Chime is very conscious of the role of charities in Irish Society, providing high quality services and doing so in a manner consistent with the values the public can expect from a well governed organisation.

Every year we receive approx. €5m from Public Funds through the HSE and almost €2m is generated from our social enterprises. We take seriously our responsibility to spend this funding responsibility and demonstrate value for money.

Since its beginnings in 1964, The National Association for the Deaf, now known as Chime, has been a beacon of support and connection. As a company limited by guarantee, Chime operates without a share capital, proudly embracing its charitable status (CHY 5633) and as a registered entity with the Charities Regulatory Authority (Charity Registration Number 20008772).

Chime is governed by a Constitution, which was last amended in 2018.

Role & Structure of the Board and Sub Committees

The Board is responsible for the overall control, governance and management of Chime and oversees the organisation to ensure transparency and best practice in all areas. 

The Board has specific responsibility to:

• • • • ensure the organisation is carrying out its charitable purposes for the public benefit;
      • act in compliance with Chime’s Constitution;
      • oversee the strategic direction of the organisation and monitor the implementation of its strategic plans;
      • monitor legal, regulatory and reporting compliance;
      • manage Chime’s resources responsibly including directly authorising any borrowings and all expenditure above €50,000;
      • identify and manage risk;
      • review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO);
      • act in the best interests of the charity; 

Responsibility for the day-to-day management of Chime is delegated to the CEO, who is directly accountable to the Board and who makes decisions that are in accordance with the agreed strategic direction.

Code of Conduct

On appointment, all Directors are required to sign up to Chime’s Code of Conduct, which includes a Conflict of Interest Policy and register of Directors’ Interests.

Board Sub Committees

The Board operates a number of sub committees which enhances Board oversight of the key activities of Chime. The committees are as follows:

• The Finance, Audit and Governance Committee is in place to review all matters relating to the financial affairs of Chime.  The Directors who comprise the Committee are Kevin Coleman (Chair), Deirdre Nicholl and Ciarán McCormack.
• The HR, Remuneration and Nominations Committee was established to provide strong oversight of Board recruitment and Staff Remuneration and HR activity.  The Directors who comprise the Committee are Thomas Maguire (Chair), Sandra Creagh and John O’Hehir.
• The Commercial Development and Brand Committee was established to oversee the development of assistive technology services, fundraising and brand development. The Directors who comprise the Committee are Pat Flynn (Chair) and Ciarán McCormack.
• The Services Committee was established in 2021 to oversee the quality, safety and effectiveness of Chime’s service delivery by reviewing activities and facilitating planning and discussion of service plans. The Directors who comprise the Committee are Jennifer Robertson (Chair) and Thomas Maguire.

At Chime, we understand how important it is to build trust with the public. We take governance seriously and follow the Three Key External Best-in-Class approaches. Additionally, we comply with the HSEs Annual Compliance Statement and have our own internal policies, like those for ethical selling and lobbying. It's all part of our commitment to maintaining your trust!

Chime has adopted best in class governance compliance

• In accordance with best practice for charitable and not for profit entities, the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) FRS102 has been adopted for financial statements.
• Chime has policies and procedures in place that adhere to the requirements of the Charities Regulator’s Charities Governance Code and complies with this Code on an ongoing basis.
• Chime has also adopted the Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public and the Internal Financial Controls Guidelines for Charities, issued by the Charities Regulator, and is committed to being accountable and transparent so that donors, prospective donors and fundraisers can have full confidence in Chime.

Read our audited accounts and annual report to find out more about the work Chime has done in recent years to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in Ireland.

Audited Accounts

To view our audited accounts, click on the year below.  

 2022 | 2021| 2020 |2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |

Annual Reports

• Our Annual Report for 2022 is available to read here.
• Our Annual Report for 2021 is available to read here.
• Our Annual Report for 2020 is available to read here.

It is the right of service users to comment, compliment or complain about any of the services provided by Chime. Responding effectively to comments, compliments and complaints received and learning from them is key to providing high quality client-focused services.

It is your right as a service user of Chime to make a complaint if you believe that standards of care, treatment or practice fall short of what is acceptable. If you need to make a complaint, we want the process to be easy, effective and fair. We are committed to providing a complaints management system that allows us to listen and respond to feedback in accordance with Part 9 of the Health Act 2004.

Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 outlines the legislative requirements to be met by Chime in the management of complaints. The provisions of the Act were implemented with effect from 1st January 2007.

The regulations include requirements such as:

• designation of Complaints Officers and Review Officers;
• development of procedures for the management of complaints;
• timeframes for the management of complaints;
• and the review process.

Options available for contacting Chime with your feedback and complaints

• In person: talk to any member of the Chime team in any of our offices around the country.
• By email: contact feedback@chime.ie with your compliment or complaint.
• By letter: send a letter to any Chime office. Our staff can help you put your complaint in writing if you need assistance.
• By phone: call the Chime office on 1800 256257.

Name and legal form of company: Chime (The National Association for the Deaf)

Place of registration: 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1

Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20008772

Company registration address: 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1

Established charitable status: CHY 5633