Governance

Board of directors

There are six directors on the current Safe Ireland board. They provide vital expertise on:

• Governance
• Strategic planning
• Financial management
• Funding
• Organisational development
• Culture and change management
• Human resources
• Networking

Board members

Jacinta Carey (Chairperson) has been an activist in the area of Violence Against Women for the past 20 years. A founding member and former manager of Teach Tearmainn Women’s Refuge in Kildare, she has also previously held the role of Chairperson of Safe Ireland.

Ann Larkin (Company Secretary) began working with Women’s Aid Dundalk as a support worker in 2005 and from there she went on to serve as a Board member and held the role of Chairperson for nine years. Ann was recently appointed as Services Manager. Women’s Aid Dundalk provides a range of pre crisis, crisis and post crisis services for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Ann holds a BA in Business (Management Studies), IPASS Payroll Technician and a Higher National Diploma in Community Development.

Emma O’Mahony first started working in the area of violence against women while studying for her B.A. in Social Care in 1999.  Following this, Emma took up the position of Day Support Worker in ADAPT Kerry in 2006 before moving into the role of  Support Team Leader in 2013.  In this role, Emma had overseen the client support and childcare provision in Refuge and through the Outreach Service.  ADAPT Kerry offer short to medium term support to women and children who experience domestic abuse in Co. Kerry through their Refuge accommodation, Outreach Support and Court Accompaniment services.  Emma has since Acted as General Manager in ADAPT Kerry since 2017 and is hopeful for the future development of the service to ensure that Kerry becomes one of the safest counties in Ireland for women and children.  Emma is also currently studying a B.Sc. in Counselling and Psychotherapy to further her understanding and appreciation of what is needed to support women and children in crisis situations. 

Barbara Harrison has always had a keen interest in the community and particularly the interests and needs of women. In the UK she was a founder member of a local women’s group with the vision supporting women in the home caring for their children. In 2005 Barbara joined Soroptimist International (SI) Wexford. This is a voluntary women’s organisation supporting women and girls throughout the world to achieve their full potential. She has held many club posts including President and was the National President for SI Republic of Ireland in 2011 – 2012. Her association with Safe Ireland through Soroptimist International began while engaging in a promotion for safe loving relationships.

Elaine D’Alton is a community based activist currently coordinating the work of the Clare Women’s Network, which is part of The National Collective of Community Based Women’s Networks (NCCWN). Elaine’s key area of interest is Feminism. She has worked on women’s issues for over two decades, with a particular interest in the eradication of violence against women. Elaine has a Masters degree in Partnership and Politics from the University of Limerick. She is deeply involved and interested in the use of culture and the arts as tools for personal and societal transformation.

Erengül Yoldas is the Commercial Director of Direct Medical since 2003. Direct Medical, which is based in Athlone Co. Roscommon, is a leading service provider in sleep diagnostics and therapy in Ireland. Previously, Erengül was Vice President of Pro-Tip Ltd with responsibilities for the dealer network, import, export, product training and sales from 1999 to 2003. Prior to that Erengül worked as a general nurse from 1994-1999 and she holds an MBA, and a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry.

Board Meetings held in 2018

The Board of Safe Ireland held five full-day meetings during 2018 with an overall attendance of 85%. 

The Board is supported in its work by a:

• Staffing Committee
• Audit Committee

Code of Governance Principles and Policies

The board of Safe Ireland has adopted a Code of Governance Principles which comprises of five overarching principles each with key policies

Governance Code Principles Statement (PDF)

Safe Ireland’s Constitution

Safe Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG Constitution 2016