ACESA, the Association of Chief Executives of State Agencies in Ireland, envisions a dynamic state agency sector that delivers better
public services and improves the lives of all who live in the state. We will achieve this by connecting agency leaders through knowledge
sharing, collaboration, and partnership, and by championing the value of their work
Our Purpose
Providing a collaborative forum for members to identify, explore, and learn from shared challenges and opportunities, developing collective insights and solutions.
Empowering CEOs within the ACESA network through enhanced knowledge sharing and best practice exchange, fostering a culture of support, continuous improvement and innovation in public service delivery.
Developing considered, evidence-based positions on matters of significant interest to members to influence policy and improve public service outcomes
STRATEGIC THEMES
Knowledge Sharing and Peer Support.
Collaboration for Public Service Excellence.
Evidence Informed Influence.
Future-Focused Leadership and Innovation
Rationale
The core strength of ACESA is its network, the knowledge within it and the opportunities it provides for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. This theme focuses on strengthening this core offering and adapting it to meet evolving member needs.
Focus areas:
- Strengthen ACESA’s core networking for the benefit of members.
- Facilitate discussions and fora to examine areas of significant interest to members.
- Enhance communication channels to ensure timely and effective information sharing among members.
Rationale
This theme focuses on promoting collaboration between state agencies, the civil service and other stakeholders to deliver better public service outcomes for the benefit of all.
Focus areas:
- Work across whole of government for better public services.
- Explore shared services and opportunities for modernisation and resource
optimisation. - Address policy, legal, governance and other shared challenges through collaborative
effort. - Host events and conferences for cross-sector engagement.
Rationale
Members and stakeholders of ACESA see an opportunity for the Association to have a greater voice and influence in reflecting the experience and expertise of members to influence the formation of policy.
Focus areas:
- Use data, information and research to gather evidence on significant matters of member interest.
- Use our knowledge and experience to engage stakeholders to inform effective public service policy & practice.
- Promote value and achievements of State Agencies in the furtherance of public interest.
Rationale
The strategy development process highlighted the need for ACESA to support the Heads of State Agencies in keeping up with the pace of change and developing the skills and resilience to lead their organisations effectively.
Focus areas:
- Support leadership resilience, knowledge exchange & adaptability.
- Facilitate Leadership programs and peer support.
- Build member capability to respond to changing social and political environments.
- Explore emerging tools and innovations for public service improvement.
ACESA Board
There are currently nine* members of the ACESA Board. Half the Board of ACESA is elected in two of every three years, ensuring a balance of experienced members and new members to bring a fresh perspective. Board members meet approximately 9 times a year, and oversee the work of the Executive Services Provider, ACESA Subgroups and the monitoring and implementation of the ACESA Strategy. The Board also has ultimate responsibility for governance, and regularly reviews financial and budgetary reports.
The current Board Chair is Rosalind Carroll. Elected as Chair at the 2023 AGM, Rosalind is serving a three-year term to the 2026 AGM. Tomás Ó Siocháin is the current Vice Chair, and Joanne Walsh is the current Treasurer.
The current full Board Members of ACESA are
*There were 10 members of the ACESA Board after the 2025 AGM. In 2025, due to moving to the role of Deputy Police Ombudsman, Vice Chair Brian Doherty resigned from the ACESA Board.
ACESA Executive Services
ACESA’s operations are delivered by Dermot Ryan, who provides Executive Services to the organisation. If you have any queries about ACESA, you can email Dermot at [email protected]
You can connect with Dermot on LinkedIn here.