History

The OSSCork was founded as a pilot project in 2000, as one of the recommendations of the Southern Regional Committee on Violence Against Women, providing support to all adult victims of Domestic Violence. Over the years the OSSCork has matured into a full-time, professional, comprehensive service offering a suite of supports to victims, their concerned family members and friends, professionals and others.

The OSSCork adheres to a set of core standards such as the Charities Governance Code (2018) and the various GDPR Regulations (2018) as well as meetings its obligations under the Child Protection Act (2015).

The OSSCork is now both a charity and a Company limited by guarantee managed by a full-time Coordinator, assisted by two Support Workers and overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors.

Directors

The OSSCork is guided by a voluntary Board of Directors. Members are elected to the Board for a fixed term and may stand for re-election. The Chair currently rotates on a six month basis. The Board has fiscal responsibility for the OSSCork and to this end holds an AGM to vote on the audited accounts and the auditor. A risk register ensures that Conflicts of Interest do not arise or are dealt with in a transparent and timely manner.

The Board provides overall guidance to the Coordinator and oversees the direction and progression of the service.

Staff/Team Roles

Coordinator:

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the OSSCork together with the development of the service and the support of clients. The Coordinator is also the Designated Liaison Officer for the OSSCork re: Tusla Child Protection referrals and Complaints Officer.

Support Workers

Responsible for supporting clients, record management, accompaniment and client advocacy work. The support workers also carry additional roles of Garda Vetting Officer and Social Media Officer respectively.