If you have a question for one of the team please feel free to contact us directly below or reach out to the NI team by emailing n.ireland@basw.co.uk.
Carolyn Ewart - National Director of BASW Northern Ireland
Carolyn is a proud social worker and has been working for BASW NI for 14 years. Her professional experience was in mental health social work, where she worked as an ASW. She also worked in children’s services and learning disability. She is particularly keen on advocating on all social work matters and is always up for the challenge of trying to make things better for social workers and service users.
She is a mum to 2 teenagers and loves yoga, walking and sea swimming in all weathers!
Email - carolyn.ewart@basw.co.uk
Andy McClenaghan - Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Lead
Andy began working for the organisation in 2016 as Campaigns Officer and moved to his current post in 2021.
Andy is responsible for leading BASW NI’s engagement with elected representatives at the Northern Ireland Assembly—highlighting issues of concern to social workers and people who use social work services and working to deliver change. He manages the Association’s communications functions in Northern Ireland, designing social media content and promoting the interests of the profession via engagement with journalists working in print and broadcast media. Andy also produces the BASW UK podcast Let's Talk Social Work.
Outside work he enjoys writing music, reading, and Ju-Jitsu.
Email - andy.mcclenaghan@basw.co.uk
Noeleen Higgins - Professional Officer
Professional Officer for BASW NI since 2022 Noeleen is an experienced social worker who is registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. Noeleen has held a variety of statutory roles in children’s community social work and adult community social work in learning disability, physical disability and autism services.
Noeleen engages with membership, the wider social work community and a broad range of stakeholders on issues affecting the profession to influence social work policy and practice.
Outside of her role in BASW NI Noeleen is an external tutor on the Bachelor of Social Work Undergraduate degree at Queen’s University Belfast.
Email - noeleen.higgins@basw.co.uk
Lindsey Bates - Administrator
Linz joined the team in February 2021 and is the main point of contact for all member/non member queries as well as supporting the team, committee and events.
Outside of work Linz is mom to 2 children, is a keen baker, loves music especially Northern Soul and all things vintage.
Email - lindsey.bates@basw.co.uk