A parting message from Mairead

I will finish as CEO of L’Arche Ireland in January 2024. It has been a great privilege to be the leader of L’Arche since November 2014. I would like to thank the board and all those who worked with me and supported me over this time. We have a great team in L’Arche in the houses, admin and day projects- I would like to thank them and all core members, who bring meaning and life to all that we do. It has been a true team effort.
Since 2014 to now, has been a time of considerable change and challenges, such as Covid, which we as L’Arche have embraced. I believe L’Arche has grown stronger and more ready for the future as a result of all the changes. There are development plans in place, which will come to fruition over the next number of years.

I wish Peter Shiels all the very best as he takes on the role of CEO and look forward to seeing what can be achieved under his leadership.

Mairead Boland Brabazon

Peter Shiels, an introduction

Peter has been involved in the Social Care Sector since 1986. Having worked in both the Voluntary sector and the HSE, he has extensive experience in front line and senior management with an emphasis in personal management, working with various groups, in particular Residential Support, Asylum Seekers, Adolescents, Foster Placement, the Aged, Travellers and People with an Intellectual Disability. An experienced Operations/General Manager with a strong drive and proven capacity to manage high volume multi-disciplinary teams ensuring quality based outcomes. Possessing a full range of executive functions including finance accounting, human resources management, training, and company administration including service purchasing, ICT management and Service Agreements with external stakeholders. Proficient in dealing with complex pay and condition changes affecting employees and the handling of inter-company employee transfers under TUPE regulations. A comprehensive understanding of the Not for Profit, Charitable and Health Sector in Ireland in addition to possessing a strong commercial focus with an ability to analyse business trends and improve efficiency.

Peter joined the L’Arche Family in 2015 as the Community Leader in Dublin. He has taken up the role of Interim CEO and National Leader of L’Arche Ireland since August 2024. He is married with three daughters and (currently!) seven grandchildren. He lives in Tullow, Co Carlow. He has a keen interest in ICT, DIY projects, wine making, cooking and a passion for studying the Judeo-Christian Scriptures.