Interim Director of Children and Families and Executive Director of Social Work
Stephen McLaughlin has been Interim Executive Director of Social Work for the Western Health and Social Care Trust since July 2026. He has over 32 years of experience as a qualified social worker, predominantly within Children’s Services, whilst also holding significant leadership and operational responsibilities across Adult Services, including Adult Safeguarding.
A proud social worker, Stephen has worked across frontline practice, management and senior leadership roles throughout his career. Until recently, he continued to undertake shifts within the Emergency Social Work Service, maintaining a direct connection with frontline practice and the realities facing children, adults, families and communities.
Stephen is registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and provides professional leadership and strategic oversight for Social Work services across the Trust. He is committed to promoting high standards of professional practice, safeguarding, governance and continuous improvement.
Stephen has a particular interest in workforce development, professional leadership, quality improvement, safeguarding and strengthening governance and assurance arrangements across social work services. He is committed to collaborative leadership, evidence-informed decision-making and supporting staff to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services.
If you require detail on the structure of the Children and Families and Social Work directorate, please contact elaine.forrest@westerntrust.hscni.net .