Governance

The RCNI is governed by its Board of Directors. The RCNI is member owned - our Board of Directors is comprised of representatives nominated from member Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs). Staff and volunteers from member RCCs also take up membership of relevant sub-groups or working committees of the Board.

The Board oversee the implementation of our Strategic Plan which is developed through high levels of consultation with our members, as well as other stake holders. In recognition of the organisational complexities specific to member-owned Networks the RCNI contracts expert consultancy to support and ensure good governance.

RCNI Board of Directors November 2011 to November 2012 Membership

Anne Scully - Director Waterford Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre
Sara Donovan nee McCloskey - Director Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre
Miriam Duffy - Executive Director & RCNI Chairperson - Rape Crisis Midwest
Liz McBride - Director Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
Grace McArdle - Director Rape Crisis North East
Anita Clancy - Director Tipperary Rape Crisis & Counselling Centre
Vera O'Leary nee Cronin - Director Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
Anne Kirwan Finn - Director Carlow & South Leinster Rape Crisis & Counselling Centre
Fiona Neary - RCNI Executive Director & RCNI Company Secretary
Margaret Barry - Independent Chair

The Independent Chair Person - Margaret Barry

Role of the Independent Chair is to:

maintain clarity and focus on the current Strategic Plan and on overall strategic direction of the RCNI
Agree reporting/accountability mechanisms with staff: periodically review these
Agree approaches to decision making by the Board and work with these
Create an environment which encourages us to listen and to take account of everyone's contribution
Prepare /plan of meeting with RCNI Executive Director, including propose an agenda for each meeting.

RCNI and Accountability

The RCNI is committed to using its expertise, leadership and authority in constructive, transparent and accountable ways. The RCNI is answerable to our members, funders, sexual violence survivors and other stakeholders. The RCNI delivers accountability and transparency through its structures and systems. In addition to producing an Annual Report we maintain an up to date Website with information for the public on our Strategic Plan, Board members, staff members, organisational roles and responsibilities. Through our monthly and quarterly publications the RCNI keeps its membership informed on progress and developments. All relevant Quality Assurance Standards, as adopted by our members, are also implemented by the RCNI internally. Through their range of roles RCNI staff are in constant supportive and consultative contact with all member RCCs. RCNI reports and briefing positions are well researched, consultative and evidence based.

RCNI Members

RCNI members are independent and autonomous front line RCCs. Each RCC has its’ own legal structure, including its own Board of Directors or Board of Management.

RCCs provide a safe environment where survivors of sexual violence can experience safety, empowerment, restoration of positive regard for self, reconnection with the world and increased capacities for intimacy. Centres provide expert information, support, counselling and advocacy for those who have been affected by sexual violence. RCC services are delivered utilising a Survivor/Recovery model. Expertise is ensured through training of all staff and volunteers in the reality, nature and extent of sexual violence, the systems and structures which perpetuate sexual violence, along with all other training appropriate to each RCC role.

As an integral part of drawing on the experience, wisdom and power of survivors and as community based NGOs RCCs engage in and deliver awareness raising, training, education and campaigning towards social change and ending all forms of sexual violence.