Press release
Minister announces application process for Directors and Chairperson for the Board of the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd.
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, today announced a recruitment process seeking applications for Directors and Chairperson for the Board of the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd.
The Middletown Centre for Autism (MCA) is a jointly funded initiative by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland aimed at supporting the promotion of excellence in the development and harmonisation of education and allied services to children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders.
MCA was established as part of a range of education policy initiatives arising from the Good Friday Agreement. The Centre was opened in March 2007 to deliver educational services on an all-island basis for children with complex autism, their parents and families and the education professionals who work with them.
The work of the centre includes the provision of training to parents and educational professionals and a pilot direct outreach assessment and learning support which supports referrals. The centre also has a research function and organises a biannual international conference on Autism.
Minister McHugh said:
“The Middletown Centre for Autism is an important link between North and South and reflects the commitment of both departments to the development of services on an all-island basis for those young people with more complex autism and long-term needs."
“The centre continues to be an important symbol of North-South cooperation making a significant contribution to our knowledge and understanding of autism and how the education of children with autism is best supported.”
Further information about the work of the centre can be found at: www.middletownautism.com.
ENDS
Number of Vacancies: Five directors, one of whom will be nominated as Chairperson.
Composition of the Board of Directors: The Board consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and eight directors. As the centre is a joint North-South initiative, both DES and DE are each responsible for appointing directors to the Board. The appointment term will be until 15 March 2022. DES is responsible for appointing a Chairperson and DE is responsible for appointing a Vice Chairperson.
Application Criteria: Application criteria is published on the Public Appointments Service website.
Applications are to be submitted by 3pm on Wed 18th September 2019.