Peter McVerry Trust CEO resigns amid probe into governance and finance issues

Francis Doherty who has resigned from his role as CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust. AHBRA stressed that the statutory investigation into the charity 'is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing'. File picture: Brendan Gleeson

One of the country’s largest housing charities, the Peter McVerry Trust, has been plunged into turmoil by the resignation of its chief executive just over four months after taking up the role.

Francis Doherty tendered his resignation to the board of directors against the backdrop of a statutory investigation into financial and governance issues at the organisation.

In a statement, the Peter McVerry Trust confirmed his departure, saying: “Our focus remains on the future of the organisation. We will co-operate with all stakeholders to achieve that as best as possible. Continuity of care for our participant group remains our priority.

“We are disappointed with Francis’s decision but we wish him well after what has been a difficult period for him.”

In July, the Department of Housing was notified of acute “cashflow pressures” at the charity, with Mr Doherty saying that it had obligations to regulators and statutory funders to disclose challenges such as these when they arise.

PwC was enlisted to conduct an audit of financial and governance issues at the charity on foot of the concerns before the State’s watchdog for housing bodies launched its own probe.

Last month, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) stated it had appointed inspectors to conduct “a statutory investigation” of the Peter McVerry Trust.

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

Outgoing CEO of Peter McVerry Trust Francis Doherty, right, pictured in July with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien, Jamie Daly, and John Wiseman at the official opening of new homes in Moyross, Limerick. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

In a statement yesterday, following Mr Doherty’s resignation, AHBRA added it had no further comment to make while its investigation is ongoing.

When approached for comment, charity founder and board member Father Peter McVerry pointed to the statement the charity had issued and said: “We’re leaving it at the statement for now”.

Late last month, he told South East Radio that there is “absolutely no evidence of financial fraud or misappropriation of funds” and he was “very confident” the issue would be resolved in the next few months.

“We continue to provide all the services we have always provided to homeless people,” he said.

“Our finances are solid, our assets are exceeding our liabilities, so we are struggling at the moment, with our funders, to resolve the cash flow problem.”