Helen Martin

Madeleine Delaney, the regulator’s director of legal affairs and registration, has been appointed by the board as interim CEO with effect from 3 April 2024.

Ms Martin has headed the Charities Regulator since her appointment as interim chief executive in November 2018, followed by her permanent appointment in April 2019. She joined the organisation as director of regulation in 2017.

She was previously an assistant parliamentary counsel in the Office of the Attorney General and, before that, worked in the private sector for over a decade, where she held senior legal and regulatory positions in the telecoms sector and in private practice.

In a statement, the board of the regulator said: “Helen has made a significant contribution to increasing public trust and confidence in Ireland’s charity sector. The Charities Regulator and charity regulation were still in their infancy when Helen was appointed.

“Over the past five years, they have benefited enormously from her extensive experience in regulation, her guidance of the Charities Regulator’s strategic direction and her exemplary leadership of the organisation. We thank Helen for her contribution and wish her continued success in her career.”

Ms Martin added: “I am grateful to the present and past members of the board of the Charities Regulator, in particular Mr Patrick Hopkins who served as chairperson for nine years, and my colleagues for their steadfast support throughout my time with the Charities Regulator.

“It has been a real privilege to work with such dedicated staff during my tenure and I have no doubt that the organisation will continue to thrive and deliver for the public.

“I would also like to thank the thousands of volunteers who take on the additional responsibilities of charity trustees, and the wider charity sector, for their commitment to enhancing the standards of governance in Ireland charities. Ireland’s charity sector is integral to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our society.

“I am delighted to have contributed towards the Charities Regulator’s vision of a sector that is vibrant and trusted, and valued for the public benefit it provides.”