Corlann – dedicated to work with purpose
Yvonne Cummins, head of HR within Corlann South.
Yvonne Cummins is head of HR within Corlann South, formerly the Brothers of Charity Services, providing services in the Cork and Kerry region.
The Brothers of Charity came to Ireland in 1885 and provided services to individuals with intellectual disabilities with compassion, dignity, and commitment throughout their years of service. In 2026, the organisation launched its new identity – Corlann – a name that captures both its heritage and vision for the future.
The name Corlann, draws inspiration from cor, the Latin word for heart, and lann, the Irish word for place. Together, they express a powerful idea: that heart is at the centre of everything we do, and that our purpose is to create a place of belonging for every person we support. Yvonne explains.
“Our name embodies our ethos, our culture, and the foundation on which we continue to grow.”
Funded under Section 38 of the Health Act, Corlann South provides services to adults and children who have an intellectual disability through its adult services in Cork and through its children's disability network teams in Cork and Kerry. It is committed to a person-centred approach – one that honours each individual’s strengths, aspirations, and rights.
“Our aim is always to provide, as far as possible, personalised supports that empower people to identify and achieve their own life goals, and to live as valued, equal, and active citizens in their communities.”
In her role as head of HR at Corlann, Yvonne is exceptionally proud of the work carried out every day across the organisation’s services in Cork and Kerry.
“Everyone working in our services, all of whom have a wide range of talents and contributions, would be passionate advocates for the people we support. For us, Corlann is all about the people – and always aware that our mission is to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live the lives they choose of dignity, community and connection.”
Services are delivered by dedicated teams of staff from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Roles at Corlann include Support Worker, Social Care Worker, Nurse, Psychologist, Physiotherapist, Speech and Language Therapist, occupational therapist, Social Worker and Community Facilitator. It also offers a variety of administrative roles.
“At Corlann, we develop the capacity and capability of our staff through effective management, supervision, development, and engagement. Our staff are valued team members, and we ensure that the personal and professional dignity of every person working in our Services is upheld. Each person is recognised and valued as an individual, and opportunities for ongoing development are available to all.”
Within its services, Corlann promotes career progression.
“Our senior management team includes a number of individuals who would have worked their way up through the services. There are definitely many defined career paths for anyone that is interested – we see the work we do as being work of value, and while working on the frontline can be challenging some days – staff can see the direct impact of their work in the lives of the children and adults with disabilities that they support.
“Moments of progress, both big and small, are shared achievements between the staff and the person supported. Something that might seem very small to someone else may be a massive achievement for the person and their staff team. We believe that this is work with purpose – and we see purpose as being powerful.”
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