Director Corporate Services

Location:                                 Mental Health Commission, Waterloo Exchange, Waterloo Road Organisation Website:                   www.mhcirl.ie The Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body established in April 2002 under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 (“the Act”). The principal functions of the Commission, as specified in the Act, are to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres. The Commission is also empowered to undertake such activities, as it deems appropriate to foster and promote these standards and practices. The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides for the establishment of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission to support decision-making by and for adults with capacity difficulties and to regulate individuals who are providing support to people with capacity difficulties. The Act reforms Ireland's capacity legislation which has been in place since the 19th century. It establishes a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults who have difficulty in making decisions without help. THE Role The Commission is seeking to appoint an Interim Director Corporate Services (Fixed Term Contract) to oversee the management of a number of operational functions and projects in the areas of Finance, Administration and Information Communication Technology (ICT). Specific experience of managing projects/programmes within these functional areas will be central to the effective delivery of the role. Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Chief Executive, the key responsibilities of the Interim Director Corporate Services include: Overseeing the management of key projects and programmes across the functional areas of Finance, Administration and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Working with other members of the Senior Management Team to ensure the effective functioning, project management and development of MHC's resources The Interim Director Corporate Services performs his/her functions and duties in compliance with the requirements of relevant legislation applicable to the role. The Interim Director Corporate Services shall also perform such other functions and duties as the Chief Executive may assign to him/her from time to time.  The Interim Director Corporate Services shall not be required to undertake such functions or duties that s/he cannot reasonably be expected to perform or which are not commensurate with the position of the role. Person Specification The Interim Director Corporate Services will have a track record of delivering in the following key areas of responsibility: Corporate Services (including Corporate Governance) Ensure MHC has the physical and human resources to carry out its functions, including overall responsibility for the full range of facilities management Oversee the Health and Safety function Ensure that MHC delivers on its Corporate Governance responsibilities as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) Oversee the operation of the Procurement function within MHC Provide reports as required to the Audit and Risk Committee Coordinate the effective provision of information to the Department of Health; Department of Justice and Equality and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform including replies to Parliamentary Questions (PQs) Finance and Administration Working with the Finance Manager, ensure that the financial budget for MHC is allocated in an efficient and effective manner Oversee the provision of financial services by third parties Continue to develop the administration function within MHC Oversee financial performance against budgeted targets across MHC and drive continuous reviews of spending across the organisation with a view to identifying efficiencies to provide broader allocation of budgeted funds Information Communication Technology (ICT) Provide leadership and project management in relation to the delivery of the ICT service for MHC Ensure that the ICT manager is delivering on MHC strategic priorities which are aligned to the overall business priorities of MHC Oversee the continued development of ICT security systems and programmes Oversee and provide guidance to the ICT Manager on effective contract management of all third party ICT contractors engaged by MHC Operations Provide leadership and oversee the continuous development of the corporate services team Support the promotion of cross working relationships within the corporate services team and the other teams in MHC Management Identify and address corporate governance issues for the MHC in conjunction with the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, and Managers Manage the effective deployment of resources and budgets for all development and support functions in order to achieve the overall targets under his/her responsibility Manage MHC's financial resources in a value for money manner in conjunction with the Finance Manager, the Chief Executive and the Management Team Develop and coordinate the assignment of strategic areas of focus to the Corporate Service Manager Prepare and oversee the implementation of a combined Annual Business Plan for the delivery and development of MHC services, including annual operational plans and budgets Identify, allocate and seek (where necessary) required budgetary resources with the Senior Management Team Organisational Develop the Corporate Services team into a highly functional hub of excellence within MHC In conjunction with the other members of the Management Team, develop and implement the Board's strategic priorities Lead, motivate and develop the capability of the Corporate Service Team Represent and promote the organisation, attend and participate in conferences and seminars as required Lead and participate in special projects and joint working arrangements in consultation with the Senior Management Team Contribute to the continuing process of organisational development within MHC and particularly the development of MHC services Participate and work within the MHC and Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) process Participate in training and development programmes/courses to maintain and improve performance and to assist in identifying personal training and support needs Undertake such other duties as may be agreed with the Chief Executive This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role.  Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to change on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time. Essential Requirements In addition to the person specification, the candidate must possess, by the closing date, the following: Qualifications and Training Educated to Honors Bachelor's degree level (NFQ Level 8 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications) in the area of management and/or subject related to the functions of the role. Experience at a strategic management level with clear project management experience Knowledge of public service organisations Strong ICT skills Excellent organisational skills Experience and Knowledge Proven track record of managing a Finance, Corporate Services, Operations or Information Communication Department (ICT) set within a broader context of organisational leadership Have significant management experience, including project management, managing budgets and strategic management (including relevant experience of strategy/policy development, leading teams and managing resources at an appropriate scale and senior level) Ability to communicate at all levels with the ability to support and influence all stakeholders across the organisation Competencies At the closing date, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they possess the skills/competencies identified as being important to the role. These include: Leadership and Strategic Direction Judgement and Decision Making Managing and Delivery of Results Building Relationship and Communication Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values Desirable Experience and knowledge of Working within the public service Public sector financial reporting Reporting and Working Relationships The Interim Director Corporate Services is accountable to the Chief Executive of the Commission. FURTHER INFORMATION Further details are available at www.mhcirl.ie/About_Us/Careers YOUR APPLICATION Deadline for applications: Thursday 10th May at 17:00 GMT The Mental Health Commission is an equal opportunities employer.