Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Nick Henderson, our CEO, oversees operations, fundraising, advocacy, policy, media, and governance. Nick brings extensive experience in refugee law and rights, both in Ireland and internationally. Nick reports to our Board of Directors.

Prior to his appointment as CEO in October 2016, Nick managed ‘Integrity at Work’, an initiative of Transparency International Ireland promoting supportive working environments for whistleblowers. Nick has also managed Amnesty International Ireland’s work on economic, social and cultural rights, was Legal Officer with the Irish Refugee Council’s Law Centre and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland. Before his move to Ireland, he was a legal representative for people seeking asylum with the Refugee Legal Centre in London and Legal Officer with Jesuit Refugee Service in Cambodia. Nick graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University and Brussels School of International Studies. Nick was called to the Bar of Ireland in 2015. In his spare time, he enjoys music, football, cricket and, when he gets the chance, surfing out west.

Our Teams

Our services and support are tailored to the needs of people from arrival to settlement.

• Information & Advocacy Service: Provides critical information through a team of caseworkers, volunteers, and support staff.
• Independent Law Centre: Offers legal representation to people seeking protection, staffed by solicitors and caseworkers.
• Education: Supports adult refugees in understanding the Irish education system and managing their entitlements.
• Employment: Guides people in the protection process toward meaningful employment.
• Youth Work: Assists young people in navigating life in Ireland through targeted projects.
• Housing: Offers workshops and one-to-one support for people transitioning from Direct Provision.
• A Place to Call Home: Is our housing model for supporting people transitioning from Direct Provision.
• Ukraine Response: Dedicated team member provides information to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
• Community Sponsorship: Works with community groups sponsoring refugees before arrival.
• Resettlement: Helps people arriving with status to settle in Ireland.
• Policy & Advocacy: Influences policy and promotes refugee rights.
• Communications: Manages the organisation’s digital and print presence across teams, team events and projects as well as media engagement.
• Support Functions: Operations, fundraising, and finance teams ensure organisational efficiency and sustainability.