's largest financial institutions.
Mark's unwavering commitment to excellence is manifest through his diverse skill set, which spans across vital domains including ITSM, rigorous security audits, adept mentoring, proficient project management, and astute operations. Native of Castlebar with whom played for many years for the local GAA and Soccer Teams.
Fiona Campbell is now retired having worked with Mayo County Council as Administrative Officer. Fiona worked in various sections throughout the organisation, finishing up with responsibility for HR. She holds a degree in Human Resource Management and a master’s in leadership and Strategy.
Fiona is Mayo born and bred and Western Care and the communities it serves are very close to her heart. She joined the board in September 2023 and would like to bring added value to the organisation through her skills, knowledge and ability.
David holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Brunel University followed by 32 years of engineering jobs in various industries.
He retired to Ireland in 2005 with their special needs son who is supported by Western Care for over 12 years. During this time he has attended day services, respite care and resednetial services.
David has joined the Board with the intention of being an advocate for the families of the people we support.
- 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 Memo and Articles of Association
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
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 |
| 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 | |
| Adult Safeguarding Policy
Accessible Safeguarding Policy Anti-bullying Best Possible Health Accessible Health Policy Child Safeguarding Policy Child Safeguarding Statement 2022 Code of Conduct for Western Care Employees Accessible Code of Conduct Communication Accessible Communication Policy Community Connections Accessible Community Policy Community Connections Accessible Community Policy Complaints Procedure Accessible Complaints Procedure Department Safety Statement 2021 Safety Statement for signing Dignity at work Quick guide to Dignity at work steps Emergency Procedure Accessible Emergency Procedure Fire Safety - Non Residential Fire Safety - Residential & Respite Accessible Fire Procedure Incident Reporting Procedure |
Infection Control Policy
Accessible Infection Control Listening and Responding to People Accessible Listening and Responding Policy Guidelines on Minimal Handling Medication Accessible Medication Policy Missing Person Procedure Accessible Missing Person Procedure Organisational Safety Statement Personal Intimate Care Accessible Personal Intimate Care Policy Protected Disclosures of Information in the workplace Records Management Procedure Accessible Records Policy Data Protection Procedure Freedom of Information Policy Restrictive Practice Rights Accessible Rights Policy Accessible Advocacy Statement Risk Management for Individuals Using Services Accessible Risk Policy Regulations for Person Supported Monies Accessible Guidance Supervisory Support |
| Supporting Practice Policies | Human Resources Policies |
| Access to Training and Development for People using services
CCTV guidelines Driving for all Policy Education for Children Dysphagia policy Empowering People through work Accessible Empowering through work policy End of Life Care Epilepsy Falls Risk Reduction Policy Food and Nutrition (Adults) and Children Accessible Food and Nutrition Individual Planning (Adults) Individual Planning (Children's Respite) Information to Residents Loss and Bereavement Policy Managing and Reporting a Death in Service Organisation Risk Policy Supporting Peg Feeding Quality Assurance Statement Referrals, Admissions, Transfers and Discharges Policy Visitors Policy Accessible Visitors Policy |
Adverse Weather Policy
Attendance Management Policy and Procedure Completion of Payroll Returns for all Employees (incl. Disturbed Sleep and Overtime) Court Procedure Disciplinary Procedure Employee Assistance Programme Employment Following Retirement Garda Vetting Procedure Grievance Procedure Inclusive Recruitment Policy Accessible Recruitment Policy Induction Procedure Lone Workers Procedure Managing Investigations Recognised Qualification Procedure Replacement of Staff at Grade above Assistant Level Serious Assault Payment Scheme Sick Leave Policy Smoke Free Workplace Staff Attendance Record Staff Development Through Training 20.01.20 Time in Lieu Volunteers WCA Guidance for Implementing Trust in Care Probation Policy |
| Finance Policies | |
|
Budget Management Philosophy and Best Value Budget Process Capital Expenditure Income Regulations Conflict of Interest Policy Internal Audit Procedure Maintenance Procedures Payroll Systems Regulations |
Petty Cash - Imprest Account Regulations Policy on the Use of Information Technology Post Opening Regulations Regulation for Income and Receipts Regulation for Purchasing, Goods Received and Invoice Regulation for Tenders and Quotations Regulation for Travelling Expenses and Subsistence Allowance Statement of the System of Internal Financial Control |
Service Agreement with HSE
The Service Agreement with the HSE can be found by click here