Peter McVerry Trust chief executive resigns

Francis Doherty took over the role as CEO at the Peter McVerry Trust in June. File picture: Bryan Meade

The chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust has resigned, the charity has confirmed. 

Francis Doherty took over the role of CEO at the homelessness charity in June. He tendered his resignation to the trust's board on Wednesday morning. 

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson said the Peter McVerry Trust was "disappointed" with Mr Doherty's decision to step down but that "we wish him well after what has been a difficult period for him".

The spokesperson said the charity's focus "remains on the future of the organisation". 

"We will co-operate with all stakeholders to achieve that as best as possible," the spokesperson said. "Continuity of care for our participant group remains our priority."

Last month, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) said that it had launched an investigation into the Peter McVerry Trust following the discovery of “concerns” related to “financial and governance issues” at the charity.

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In a statement on its website, the AHBRA said it has appointed inspectors pursuant to Section 46 of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019, to conduct “a statutory investigation” of the trust.

It said: “The AHBRA has determined a statutory investigation is required having identified concerns in relation to the organisation. The AHBRA had been first notified of a number of financial and governance issues by PMVT through the notifiable events process in July 2023.” 

They also said it was important to note that “the commencement of a statutory investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing”.

Speaking following the AHBRA's launching of the investigation, Father Peter McVerry, founder of the trust, has said the charity was being investigated because it is suffering from a "serious cashflow problem".

Fr McVerry, who is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of the trust but remains the secretary of its board, said the issue happened because his charity had tried to help too many people.

"We expanded too fast in our desire to accommodate as many people as possible," he said. "We are working with our funders to ensure continuity of care to very vulnerable people who avail of and are reliant on our services."