Board Vacancies
Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who would like to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experience to support our work to ensure that Deaf people can participate as full and equal citizens in Irish society, with access to quality sign language interpreting services.
About
The SLIS was founded in 2007. It is the national organisation for sign language interpreting in Ireland. We also advocate for the right to Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting services and lead on the development of infrastructure for the sector. SLIS is often the first point of contact for the Deaf community, Deaf representative organisations and services in resolving difficulties in accessing rights to interpretation. Our key services include:
- Referral Bookings Service
- GP Access Service
- Emergency Out of Hours Service
- Social Fund Service
- Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS)
- Social Inclusion Voucher Scheme
In 2017, the ISL Act was published, and it became legally enforceable on December 23rd 2020. This means that the State officially recognises ISL. The Act provides the Deaf community with a statutory entitlement to ISL interpreting when accessing public bodies. Under section 9 (Social Inclusion Voucher Scheme), the Act also entitles them to support interpreting for social, educational and cultural events and services (including for medical purposes). The services are provided to both individuals and organisations, ensuring effective communication and promoting social inclusion in the Deaf community and society at large.
We are supported and funded by the Citizens Information Board – www.citizensinformationboard.ie. SLIS office is headquartered at Deaf Village Ireland, which is based in Cabra, Dublin 7.
Our Vision
All Deaf people live as full and equal citizens.
Our Mission
To advocate for, develop, and make available, quality interpreting services to Deaf people and service providers in Ireland.
About the Board Director Role
SLIS is currently seeking a Board Director with knowledge and subject matter expertise in the area of the deaf community, culture and/or expertise and experience in sign language interpreting or experience in areas such as strategy, governance, HR, finance, project delivery, commercial/legal and risk management.
The role is to advise and support the Board in the fulfilment of the Board’s financial, HR and legal responsibilities and on issues relating to the deaf community and the interpreting sphere such as reviewing guidelines, best practice and national policy. ISL and Deaf Culture are a key part of how our services are provided.
The Board is assisted in its role by the SLIS National Manager alongist with the SLIS team.
Board Requirements
- There will be approximately six meetings annually, with additional attendance at committee meetings as needed. These meetings are typically held as hybrid or online meetings. However, in some cases it will take place at the SLIS offices located in Deaf Village Ireland, Dublin 7.
- This is a voluntary board and as a result no fees are paid to board members. Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid to members where applicable.
- Together with preparatory reading for meetings and follow up activities and information analysis, the total commitment could be up to 10 – 12 hours per month.
- Each director of a board shall be appointed to serve for a term of up to three years and may only serve for a maximum of two terms either consecutively or cumulatively.
To Apply
For more information on the board vacancy or SLIS, please contact John Stewart, the National Manager, at john.stewart@slis.ie. You may also be contacted by the SLIS Chairperson for an informal discussion.
