Senior Leadership Team
Meet the Nexus Senior Leadership Team
Senior Leadership Team
Meet the Nexus Senior Leadership Team
Meet the Nexus Senior Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) consists of our CEO, the Head of Professional Services and the Head of People and Organisational Development. As a team they are responsible for the effective leadership of the organisation. Providing clear strategic direction and governance in all areas across the organisation. Equipping and supporting Service Managers and their teams to thrive, by delivering excellent services which enable us to fulfil Nexus’ Vision of a society free from sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
Joanne Barnes
CEO
Susan Ellison
Head of Therapeutic Services and DSA Helpline
Mags Dunne
Head of People and Organisational Development
Claire Irwin
Head of Early Intervention and Prevention Services
Joanne Barnes
CEO
Joanne is an experienced leader with over 20 years professional experience co-producing, governing, and delivering innovative clinical and non-clinical services in the community and voluntary and higher education sectors. She is a passionate advocate of community development and engagement approaches to address societal needs and inequalities.
In addition, she is a skilled strategic planner with extensive experience developing organisational plans, achieving strategic aims, and exceeding target outcomes. As CEO Joanne holds overall responsibility for the strategic and operational delivery of Nexus with the support of the organisation’s Board.
Mags Dunne
Head of People and Organisational Development
Peter is a proven operations lead with over 20 years running, managing and commissioning funded programmes in the employability and disability sectors. He is solutions focused and strives to ensure services are delivered with a person-centred approach with quality and innovation key to delivering excellence.
As Head of Professional Services, Peter leads the Early Intervention, Counselling and Helpline services, overseeing operational activities and providing strategic direction.
Peter also supports the Scouts, delivering outdoor educational programmes to 14-18 year olds, providing governance and chairing committees for Scouts NI and supporting and delivering international events.
Susan Ellison
Head of Therapeutic Services and DSA Helpline
Susan is a trauma-informed leader and BACP-accredited counsellor with nearly 20 years of continuous practice supporting individuals affected by complex trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. She brings extensive expertise in the strategic development and delivery of specialist therapeutic services for survivors of sexual abuse.
As Head of Therapeutic Services and the DSA Helpline at Nexus, Susan provides strategic leadership across counselling services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and compliant care. She plays a pivotal role in shaping service direction, embedding trauma-informed approaches, and strengthening clinical governance and practitioner development across the organisation.
Susan is committed to ensuring that individuals can access compassionate, evidence-based support, and works collaboratively with funders, partners, and key stakeholders to drive service innovation, sustainability, and impact. She is a dedicated advocate for victims and survivors, consistently working to improve outcomes and amplify the voices of those affected by abuse and trauma.
In addition to her therapeutic leadership, Susan brings significant expertise in helpline services, having held senior leadership roles within crisis line provision. This experience informs her commitment to accessible, responsive, and high-quality support for individuals in immediate need.
Claire Irwin
Head of Early Intervention and Prevention Services
