Senior management team

NCB is managed by chief executive, Paul Ennals, with the support of the senior management team (SMT). SMT's remit is to ensure the effective management and operation of NCB. Each director contributes to the corporate and strategic operation of NCB and has responsibility for managing their own departments, ensuring all activities fit strategic business priorities for the organisation.

Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive

Sir Paul took up the post of NCB chief executive in 1998. He received a knighthood for services to children and young people in the Queen’s birthday list 2009. He was appointed chair of the Children's Workforce Development Council in August 2009. He is vice chair of the Children and Young People’s Inter-agency Group (CIAG), a national group of key statutory and voluntary agencies. He is accountable for the delivery of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children’s Services which is hosted by NCB.

Barbara Hearn OBE, deputy chief executive

Barbara currently heads up NCB’s research, evaluation, policy, participation and Northern Ireland work. Barbara has a background in social work practice, organisation development and business management.

Sally Whitaker, deputy chief executive

Sally has particular responsibility for leading the strategy, resources and communications division at NCB. Sally has also leads on NCB’s voluntary sector support programme and strategic partner relationships with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Health.

Sheryl Burton, director, social inclusion

Sheryl Burton is responsible for NCB’s work focused on improving practice and policy for potentially vulnerable or excluded children and young people. Sheryl manages a range of specialist strands, councils and networks.

Adrian Voce, director, Play England

Play England is the national delivery partner for the government’s Play Strategy and has a key role in the BIG Play initiative. It grew out of the former Children’s Play Council and now employs around 65 staff, based at Wakley Street and nine regional offices.

Sue Owen, director, well-being

Sue is currently director of the well-being team at NCB, which promotes the health and well-being of all children and young people. Previously Sue was director of the early childhood unit.

Ivana La Valle, director, NCB Research Centre

Ivana directs the NCB Research Centre, which involves studies commissioned by the voluntary and statutory sectors, or initiated by NCB and funded by research councils and foundations.

Become an NCB member

  • Member discounts
  • Policy briefings
  • Children & Young People Now
NCB membership poster

Our structure

At the core of our branding is a 'wheel' concept which is at the heart of our organisational structure and how we operate...

Find out more

New NCB Organisational Wheel

Support us

NCB's work would not be possible without the support of people like you....

How can I support NCB?

Coins in a pile