Lyn Preece has retired as Executive Director of Social Work and Director of Children’s Services at the South Eastern Trust after 40 years in the field.

Preece started her career in 1986 as a residential social worker at Marmion Children’s Home in Newtownards. She joined the former Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust on 1 September 2004 as a social worker at the Family Resource Centre on James Street in Newtownards.

She advanced through senior positions and took up her current role in September 2022, overseeing children’s services and social work across the Trust. Preece is a native of Newtownards.

Preece worked with children, families, carers and professionals in England and Northern Ireland. She described finding a community of dedicated people at the South Eastern Trust 22 years ago.

Trust Chief Executive Roisin Coulter paid tribute to Preece’s leadership and contribution. Coulter called Preece a highly respected senior leader in social work and social care who gave her full commitment to the Trust.