Newsletter
About Us
For nearly 50 years we have been standing shoulder to shoulder with people as we support them to transform their lives, creating safer communities for us all.
Every day we strive for:
- Supporting people as we find them through a positive, trauma-informed approach where they experience being listened to and their needs are put first.
- Serving people who are excluded and isolated to improve their lives and contribute to their communities through access to the right services.
- Sharing our knowledge, insights and expertise to positively support the development of commissioner future priorities.
- Ensuring everyone, as a priority, experiences wellbeing and safety.
- Being inclusive, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and equally, and has access to the resources they need when they need them.
45+
Years of experience
2k+
Young people, families & adults supported in 2023
11,339
Hours of direct contact in 2023
890
Young people provided with a structure & routine in 2023
About Us
Who We Are
Extern is a charity operating across the island of Ireland, supporting over 22,000 people each year to change their lives.
Operating for nearly 50 years, we believe another chance can change a life. Every day Extern works alongside children, young people, and families facing challenges to empower positive change and support family unity.
About Us
Where We Work
Our expansive footprint spans over 80 individual projects, strategically nestled in more than 40 locations, reaching out across 27 counties.
Where We Work
About Us
Our People
Leslie Ann Scott
Chief Executive Officer
Following a successful promotion to Programme Manager with Extern Ireland, Leslie Ann was instrumental in the development of Extern Services across the Republic of Ireland becoming Assistant Director of Services in 2016 and Director of Services from 2021. In April 2023, Leslie Ann was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer for both Extern NI and Extern Ireland before being appointed CEO of Extern in December 2024
Jonathan Carroll
Director of People and Organisational Development
Jonathan has worked in senior HR leadership roles for over 25 years in the retail, media and construction sectors for local, national and global organisations. In December 2019 he was appointed as Extern’s first Director of People and Organisational Development.
Deirdre O'Driscoll
Services Director Ireland
Deirdre has worked in Extern since June 2007 and has held a variety of roles within Extern including Service Manager and Programme Manager Assistant Director. Deirdre holds responsibility for Tusla, Department of Justice and HSE funded services. Deirdre’s prior experience in the residential care and homeless sector, both in a professional and voluntary capacity, has further served to invigorate her drive and energy to improve the lives of those most vulnerable in our society. She has an Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies and a Diploma in Management and Employee Relations.
Mal Byrne
Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services
Mal has worked in the homeless and addiction field since 1999 in Extern. In 2019, Mal became the Assistant Director in Extern overseeing all of their communities’ portfolio incorporating homeless hostels, criminal justice projects and 15 drug and alcohol services both in Northern Ireland and the Republic. In 2024, Mal was appointed as Extern's Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services
Emma Purdon
Director of Communities and Family Services
Emma is the Director of Communities and Family Services. She has worked for Extern for over ten years. Emma provides leadership and direction to Programme Managers within the homelessness, refugee, criminal justice and the education and learning programmes within Extern. In 2024, Emma was appointed as Extern's Director of Communities and Family Services.
Sharon Hearty
Director of Communications, Engagement and Partnerships
Sharon joined Extern in 2021 as Head of Communications and Engagement on returning home to the North after 15 years living in the Republic of Ireland working with Dublin based charities developing their strategies, profile, engagement. In 2022, Sharon was appointed as Extern's Director of Communications, Engagement and Partnerships.
Maria Pick
Director of Corporate Services
Maria Pick joined Extern as Director of Corporate Services in July 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience in senior management and leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. In this strategic role, Maria leads several key functions that are central to Extern’s long-term success and aligned with our five-year organisational strategy. These include IT, Risk Management (including Cyber Security), Digitisation, Business Continuity, Quality and Audit, and Support Services. Her focus is on driving innovation, improving systems, and strengthening governance across the organisation. Maria’s professional background includes extensive expertise in project and change management within large, complex organisations. Prior to joining Extern, she held the position of IT, Process and Change Director at Hughes Insurance Services Ltd in Northern Ireland.
Pauline Flynn
Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Pauline is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. She attended Queens University Belfast and has a 1st Class honours degree in Accounting and Economics, and a postgraduate diploma in accounting. For the last 17 years, she worked in two large charities, Director of Finance for Praxis Care, and Group Director of Finance & Corporate Services for Inspire Wellbeing.
About Us
Governance & Annual Reports
Explore our annual reports for a comprehensive overview of Extern's impactful initiatives and outcomes, showcasing our commitment to positive change
Governance and Annual ReportsAbout Us
Consultations and Policy
Explore Extern's Policy Submissions page to delve into our proactive engagement with legislative frameworks.
Consultations and Policy