The Centre for Effective Services pays tribute to it's founding Chairperson, Dan Flinter, who sadly passed away on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
Dan was instrumental in establishing CES, and became the organisation's first Chairperson in 2008,serving until 2017. He brought altruistic commitment and tremendous entrepreneurial skill to guide CES through its early years of development and growth, ensuring a firm foundation for the future.
Dan strongly believed in the vision and value of an all-island intermediary organisation that would make lives better across Ireland and Northern Ireland by ensuring that public services were grounded in evidence of what works.
He contributed his deep understanding of Ireland's public, academic and charitable sectors and encouraged stronger links across sectors to build better outcomes for children and families across Ireland. He notably championed CES' partnership between government and philanthropy as away to innovate and develop new ways of working.
He led the CES Board and team with measured and thoughtful intellect, kindness and respect, and is fondly remembered by current and former Board and staff members.
Dr Jack Golden, who took up the role of CES Chairperson from Dan, reflected “Dan had a longstanding commitment to bettering public services. I am grateful to him for his contribution to making CES the organisation it is today."
Kevin Gregory, member of CES’ finance and risk committee and friend says, "Dan had a quick mind with a sense of humour that was never far from the surface. He was the epitome of someone who was completely engaged in Irish society, whether in local organisations like a local theatre, to national and international organisations. Dan was always actively contributing, using his knowledge and skills in the wide range of organisations he was involved in throughout his life. Dan was grounded in his family and devoted to Joan his wife and his family."
