INOU Staff

Brid became the INOU Director as of September 30th 2024.

Bríd has been the INOU’s Head of Policy and Media and plays a key role in formulating and developing INOU policy on unemployment, social welfare and the development of an inclusive and equitable labour market. On behalf of the INOU, Bríd works with colleagues in the Community and Voluntary Sector on issues of socio-economic justice; and is one of the Community and Voluntary Pillar representatives on the National Economic and Social Council. 

Bríd also represents the INOU in social partnership and other structures including the Labour Market Advisory Council which held its first meeting in April 2020. She is also a member of the INOU's Senior Management team and acts as the Media spokesperson. 

Prior to working with the INOU in January 2007, Bríd worked with Pavee Point Travellers Centre on policy, legislative and project development covering economic issues, equality, and social inclusion. In the course of this work Bríd worked in partnership with a range of government and non-government organisations at the local, national and European levels. 

Rebecca is the head of Policy and Media in the INOU. Rebecca started with the organisation in 2024 and is a member of the INOU’s senior management team. She leads the development of policy in the INOU on unemployment, social welfare and the development of an inclusive and equitable labour market. 

Prior to joining the INOU, Rebecca worked in Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, the Irish Cancer Society and was President of TU Dublin Students' Union. She has a MSc. in Public Policy and is passionate about addressing inequalities and social exclusion in Irish society. 

Amanda is the Financial Controller of the INOU. Amanda started with the organisation in 2021 and is a member of the INOU’s senior management team. She oversees all functions within the finance department. Amanda has been working in the Not for Profit sector for over 8 years and is a member of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

Carol Thornton is our longest serving member of staff. Carol joined the organisation in 1995 as a receptionist on our Community Employment Scheme and trained as a Bookkeeper, taking up this position in 1998. She takes care of our accounts and payroll, which includes responding to suppliers' queries, maintaining accounts and administering payments. 

Laura joined the INOU in 2016 and runs the INOU’s Community Employment work programme. Before joining the team, Laura had five years’ experience working with unemployed people in Dublin city centre in Jobcare and previous extensive experience in education, publishing and enterprise both in the UK and in Ireland. Laura holds a postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies, and is currently pursuing a CIPD-accredited Certificate in Human Resources Practice.

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• Email welfare@inou.ie

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Robbert is the Manager of the Welfare Rights Information and Advocacy Service at the INOU, and has been with the organisation since 2002. Before joining the INOU, Robbert worked with the Citizens Information Service and the Larkin Centre in Dublin City.

His role includes the management of a team of information officers and staff in the Welfare Rights Service, the production and distribution of the INOU flagship publication - "Working for Work", the design and production of Welfare Rights information leaflets and materials, the provision of services for information events and fairs, in providing direct Advocacy and representation services for clients at Social Welfare Appeals with the Social Welfare Appeals Office and in the delivery of training on Social Welfare Appeals.

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• Email training@inou.ie

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After a long career in administration, Michelle joined us in April 2018 to become our Assistant Local Training Initiative Coordinator on the Building Futures programme. In August 2019 she became our Local Training Initiative Coordinator on the Shaping Futures programme.

In July 2024 Michelle took over the position of 'Head of INOU Training Services'

She currently holds a 1^st class B.Sc. (Hons) in Education and Training from Dublin City University.

Before joining the training team, Sinéad worked in a supportive role within an Education and Training Programme aimed at drug users in early recovery.

During her time studying in Dublin City University, Sinéad joined the INOU training team as part of her work placement. After completing her placement with the Building Futures Programme, she became Assistant LTI Coordinator on the Shaping Futures Programme.

In July 2024 Sinead became the 'LTI Co-ordinator of the Shaping Futures Programme.

She currently holds a 1^st class B.Sc. (Hons) in Education and Training from Dublin City University along with other qualifications including a Diploma in Addiction Studies, QQI Level 6 Civil and Social Information and a QQI Level 5 in Community Addiction Studies.

A former learner of the Building Futures Programme, Emma came to the INOU to rethink her career path. Prior to joining the INOU, Emma developed and implemented a social enterprise initiative for a charity. This project served individuals who were experiencing long-term unemployment and looking to enter the hospitality industry.

In the academic year of 2023/2024 Emma joined the INOU training team as part of the work placement component of her studies with the Dublin College University. After completing her placement with both the Building Futures and Shaping Futures Programme, she became the Assistant LTI Coordinator on the Shaping Futures Programme.

Currently Emma is in the final year of the B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Education and Training at DCU. Other qualifications Emma holds are a QQI Level 6 in Culinary Arts, QQI Level 5 in Community Health Care, and QQI Level 5 in Community Development.

John joined us in 1997 from the Crumlin Information Centre where he had worked and volunteered as an Information Officer. Since then, John has been involved in maintaining and developing Individual and Affiliate membership and the INOU’s General Branch. He has also worked on a number of INOU projects, including our current Intreo project where we are reporting on unemployed people’s experiences of the Intreo service.

John would love to hear from you, if you or your organisation would like to join us, or if you have any feedback or comments on membership or the INOU more generally. You can contact John at membership@inou.ie

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• Email info@inou.ie

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Ray has worked for the INOU since 2005. He works for the Development and Membership Section of the INOU. Another part of his work is looking after any IT problems within the office and also looks after the INOU website, www.inou.ie , keeping it up to date with new information, working with each section of the INOU staff, Welfare information, training, CE Projects, Admin and INOU Management.