TI Ireland Staff
John Devitt - Chief Executive
John is an ethics and communications specialist by training. He holds a first-class Masters degree in Ethics from Dublin City University, is a graduate of European Studies at the University of Limerick and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland. John founded TI Ireland in 2004 and has led TI Ireland’s whistleblowing research and support programme since 2009. He is author or researcher on numerous reports and guidance on the topic of whistleblower protection, ethics and anti-corruption standards, and has advised the Irish Government, United Nations, Council of Europe, and European Commission amongst others on whistleblowing legislation and procedures.
Dr Alexander Chance - Head of Policy and Research
Alexander leads TI Ireland’s anti-corruption research and policy programmes. A specialist in strategic approaches to transnational organised crime and corruption, he has over 20 years’ international experience in law enforcement, diplomacy and research, having worked in diverse settings across South America, the Balkans, Southern and West Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Alexander studied at Trinity College Dublin, where he gained his PhD and MPhil (with Distinction) in International Peace Studies, and at Durham University, where he graduated in Law and Politics. He is a Senior Fellow with The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and a qualified, practising mediator.
Suzanna Knight - Helpline Advice and Policy Coordinator
Suzanna helps co-ordinate the Speak Up Helpline. Suzanna has worked extensively in human rights and advocacy-based settings for over twenty years, supporting ethical organisational development in a variety of sectors including domestic violence, family support and ethnic minority groups. Suzanna also served as a police officer in the UK, specialising child protection, sexual assault and racially motivated crime. She holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology and a first class MSc Psychology from Northumbria University.
Donncha Ó Giobúin - Speak Up Helpline / Office Coordinator
Donncha coordinates the Speak Up Helpline. A media and communications professional by training, Donncha graduated with a B.A in Journalism from Dublin City University and has a Professional Certificate in Whistleblowing Law and Policy from NUI Maynooth. He joined the TI movement as a helpline volunteer in August 2014 and has previously worked as a researcher for Newstalk Radio and as a presenter for Radio na Life, Dublin’s Irish language radio station.
James Mulcahy Symmons - Advocacy and Communications Executive
James is a public policy and communications specialist. He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Undergraduate in Philosophy and Politics from University College Dublin. He has worked across a range of sectors including non-profit organizations, research institutes and public affairs consultancy. James supports TI Ireland’s advocacy and communications efforts for its core programmes including event management and stakeholder relations. James also works closely with Stephanie Casey on the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme.
Transparency Legal Advice Centre Staff
Teresa Kelly - Managing Solicitor
Teresa is Managing Solicitor at Transparency Legal Advice Centre (TLAC). She originally qualified as a Barrister and was called to the Bar in England & Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Her experience in Employment Law spans the 3 jurisdictions. She has for many years, in private practice, acted for employers and employees. She also worked as an inhouse employment lawyer for a large financial institution for over 11 years. She now exclusively advises workers in relation to whistleblowing pursuant to the Protected Disclosures Acts.
TI Ireland Associates
Dr Lauren Kierans, BL
Dr Lauren Kierans lectures in Whistleblowing Law at undergraduate level and as a Professional Certificate at Maynooth University. She is also a qualified barrister specialising in Whistleblowing Law. Lauren holds a PhD on Protected Disclosures and has published articles, book chapters and national reports on whistleblowing law. She co-authored ‘Protected Disclosures Act 2014 - Annotated Legislation’ with Anthony Kerr (published by Round Hall). Lauren was awarded the governmental project for the drafting of the protected disclosures procedures guidance for public bodies on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Gráinne Madden
Gráinne is the founder and senior consultant of GMJ Associates, which provides guidance to Irish businesses on responsible business practice. Gráinne's work includes development of corporate responsibility strategy, non-financial reporting and report assurance, development and implementation of ethical compliance programmes and protected disclosure policies. Gráinne also lectures on Corporate Responsibility to MBA students in Trinity College Dublin and Griffith College Dublin.
Rory Treanor, BL
Rory Treanor is a barrister specialising in Employment litigation and the conduct of sensitive workplace investigations, disciplinary hearings and appeals. Rory has taught for the Law Society and CIPD. He has written policy papers for political parties and non-governmental organisations in the areas of transparency, anti-corruption and employee rights. In addition, Rory has provided training to employers, employees and their representatives regarding practice and procedure before the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. He has also advised legislators on the implementation of the Whistleblower’s Directive.
TI Ireland Interns
- Casey Pepa