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.
 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a Bachelor of Law (LL.B), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law and Practice. She has a strong interest in governance, risk, children and education, and leads a broad portfolio of corporate functions within the Agency.

These include governance and planning, finance and procurement, business support, workforce equality and human resources, estates and facilities, information governance, communications, and organisational performance.

She brings extensive experience from a range of senior roles across Health and Social Care, including positions within the Business Services Organisation (BSO). Prior to this, she served for 12 years as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Members’ Engagement Manager at the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

Jennifer is also a Director on the Board of her local Women’s Aid group and Vice-Chair and Trustee on a Post Primary School Board of Governors.

Jennifer was appointed Head of Corporate Services in August 2025.

Ann joined the Agency at its inception in 1996, having begun her career in Health and Social Care in 1990. She brings extensive experience across administrative and corporate functions. In her role as Business Support Manager, she acts as Board Secretariat and provides support to the Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Ann holds a postgraduate qualification in Health and Social Care Management and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.