You are here

The Team at TI Ireland

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 and is a PhD candidate at the University of Galway where he is researching professional anti-corruption practice. 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.

Nadia Taylor - Integrity at Work Programme Manager

Nadia manages the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme. Before coming to TI Ireland, Nadia spent a number of years working for non-profit organisations in London. She ran the learning and training programmes at community organising charity, Citizens UK and prior to that, she worked at a prison rehabilitation charity and a cultural education charity where she gained broad experience in operations, finance, fundraising and event management. Her interests lie in cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and organising meaningful and informative events. Nadia holds a BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre studies from University College Cork as well as a Diploma in Event Management and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

Ida Nowers - Knowledge and Policy Manager, Integrity at Work

Ida oversees the development of TI Ireland’s whistleblowing resources, including the Integrity at Work programme tools and guidance. Ida is a recognised specialist on whistleblower protection law and policy. She was previously global coordinator at the Whistleblowing International Network where she continues to manage the EU Whistleblowing Monitor project. Ida has several years’ experience working directly with whistleblowers as a senior advisor on the UK whistleblowing charity Protects advice line, as well as providing support and consultancy to employers on implementing whistleblowing management systems. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Donncha Ó Giobúin Speak Up Helpline / Office Coordinator

Donncha  is a co-ordinator on 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.

Kris Kendellen - Speak Up Helpline Coordinator

Kris is a co-ordinator on the Speakup Helpline.  Kris holds an LLB (Hons) degree in Irish Law and was a senior case worker with the Irish Innocence Project for several years.  Here he would review and investigate the cases brought to him by clients who claim to be the victims of miscarriages of justice and assist them in bringing their cases before the courts for exoneration or sentence review under the Criminal Procedure Act.  Kris worked in the financial sector where he was a EU Vat specialist responsible for the EU tax and VAT liability calculations and submissions for  several large multinational companies over many different EU countries.  Kris also worked as an emergency dispatcher with An Garda Síochána where he answered the 999 / 112 calls from the public, assessed the situation and dispatched the appropriate garda resource to respond.  

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 Nadia Taylor on the Integrity at Work (IAW) Programme.

Katya Alves - Legal and Administration Assistant

Katya Alves holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB, honours equivalent), and various other qualifications. She has studied common law and civil law and has past experience as a seasoned senior lawyer, with 7 years of litigation and contract experience, in other jurisdictions. She has assisted pro bono clients in the past and has gained valuable experience from it. In addition to her legal experience, she has a strong professional background in operations management, has had to use excellent interpersonal skills and high-level business acumen in past roles. Her past experience is grounded in law, legal advice, compliance, property management, project coordination and management, and in dealing with clients of various backgrounds and nationalities, while working in a variety of work environments in countries such as South Africa and Portugal. She is dedicated to delivering impeccable legal and administrative assistance to the team.

Transparency Legal Advice Centre Staff

 

Donal O'Connor - Solicitor 

Donal O ‘Connor is a solicitor of 23 years experience, and held roles as a risk manager and compliance officer in the banking industry intensely dealing with regulatory compliance and risk. He has engaged with regulatory and supervisory authorities, and has experience in employment litigation, workplace investigations, the WRC, and the management of HR issues, policies and procedures. Donal is a graduate of University College Galway, and also holds an international qualification in Data Protection. As a solicitor in the Transparency Legal Advice Centre, Donal advises clients on Protected Disclosures.

Marc Evan Aupiais - Solicitor

Marc Aupiais is an Irish solicitor, English and Welsh solicitor, and South African attorney. He passed with first-class honours in Maynooth University's postgraduate Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy course. He has years of experience in law and business. He has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), completed in 2013, and has past general legal experience in the areas of contract, corporate, business, finance, compliance, insurance, human resources, litigation, et cetera. He believes a solicitor is a safeguard of rights, a guide to avoid pitfalls, and a scribe and translator of law. He studied Irish, English, European, South African, and international law. He is enrolled as an Irish Solicitor (since 2021)(practising), and is also enrolled but not currently practising as (i.e. not currently working as): an English and Welsh Solicitor (2021), South African Notary Public (2018), and South African Attorney (2016).

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

  • Catherine Cremens - Research Assistant
  • Margaret McIntyre - Research Assistant
  • Jenna Smyth - Helpline Adviser
  • Lauren Mary Kane - Helpline Adviser