SVP Structure and Governance
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is a volunteer-led organisation with members across Ireland. Our Conferences form the basic operating units of the Society.
We elect a National President for a three-year term, with the possibility of a two-year extension through a further election. Similar rules apply for the election of our 8 Regional Presidents, 116 Area Presidents, and over 1,000 Conference Presidents across Ireland.
Our structure and organisation follow the 'Rule,' which outlines the Society's purposes and objectives.
This 'Rule' embodies our core philosophy and aligns with the international governance 'Rule' of the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul, based in Paris, France.
Our Structure
SVP's National Management Council
The National Management Council (NMC) is the directive, co-ordinating and management body of the Society in Ireland and sets the policy of the Society, consistent with the Mission and Values Statement. It is also responsible for the overall direction, control and management of the activities of the Society at national, regional, area and local level and in respect of the Society’s special works, implementing its policy consistent with the Mission and Values Statement.
Membership of the NMC, consists of the National President, the 8 Regional Presidents, 2 appointees of the National President and the Spiritual Advisor.
Our National Management Council members are also the Trustees of the Society. The NMC normally meets once a month.
SVP have a number of sub-committees supporting the NMC
- Audit & Risk Committee
- Remuneration and Appointments Committee
- Social Housing, Homeless & Specialist Services Committee
- IT Steering Committee
- Safeguarding Committee
- Retail Committee
- Social Justice & Visitation Committee
- Young SVP Committee
- Twinning Committee
National Council
The National Council, instituted by the International Council-General of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, is the representative body of the Society in Ireland.
It comprises the National President, the Presidents of Regional and Area Councils and a small number of members nominated by the National President, and numbers 120.
SVP's National Council normally meets once a year.
National Co-Ordinating Committee
SVP's National Co-ordinating Committee is a committee of the National Management Council, appointed at the sole discretion of the National President, the function of which is to assist, advise and support the National President in performing the functions of his or her Office, in respect of the day-to-day functions of the Society in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
The purpose of the Society’s Internal Audit function is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Society’s operations. The mission of internal audit is to enhance and protect organisational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight. The internal audit function helps the Society accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.
The SVP Internal Audit Charter is the formal document that defines Internal Audit’s purpose, authority, responsibility and position within the Society. The Charter is approved by the Society’s National Audit & Risk Committee.
