Chief Executive

Philip Watt, Interim CEO, Barnardos

Philip Watt has joined Barnardos Ireland as Interim CEO, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from across the charity, advocacy and community development sectors. He joins Barnardos from his previous roles as CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Mental Health Reform, and the NCCRI, an expert anti-racism committee funded by the Department of Justice. Philip also brings extensive hands-on experience in youth and community development, having worked in some of Ireland’s most disadvantaged communities, particularly in West Tallaght and Belfast.

During his time at Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Philip played a key role in transforming cystic fibrosis services in Ireland, working closely with clinicians, industry partners, and people living with CF. Over a 15-year period, a strong focus on improving hospital services and securing access to innovative medicines formed a central part of this work.

Philip would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing CEO Suzanne Connolly for her immense contribution, dedication, and leadership over 25 years with Barnardos. He knows colleagues throughout the organisation will join him in wishing Suzanne every success and happiness in the future

Barnardos Vision & Mission/Purpose

Barnardos mission is to transform the lives of vulnerable children because childhood lasts a lifetime. It’s vision is to ensure all vulnerable children in Ireland get the support they need to overcome childhood adversity. 

At Barnardos, we have been helping vulnerable children in Ireland since the 1960s. Our core purpose remains the same; ‘to help the most vulnerable children in society achieve their full potential – regardless of their family circumstances, their gender, race or disability.’