People 1st strengthens leadership with new Directors Gráinne McBride, Aidan Kelly, and Eamonn Moore
People 1st is pleased to announce the promotion of three key leaders to Director roles: Gráinne McBride, Aidan Kelly, and Eamonn Moore. These new Director appointments come at a significant moment in the company’s journey, as People 1st recently transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This shift ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization while embedding employees at the heart of its future success.
The new Directors will join current Directors Ronan Heenan and Brenda Kernaghan in forming a cohesive and dynamic leadership team, prepared to guide People 1st through its next phase of growth and innovation. With a collective focus on quality, business expansion, and employee empowerment, the newly expanded leadership team of new Directors reflects the company’s commitment to remaining a trusted leader in training and education across Northern Ireland.
Gráinne McBride: Leadership in Quality and Business Expansion
Gráinne McBride’s career with People 1st began in 2010 when she took on the role of Centre Manager for the West Belfast branch. Over the years, Gráinne has consistently demonstrated her leadership and strategic expertise, rising to the position of Quality and Contracts Manager in 2015. Her focus on delivering exceptional service and driving business growth has been crucial to the company’s success in securing large contracts and expanding its services across Northern Ireland.
With over 23 years of experience in the training sector, Gráinne has a deep understanding of the industry and is known for her commitment to quality and development. Her role as Director will see her continue to shape People 1st’s strategic direction, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality training and employment solutions.
Aidan Kelly: Strategic Innovation for the Future
Aidan Kelly has been a key figure at People 1st, known for his ability to lead complex projects and his keen eye for market trends and opportunities. His promotion to Director reflects the company’s focus on embracing innovation and strategic growth. Throughout his time with People 1st, Aidan has consistently delivered results, driving forward new training initiatives and helping the company adapt to the changing needs of businesses and communities.
Aidan’s vision for the future of People 1st includes expanding the range of services offered, utilising cutting-edge approaches to training, and ensuring that the organisation continues to meet the demands of a fast-evolving employment landscape. His leadership will be instrumental in keeping People 1st competitive and forward-thinking.
Eamonn Moore: Champion of Cross-Border Growth
Eamonn Moore brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Director. Since joining People 1st in 2015 as Contract Manager, Eamonn has played a central role in the company’s expansion into the Republic of Ireland. Under his guidance, People 1st has won several prestigious awards, including the AONTAS Star Award and the European Regiostars Award, while also increasing its footprint in Donegal and the North West.
With over 39 years of senior management experience, Eamonn is known for his personable leadership style, and his dedication to nurturing apprenticeships and job activation programs has helped People 1st reach new levels of success. Eamonn’s new role as Director will allow him to continue driving growth across borders, further strengthening People 1st’s position as a leader in training and education across the island of Ireland.
Joining Forces: Strengthening the Leadership Team Under Employee Ownership
These leadership appointments come on the heels of People 1st’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in June of this year. The move to EOT status ensures that employees are not only part of the company’s success but also play a direct role in shaping its future. This shift represents a commitment to stability, transparency, and employee engagement—principles that have always been at the core of People 1st’s values.
The transition to an EOT was guided by founder Bernadette Daly, who started People 1st over more than thirty years ago, back in 1992. As one of the trustees of the EOT, Bernadette will provide vital support and guidance to the new Directors, ensuring a smooth transition and helping the trustees establish themselves in the right direction. Her deep knowledge of the company’s mission and values will be key in maintaining People 1st’s commitment to quality and growth during this new chapter.
The three new directors Gráinne McBride, Aidan Kelly, and Eamonn Moore, will now join forces with current Directors Ronan Heenan and Brenda Kernaghan to form a strengthened leadership team. Together, they are well-equipped to lead People 1st through its next phase of development, ensuring continued innovation, service excellence, and positive impact for employees, businesses, and communities alike.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for Growth
The promotion of these three outstanding leaders to Director roles reflects People 1st’s ongoing commitment to strategic growth and the delivery of exceptional training solutions. As the company embraces its new structure under employee ownership, the combined leadership team is poised to build on its legacy of success, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for both employees and learners across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Company Transition to EOT
For more information on People 1st and its wide range of services, visit https://people-1st.co.uk/about/ and for all courses please visit https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/ and you can also read the full story about the company’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust here:
and you can also find more information on the HMRC website about EOT’s here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ccdc340f0b6629523be91/bis-13-949-moving-to-employee-ownership-guidance-on-model-documentation.pdf
People 1st will continue to offer a wide range of training programmes, government funded training initiatives, council supported Academies and Employment training as well as our flagship Apprenticeships Training Programme and Skills for Life and Work school leavers training across Northern Ireland and a range of job programmes and migrant training initiatives in the Republic of Ireland. Follow our social pages to keep up to date with lots behind the scenes activities!
