Darran Heaney

<p>Darran is the Director of Engagement at DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, where he leads the strategic planning, partnership development, and knowledge-exchange initiatives of the Centre. In this capacity, he is responsible for translating academic research into practical, high-impact societal interventions and ensuring the Centre's work remains responsive to evolving community and educational needs. Among his key achievements at DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, Darran has overseen the development and national expansion of FUSE, Ireland's flagship Anti-Bullying and Online Safety programme supported by the Department of Education and Youth and Rethink Ireland.</p> <p>His work extends deeply into national educational policy surrounding school culture, safety, and youth well-being. Darran contributes to the implementation of Cinéaltas: Action Plan on Bullying 2022 in his capacity as a member of the Bí Cinéalta Working Group. Expanding on this work, he also serves on the Department of Education and Youth's Bí Cinéalta Procedures committee, assisting in the drafting and rollout of updated national anti-bullying frameworks and practical procedures for schools across Ireland.</p> <p>Alongside his directorship, Darran is currently pursuing a PhD at Dublin City University. His doctoral research focuses specifically on youth-led co-design methodologies and participatory action research in the development and evaluation of anti-bullying and digital safety interventions. His broader research interests center on translating academic research into national educational policy, evaluating school climate, and fostering socio-emotional learning and youth empowerment.</p> <p>Prior to his current position, Darran spent five years with the DCU Access Service as the overall coordinator for the Access Transition Year (TY) programme, partnering closely with 20 DEIS secondary schools across North Dublin to promote educational equality and widening participation. He brings more than fifteen years of professional experience across project and event management, strategic marketing, and public relations.</p> <p>Darran holds a Master’s in Education and Training Management (eLearning) from DCU, completed in 2012, and qualified as an Executive and Life Coach in 2016. Complementing his academic and policy roles, he serves on the Advisory Board of the SOAR Foundation, providing strategic governance and guidance to support the organisation's mission of empowering young people through socio-emotional education and personal development initiatives.</p> <p> </p>