2025 Review of Board Effectiveness

In expressing its commitment to excellence in governance and the effective management of public and philanthropic funding, the Board of Northside Partnership wishes to undertake a review of Board effectiveness.

In commissioning this review, the Governance and Nominations Sub-committee of the Northside Partnership Board is now seeking a quotation/estimate from suitably qualified individuals to undertake an independent review of the effectiveness of the Northside Partnership Board its Sub-committees and governance structures.

About Northside Partnership

Established in 1992 under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the Northside Partnership (NSP) is a Local Development Company (LDC) working to address poverty and social exclusion in the North East area of Dublin City. In pursuing our charitable and social purpose, we work with local people, representatives from communities, the state, employers, trade unions and elected representatives.

We work to improve the opportunities for people and communities in North East Dublin to bring about positive changes in their own lives and in their community.

We offer a range of programmes and services to support individuals, local organisations, groups and communities in the areas where we work.

Our work is funded by the Irish Government, charitable organisations and philanthropic sources.

About the Northside Partnership Board

The Northside Partnership Board represents a cross section of organisations that have a brief to address poverty/social exclusion, economic or social development or education within the Northside Partnership’s catchment area. The Board is comprised of 15 Directors (Trustees) who are drawn from a number of representative sectors as follows:

• The National Social Partners Sector (4) - including union (ICTU) and employer representatives (IBEC)
• The Community and Voluntary Sector (5)
• Further and Higher Education Sector and Key Strategic Partners (5)
• Non-Sector (1) (to facilitate the appointment of an independent Chair)

In conducting its business, the Board is assisted by a number of Board Sub-committees, each with a specific term of reference which outline each committee’s duties. Board Sub-committees include:

• Finance & HR Board Sub-committee
• Audit & Risk Board Sub-committee
• Governance & Nominations Board Sub-committee
• Programme Review Board Sub-committee
• Preparing for Life Board Sub-committee

Scope and Limitations of the Review

In preparing and conducting the review, the consultant is asked to explore the following aspects of the Northside Partnership Board’s functioning.

Overall composition of the Board

To ensure that the Northside Partnership Board:

• Has the right mix of skills (skills audit), competencies and experience to enable effective oversight of the company’s activities
• Is suitably diverse
• Is undertaking adequate induction, development, and succession planning

Assessment of Board Effectiveness

To assess the contribution and effectiveness of:

• The Chair
• Individual Directors/Trustees
• Board Sub-committees
• Committee Chairs

Board Culture

To assess how the Board and its members work and relate together in governing the affairs of Northside Partnership including:

• The culture and tone set by the Chair and CEO and overall Board dynamic in terms of Directors willingness/openness to challenge, pose questions and contribute to Board meetings
• Value placed on diversity and critical reflection
• Quality of relationships between:
  • Chair and CEO
  • Chair and Committee Chairs
  • Chair, Trustees and Company Secretary

Board Processes

In reviewing how the Northside Partnership Board works, the consultant will explore:

• The role of the Board in providing strategic leadership
• The quality of information flowing to the Board and its appropriateness in supporting effectiveness Governance, oversight, and leadership
• Clarity of decision processes and authorities
• Board engagement with and oversight of Northside Partnership’s performance
• Board engagement with and oversight of risk management and setting the organisations risk appetite

This will include an assessment and review of Board and Sub-committee papers, including Agendas, Minutes, Board Reports, presentations, etc.

Board Communications

In conducting the review, the consultant will explore:

• How the Board communicates with stakeholders and, where appropriate responds to their concerns

Timeframe

It is anticipated the review process would be conducted in September/October 2025 and would entail a range of approaches including:

• Desk based review of materials
• One to one interviews with Board members via phone or zoom
• Facilitated meeting with the Board

Final Report

In completing the review, it is anticipated that a final presentation of findings will be made to the Board following which a written report will be submitted to the Governance and Nominations Board Sub-committee. The report should also outline key recommendations.

Costs

The quotation is expected to cover all costs (inclusive of vat) associated with the review process including design, facilitation/meeting costs and travel and subsistence etc. incurred on behalf of the person conducting the review.

Note: any costs associated with Board meetings required as part of the review, for example room hire, refreshments etc. will be met by Northside Partnership.

Expressions of Interest

In submitting an expression of interest, those wishing to provide Northside Partnership with a quotation/estimate for this work are asked to present a brief outline (2 pages) with the following information.

1. Name & contact details of individual/organisation submitting the quotation.
2. Summary of experience and qualifications of lead person Include details of any similar work undertaken
3. Proposed Methodology
4. Timeframe & availability
5. Itemised costings (not notional costs)
6. Names & contact details of two referees
7. Confirmation of ability to provide up-to-date Tax Clearance Cert and of ability to provide Professional Indemnity Insurance*

Award Criteria

In assessing quotations, the decision to award a contract will be based on the following criteria.

• Availability and ability to deliver the project within the specified timeframe (20%)
• Experience of the lead person including their expertise and qualifications (30%)
• Methodology and quality of the proposal including any innovative approaches (25%)
• Cost (25%)

Closing Date for Submission of Expression of Interests

The closing date for receipt of submissions is Close of Business on Friday the 4th of July

Expression of Interest Submission

Please submit expressions of interest by e-mail with attachment to:
Gemma.stoneley@nspartnership.ie

Please mark the subject line of your e-mail: EOI Review of Board Effectiveness