THE PROBATION SERVICE
The Probation Service protects the public and create safer communities by helping offenders to desist from committing more crime. We have a strong record of reducing re-offending, managing offenders safely in the community, reintegrating prisoners after release and of providing an effective, efficient and value for money service. We have many success stories of offenders whom we have helped reintegrate into society, as well as statistics that show what we do works.
The work of the Probation Service
Introduction to the Probation Service
Criminal Justice Working in Partnership
Probation - An Effective Community Sanction
Reducing Offending Recidivism
Our Senior Management Team
UNA DOYLE
Director (Acting)
Una leads the newly established Effective Practice Directorate which focuses on various aspects of probation practice to support quality service delivery. This includes learning and organisational development and quality assurance, as well as data and research. She also has responsibility for international engagement. As Deputy Director Una has held various roles across the Organisation, including Director of Corporate Affairs and more recently Director of Operations.
Una began her career with the Service as a probation officer and held various roles across the range of probation practice. She is a qualified social worker and brings a wealth of frontline experience and knowledge to her leadership role. Designated Public Official under the Regulation of Lobby Act 2015 : See www.lobbying.ie
FÍONA NÍ CHINNÉIDE
Deputy Director (Prisoners and Reintegration)
Fíona Ní Chinnéide is Deputy Director with the Probation Service. She leads the Directorate of Operations (Prisons and Reintegration), which includes delivery of probation services in prisons, community service, social inclusion, restorative justice and victims services.
Fíona has extensive experience of criminal justice policy in Ireland. She joined the Probation Service in February 2022, having previously worked for 13 years with the Irish Penal Reform Trust, including 4 years as Executive Director. Fíona has 25 years' experience working the area of policy and advocacy in Ireland and Europe, with particular focus on human rights, equality and anti-discrimination. She holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from Trinity College Dublin. In 2015, she completed an M.A. in Political Communications at Dublin City University, where her research centred on media, public opinion and policy change. In 2022, she completed the Professional Diploma in Human Rights and Equality at the Institute of Public Administration. She undertook the Social Intelligence Associates 'Leadership Development for Transition and Change' programme in 2018.
OLIVIA KEAVENEY
Deputy Director (Courts and Community)
Olivia Keaveney is a Deputy Director with the Probation Service, holding the post of Director of Operations (Courts and Community). She is responsible for overseeing the assessment and supervision of all offenders in the community , both adults and children. She is also responsible for multiagency high risk offenders’ arrangements including Sex Offender Risk Assessment & Management (SORAM) and Joint Agency response to Crime (JARC)/ Youth Justice Response to Crime (Y-JARC). With more than two decades senior management experience including at Executive Management level in the Probation Service, Olivia’s specialist areas include operational management, policy development, leadership and corporate governance.
She is a graduate of University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland.
CILLIAN SMITH
Deputy Director (Corporate Affairs)
Cillian has more than 23 years working with the Civil Service having held several management positions across various departments. Before taking up his role with the Probation Service he was Principal Officer with the Courts Service with responsibility for the Estates Management unit.
One of Cillian’s major achievements over recent years is the delivery and operational management of the Courts Bundle Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project which included the development of several courthouse buildings nationwide. Before this he had a lead role in the development and delivery of the Criminal Courts of Justice building.
Cillian holds a Bachelor of Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin. Designated Public Official under the Regulation of Lobby Act 2015 : See www.lobbying.ie
Operational Structure
The Probation Service Organisational Structure
