Colin Downey
Newtownabbey
Summary
Experienced service leader with a strong track record in multi-site service leadership, programme development and safeguarding expertise. Demonstrates a supportive leadership style that drives quality and compliance management while maintaining robust stakeholder engagement. Proven ability in income generation, contributing to sustainable service delivery and continuous improvement across complex environments. Seeking to further apply these capabilities in roles focused on high-quality, compliant and person-centred services.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Skills for Life and Work Delivery Manager
Disability Action
Belfast, Antrim
2025.09 - Current
- Established and scaled a new training centre , implementing structured delivery models, operational processes, and performance frameworks from inception
- Led and developed a team of 8 staff , embedding a high-performance culture focused on accountability, quality, and learner outcomes
- Designed and executed programme strategies that increased learner engagement and strengthened progression pathways
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships with funders, families, and accrediting bodies, ensuring alignment with funding and compliance requirements
- Delivered full operational oversight , ensuring consistent achievement of quality, audit, and reporting standards
Disability Support Service Manager
Disability Action
Belfast , Antrim
2022.01 - 2025.09
- Directed multi-site service delivery across 22 locations , supporting young people (16–22) with complex disabilities and additional needs
- Led and managed a workforce of 51 staff , improving performance, retention, and service consistency across geographically dispersed teams
- Expanded service reach and capacity , increasing access to support across education and training providers
- Generated annual income in excess of £1 million , securing funding streams and ensuring financial sustainability of services
- Implemented robust quality assurance frameworks , ensuring compliance with regulatory and funding requirements
- Strengthened cross-sector partnerships with colleges, training providers, and external agencies to enhance service delivery
Employment and Training Officer
Disability Action
Belfast, Antrim
2014.06 - 2022.01
- Managed complex caseloads , delivering tailored employment and support plans for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs
- Improved client employability outcomes through structured interventions, workplace integration, and employer engagement
- Advised employers on disability legislation , improving inclusive recruitment and retention practices
- Delivered safeguarding leadership , ensuring effective risk management and protection for vulnerable individuals
- Applied Positive Behaviour Support strategies , improving engagement and behavioural outcomes
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies and Special and Inclusive Needs
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool 2002.09 - 2006.06
A-Levels - Psychology, Sociology And Physical Education
Belfast Institute of Further And Higher Education
Newtownabbey, Antrim and Newtownabbey 2000.09 - 2002.06
GCSEs - Media Studies, Business Studies, PE, English, Maths, History and Irish
Edmund Rice College
Newtownabbey, Antrim and Newtownabbey 1992.09 - 1997.06
Skills
- Multi-site service leadership
- Programme development
- Safeguarding expertise
- Income generation
- Supportive leadership style
- Stakeholder engagement
- Excellent communication skills
- Quality and compliance management
Affiliations
- Enjoy keeping fit, reading, holidays, spending time with my family and cooking.
Accomplishments
In my role as Disability Support Service Manager I brought in almost £3 million income for my employer and using some of this we were able to fund our own training centre which is now up an running...a huge achievement for our organisation and one of which I am very proud.
Certification
ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management
Languages
Irish
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Skills for Life and Work Delivery Manager
Disability Action
2025.09 - Current
Disability Support Service Manager
Disability Action
2022.01 - 2025.09
Employment and Training Officer
Disability Action
2014.06 - 2022.01
Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies and Special and Inclusive Needs
Liverpool John Moores University
2002.09 - 2006.06
A-Levels - Psychology, Sociology And Physical Education
Belfast Institute of Further And Higher Education
2000.09 - 2002.06
GCSEs - Media Studies, Business Studies, PE, English, Maths, History and Irish
Edmund Rice College
1992.09 - 1997.06