Extension of appointment of the non-executive chair of the ambulance service (NIAS)

Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill today announced the extension of the term of appointment of the Non-Executive Chair of the Ambulance Service NIAS) for a further five months from 16 October 2016 to 31 March 2017.

The extension relates to Mr Paul Archer and carries a time commitment of 2.5 - 3 days per month and attracts an annual remuneration of £22,997.

The board of Ambulance Service (NIAS) is made up of five Executive and five Non-Executive Directors (with an overall maximum of 10) plus a Non-Executive Chair.

The role of the Trust Board is to:

• set the strategic direction of NIAS within the overall policies and priorities of the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS), define its annual and longer term objectives, and agree plans to achieve them
• oversee the delivery of planned results by monitoring performance against objectives and ensuring corrective action is taken where necessary
• ensure effective financial stewardship through value for money , budgetary control, planning and strategy
• ensure high standards of corporate governance and personal behaviour are maintained in the conduct of the business of the whole organization
• appoint, appraise and remunerate Senior Executives
• ensure that there is effective dialogue and communications between NIAS and the local community on its plans and performance, and that these are responsive to the community’s needs

The appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for NI.

A selection panel, which included an Independent Assessor as required under the Commissioner’s Code, considered the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointment rests with the Minister.  

Notes to editors: 

1. Paul Archer was appointed Chairman of the Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust in October 2008 and during this time he has seen many changes in the role of the Service. Over 400,000 patient journeys are carried out per year of which approximately half are ‘999’ emergency and urgent calls. In addition there are a number of Alternate Care Pathways in place whereby patients can be treated in their home or in another appropriate setting which avoids the patient having to be admitted to hospital. Paul has held a number of appointments in the health service since 2002. He has Chaired Fitness to Practise Committee panels for 4 separate healthcare regulators and currently Chairs for the NI Social Care Council. He is also the Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee for the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and the immediate past Chair of the public sector Chairpersons Forum.

2. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  Mr Archer declared he had not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

3. Media enquiries to DoH Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter @healthserviceni

Share this page