Becoming a Public Appointee

A public appointment is generally an appointment, made by a government Minister, to the board of a public body. Public appointments in Northern Ireland cover everything from the arts to sport and consumer interests to more specialised areas, such as historic buildings and monuments.

Public bodies

Public bodies are organisations set up to manage, offer advice or deliver important and essential public services. While they are set up by government they work separately, at arm’s length from government.

Examples of public bodies include the NI Tourist Board, the Housing Executive, the Equality Commission, Health and Social Care Trusts and the Education Authority.

Most public bodies are managed by Boards of Directors. Most public appointments will be for member or chair positions on the board of a public body.

An overview of Public Appointments in Northern Ireland and helpful information for those wishing to apply are available in the guide below:

A link to the Department of Health's current public appointment vacancies can be found below:

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