Olivia Keaveney

Ms Keaveney brings more than 18 years’ senior management experience across the Probation Service and the charity sector. She previously held the position of assistant principal probation officer with national responsibility for young persons’ probation and oversight of the Probation Service’s operational work with children and young people.

She was a member of the youth justice strategy expert working group and has developed policy for the service in the area of serious youth offending and knife crime. She has particular knowledge of probation practice with specialist interest in the areas of high support education services, social housing and offender reintegration.

Since 2019, Ms Keaveney has been a member of the board of management of Collinstown Park Community College and has been a director of Le Chéile Mentoring since July 2021.

Ms Keaveney is a graduate of University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland. In her free time, she volunteers with the Irish Guide Dogs and with the help of her husband and children she has raised three guide dogs.

She joins a newly expanded executive management team led by the Probation Service director Mark Wilson and comprised of Una Doyle, deputy director of effective practice; Fíona Ní Chinnéide, deputy director of operations (prisoners and rehabilitation); and Cillian Smith, principal officer in corporate affairs and communications.

Mr Wilson said: “I am delighted to confirm Olivia’s appointment as deputy director of operations (courts and community) at the Probation Service. She joins us with a wealth of knowledge and experience across the Probation Service and the Charity Sector where she held various senior management positions.

“Olivia has a clear passion for probation practice. Since joining the Service in 2019, she has proven herself to be a consummate professional and has an impressive track-record leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.

“I am confident that her collaborative style of leadership will complement our organisation and help us further advance our strategic priorities into the future. I would like to sincerely congratulate Olivia on her well-deserved appointment.”