Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) are delighted to announce that Ms Norah Gibbons, Chair Designate of the Child & Family Agency, today in Galway launched, The Rape Crisis Centre Governance Resource Pack, a new training resource which has been rolled out for Rape Crisis Centre (RCC) Board Members nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Gibbons said, ‘this guide to governance informs and assists board members to be clear about their roles and responsibilities and to be effective leaders. It is a vital tool for existing board members and no doubt will  be a key component of  the introductory pack for new board members in the future. Vigilance with regard to all aspects of governance is essential for all organisations and I applaud the RCNI for making this readable guide available.’

RCNI spokesperson said; ‘RCCs exist to create a better world. We operate to effect the prevention of sexual violence and to meet the needs of survivors in difficult and demanding conditions. Clear and accountable governance has always been vital to the successes and sustainability of the rape crisis sector.’

‘A strategic aim of RCNI as the representative body of Irish RCCs is to support member RCCs to adopt and maintain best practice, including in governance, to help keep pace with change and to be effective leaders,’ she added.

The resource outlines Board Member  roles, duties and responsibilities and the relationship between Board Members, Management, Staff and Volunteers. It also provides an introduction to the history of the rape crisis movement and its development, as well as the considerable range of services provided by an RCNI member RCC.