Senior Leadership Team

Ms McKenna qualified as a Social Worker in 1994 and for 30 years worked within statutory Children’s Services in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. She has held various senior management roles including Interim Co-Director within the areas of early intervention, early years, family intervention, child protection, looked after children, children with disabilities and public protection. 

Ms McKenna was also the chair of the Belfast Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership for over 10 years where she led on a number of projects and initiatives to support the delivery of the Government Strategy Stopping Domestic and Sexual Abuse. Ms McKenna commenced her post as Chief Executive with the Children’s Court Guardian Agency NI in November 2024.

Ursula qualified as a Social Worker in 1995 having completed the MSW/DIPSW at Queen’s University Belfast. Ursula has always worked within the Children and Families Division and has experience of working across Safeguarding, Corporate Parenting, Family Centre, Children with Disability Services as well as a period with the NSPCC.

Prior to joining the Agency, Ursula was the Head of Service in the NHSCT for Looked After Children, 16+ Leaving & Aftercare Services.

Ursula was appointed to the Assistant Director post within the Agency in September 2024.
 

Ann joined the Agency at its inception in 1996.  She has worked in Health and Social Care since 1990, and has gained extensive administrative and corporate experience.  Ann is the Board Secretariat and supports both the CEO and Chair.  She holds a Post Graduate in Health and Social Care Management.