Housing charity’s chief executive quits amid cashflow pressures

The chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust has resigned as the housing charity grapples with cashflow issues.

Francis Doherty has been the chief executive of the charity since June this year, taking over from Pat Doyle, who was at the organisation for almost 19 years.

The charity said earlier this year that it was experiencing cashflow pressures that are “more acute than would traditionally be the case”, even allowing for the summer period.

Inspectors have been appointed by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority to the Peter McVerry Trust and the charity is engaging with them.

In a statement on Wednesday, the board of the charity said that they were disappointed with Mr Doherty’s decision.

“Peter McVerry Trust can confirm that Francis Doherty, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, tendered his resignation to the board of directors this morning,” it said.

“Our focus remains on the future of the organisation. We will co-operate with all stakeholders to achieve that as best as possible.

“Continuity of care for our participant group remains our priority.

“We are disappointed with Francis’s decision but we wish him well after what has been a difficult period for him.”

The Department of Housing, which does not fund any homeless service directly, provides funding to local authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services.