Background

Background

1970’s

Extern’s origins lie in the mid 1970’s when a group of individuals (including Briedge Gadd , John Fairleigh and Denis Kearney) with professional and personal interests in the criminal justice system came together to examine the possibility of developing new ways of working with offenders outside of the custodial system. The nucleus of this group became what was known as the Co ordinating Committee which was intended to be the management body for the new organisation. In 1977 the Northern Ireland Office agreed to grant aid the first project - a hostel in Belfast for offenders on probation. They also soon after provided grant in aid to Extern as a percentage of the core administration costs. This core grant aid continues to this day.

1980’s

During the 1980’s the Organisation expanded rapidly under the leadership of the then Director, Mr Paul Casey, achieving a high profile and running a wide range of projects throughout Northern Ireland aimed at providing accommodation for vulnerable adults; work experience for offenders in the community; diverting young people from crime through the provision of alternative activities; and, providing advice to communities and business interests on crime prevention and criminological research. Two additional Companies were created. Extern Marketing Ltd which was set up as a social enterprise for the retailing of goods from the Restyle workshops and as a vehicle for future job creation initiatives. Extern Community Enterprises Ltd (later renamed as Chatham House Training and Development Agency) which was set up to comply with the then prevailing conditions of the newly formed YTP Training arm.

Turnover had grown to £820,000 by 1985

1990’s

Under the leadership of Dr Bill Lockhart the Organisation continued to flourish during the 1990’s with projects such as the Safer neighbourhoods, Pathways, Early years programmes, the Multi disciplinary Homeless Support Team and Turning Point projects all coming on board. Funding during the 1990’s increased to £3.6m

2000’s

Extern continued to grow rapidly during the early 2000’s in both jurisdictions. In 2004 a new charitable company called Extern Ireland was eventually set up to administer the services in the Republic of Ireland. The combined income in both jurisdictions had grown to £6.6million. Also in 2004 Bill Lockhart left Extern after 11 years as CEO to head up the newly formed Youth Justice Agency in Northern Ireland. Liz Cuddy took up position as CEO in January 2005. During the past 3.5 years Extern has witnessed significant growth both in the Northern and Southern operations aligned to a new Corporate Plan - the 2010 vision. The Corporate Plan covers a five year period and focuses on four major outcomes - these are:

  • Leadership
  • Investing in our People
  • Communication and business improvement
  • Sustainability into the future

Today

Like any service providing voluntary organisation we have faced many challenges along the way. However services have continued to grow during 2008 with over 95% of our major contracts being sustained. At present we employ almost 400 staff with our combined turnover being £13.5 million at present.

Where our money comes from:

Statutory agencies:

  • HSE (North East, Midlands, Mid leinster, West, North Western)
  • Northern Ireland Office
  • Probation Board for Northern Ireland
  • BELB
  • Department of Health and Social Services
  • Western Health and Social Services Board
  • North & West Belfast HSS Trust
  • North Western HSE
  • South and East Belfast HSS Trust
  • Ulster Community Hospital Trust
  • Down & Lisburn HSS Trust
  • EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme
  • BIFHE
  • EHSSB
  • NHSSB
  • Homefirst HSST Trust
  • Northern Ireland Housing Executive
  • NIHE – Supporting People
  • Foyle Health and Social Services Trust
  • Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust
  • Causeway HSS Trust
  • Newry & Mourne HSS Trust
  • NISCC (CCETSW)

Others - e.g. Trusts etc..

  • Lloyds TSB Foundation
  • Abbey National
  • International Fund For Ireland
  • Council For The Homeless
  • NHSSB
  • Lisburn Community Safety Executive
  • The Henry Smith Foundation

How we spend our money