Appointment Of Four Council Members to the Patient and Client Council

Notes to Editors:

1. Charlene Brooks is the CEO of Belfast Healthy Cities, the organisation responsible for delivering Belfast’s role as a WHO-designated Healthy City, with a focus on health equity and sustainable urban development. Since joining in April 2024, she has led work to embed health and well-being into urban policy and practice, including initiatives on green spaces, active travel and community prosperity. Charlene has over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary and community sector. Prior to this role, she was CEO of Parenting NI, where she championed early intervention and services supporting families. Her leadership experience includes serving as Chair of NICVA and formerly as the Independent Chair of the Charity Commission NI Stakeholder Forum, advocating for strong partnership working and sector collaboration. She also sits on the VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel for Belfast, contributing to community planning and strengthening cross-sector relationships. A committed advocate for health and well-being, Charlene is dedicated to tackling inequalities and advancing health equity.
2. Cllr Philip Anderson has been a professional artist for over 30 years. He is passionate about art and committed to preserving and promoting traditional arts and craft skills.  In 2012, as a mature student, Philip graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bsc. Hons. in Business Management. Philip was elected in May 2019 as a Councillor representing the people of Coleraine in Causeway Coast & Glens Council. Philip is currently the Chair of the Leisure & Development Committee and sits on the Planning Committee, Policing & Community Safety Partnership Committee, Peace Plus Programme and is a member of the Partnership Board for both the Causeway Growth Deal and the Coleraine Future Town Fund.
3. Cllr Sarah Duffy was elected to local government in the 2023 council elections as a Councillor for Armagh City. In 2024 she was appointed Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, becoming the youngest female mayor to serve in the role. She currently serves as Chair of Environmental Services within ABC Council, reflecting her wider commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment for local communities. Alongside her council role, Sarah sits on the Board of Directors of Appleby, a vocational training organisation supporting people with disabilities through social enterprise. Her work across governance, community development and advocacy continues to focus on improving public services, promoting equality, and ensuring that every citizen has access to the support they need.
4. Cllr Gael Gildernew was elected as a Councillor within Mid Ulster District Council (MUDC) in May 2023. Since taking office, she has actively contributed to a range of committees and strategic partnerships focused on development and community wellbeing across the district. Gael serves on both the Development Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee within the Council. In addition, she is involved with several external bodies, including the A5/N2 Cross-Border Committee where she served as Chair in 2024/2025, the MUDC Tourism Development Group (Chair), the Caledon Regeneration Partnership Board, Community Organisations of South Tyrone Area (COSTA), the Sliabh Beagh Partnership, and the Tullyvar Joint Committee. In 2024, Gael was appointed as MUDC’s Local Government Representative on the Southern Trust Area Integrated Partnership Board (AIPB).  Gael holds an MSc (QUB) in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise, with a specialisation in Business Communications.
5. Appointments to the PCC are made by the Minister of Health.
6. All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Charlene Brooks has declared that she has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.  Philip Anderson is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party and is an elected Local Government Councillor for Causeway Coast and Glens Brough Council. Sarah Duffy is a member of Sinn Fein and is an elected Local Government Councillor for Armagh City, Banbridge Craigavon Borough Council. Gael Gildernew is a member of Sinn Fein and is an elected Local Government Councillor for Mid Ulster District Council.
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