Extern is advertising for a new Chief Executive following the abrupt resignation of the previous post-holder last month.

Until his resignation, Danny McQuillan headed the charity which provides services on both sides of the Border, receiving significant funding from both jurisdictions.

It remains unclear if his resignation is connected to recent and pending disclosures of allegations within Extern.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Danny McQuillan has left Extern to take up another senior position within the voluntary and charity sector in Northern Ireland.

“We wish him the very best with this exciting new opportunity, and thank him for his years of service with Extern.”

When asked what date the resignation took effect, the spokesperson replied: “Danny McQuillan has now left Extern. We cannot comment further on individual staff matters.”

In July, we revealed how staff members voiced concerns that some service users appeared to be under the influence of drugs while attending Roscor Youth Village, which is situated between Enniskillen and Belleek.

They were among a group of young people taking part in a programme commissioned by the Western Health and Social Care Trust in July, 2019, involving a boat trip to an uninhabited island on Lough Erne.

Staff reported their concerns to the Programme Manager, but were instructed to proceed with the trip as planned – something which put all at serious risk.

Extern were asked a series of questions around this, but in response to all, replied: “We can confirm that all relevant and correct procedures were adhered to by Extern in relation to these incidents.

“All partner agencies involved were fully informed.”

As this was a broad response, Extern was asked to answer each question individually, but they refused. Furthermore, the reply was inaccurate, as Extern did not alert the PSNI.

An advertisement for a new Chief Executive states Extern has 600 staff across Ireland, with a £25+ million turnover.

Comprising Extern Ireland and Extern Northern Ireland, Extern lists services as reducing offending and the impact of offending on victims and the community, as well as helping people to be better equipped to make a contribution to their community.

The successful Chief Executive will require: “A strategic head and a commitment to excellence on behalf of the people we serve.

“The postholder will have the ability to drive change in a complex organisation, to set the agenda for the group and its delivery partners, to influence stakeholders to the benefit of Extern’s service users, and to motivate and manage a world-class team.”