Qualified as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist in the US, Nick Barton ran the addiction treatment centre Clouds House before going on to lead the charity Clouds, expanding its range. From 2007-15 he was chief executive of Action on Addiction.

He has written many articles, spoken at conferences and contributed chapters to books.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Health by the University of Bath for services to addiction treatment.

He has been a trustee of several charities, including Nelson Trust, EATA, SMMGP and Safe Lives, the domestic abuse charity. He is a trustee of the Mackie Foundation.