John Church
Chief Executive Officer
About ISPCC
We work to protect childhood and help every child in Ireland live a better, happier, safer life. Through support, advocacy and innovation, we help children feel safe, heard and empowered. Our mission is to ensure every child knows we are here, for any reason, any time.
The future we believe in
We believe in supporting children and families through early intervention, trusted services and national advocacy, helping every child grow up protected and supported.
Better
We help children build stronger coping skills, resilience and confidence so they can better manage life’s challenges, from anxiety and stress to friendships, school pressures and family difficulties. Through Childline’s 24/7 support, therapeutic services and evidence-informed programmes, we ensure every child has access to the tools and guidance they need to grow, cope and thrive.
Happier
We work to reduce the loneliness, worry and emotional strain many children experience by creating safe spaces where they can talk, be heard and feel supported. Our digital mental health programmes, school initiatives and community supports help children connect, understand their emotions, and develop the skills that support positive wellbeing, leading to happier, healthier childhoods.
Safer
We protect children by ensuring they have someone to turn to at any time, and by working to make their homes, schools and online spaces safer. From anti-bullying programmes and parental supports to national advocacy on online safety and cutting-edge projects like GroSafe and nLight, we take action to reduce harm and build safer environments for every child in Ireland.
Putting children at the centre
Our Purpose
We are here to protect childhood
This is Why we exist. Childhood has changed and every child has the right to lead a Better, Happier, Safer life. The core to our existence is to strengthen resilience and develop coping competencies to help children reach their full potential.
Our Vision
A Better, Happier, Safer childhood
Better, Happier, Safer has been inspired by the children themselves. Everyone who works in ISPCC is inspired to achieve this for every child. The voice of the child is the spirit of our vision and recognises that every childhood is different. All of us at ISPCC - our board, our team and our dedicated volunteers are united in our ambition for Childline to be the first port of call for children.
Our Mission
To reach every child so they know we are here – for any reason, any time
It is not acceptable to expect children to know how to find us, it is our responsibility to tell and show them. Our mission statement firmly calls on all of us in ISPCC to be active in ensuring that every child knows how to reach us when they need us. We know that with every engagement we create a positive impact, so this mission challenges us to be more accessible by exploring new ways and means for children to connect with us, for any reason, any time.
Why we do what we do
Childhood is changing
More children are struggling with anxiety, low confidence and emotional distress. Pressures at home, in school and online mean too many children are trying to cope alone — and the need for support is growing.
New challenges, real lives
Global uncertainty, financial stress and the lasting effects of recent years are being felt most deeply by children and families. Early, trusted support can make a lifelong difference.
What children need from us
We believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard and supported. By stepping in early, building resilience and protecting children from harm, we help them face challenges and reach their full potential.
How we’re governed
ISPCC is a registered charity overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors. Our Board provides independent oversight, ensuring strong governance, accountability and safeguarding at every level of the organisation. Board members serve for up to three consecutive three‑year terms, with a maximum of twelve directors in total. The Board meets at least nine times each year and is supported by three standing committees: Audit; Remuneration; and Nominations and Corporate Governance. All Board members are Garda vetted and have completed Children First training. Directors are not paid for their work. We publish our annual report and audited accounts in line with best practice and the Charities SORP.
How we are funded
To continue our work with children and families, we rely on the generosity of people like you. More than 70% of ISPCC’s funding comes from donations, which means public support is vital to everything we do. We are deeply grateful to our supporters and are committed to treating every donation with care and respect. ISPCC follows best practice in fundraising and applies the highest ethical standards to how funds are raised and used.
Our Annual Report
We publish our annual report and audited accounts each year in line with best practice and the Charities SORP, so you can see clearly how your support makes a difference.
Meet our senior leadership team
Our senior leadership team brings experience, care and a shared commitment to protecting children and supporting families across Ireland.
Deirdre McNamara
Head of Marketing, Communications & Fundraising
Fiona Jennings
Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Caroline O'Sullivan
Director of Services
Catriona Fitzgerald
Director of Finance, IT, Risk & Compliance
Patricia Forde
People and Transformation Director
Work with us
Careers at ISPCC
Build a meaningful career with a team dedicated to supporting children, young people and families. If you’re driven by purpose and want to grow in a supportive, values‑led environment, we’d love to have you on board.
ISPCC Policies
These policies ensure that ISPCC works to the highest possible standards. They guide how we operate as an organisation, protect children and young people, and uphold transparency, accountability and good governance across all our work.
