Extension of appointment of the non-executive chair of the Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS)

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill today announced the extension of the term of appointment of the Non-Executive Chair within the Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) for a further twelve months from 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2017.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill

The extension relates to Mr Jim Lennon and carries a time commitment of 2 days per month and attracts an annual remuneration of £7,155.

The NIBTS is an independent special agency of the Department of Health and exists to fully supply the needs of all hospitals and clinical units in the province with safe and effective blood and blood products and other related services.

The NIBTS is managed by a Board of Directors which is made up of three non-executive directors, a Chair and an Interim Chief Executive.

All extensions to appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for NI. The final decision on the extension of this appointment rested with the Minister.   

Notes to editors: 

1. Mr James (Jim) Lennon MBA lives in Derrynoose and works for Middletown Centre for Autism.  Mr Lennon is also a farmer and is involved with the Derrynoose Farming Group and is also Company Secretary of Derrynoose Community Development Association Ltd.   He was initially appointed as Chair of the NIBTS Special (HSC) Agency from 1 August 2007 and has continued in post since. Mr Lennon continues to bring to his role as Chair of the NIBTS his executive background in Health Service Management in Britain, financial management, management development and strategic planning, together with his considerable personal experience in capital projects within the public sector.   Mr Lennon holds one other public appointment as a non-executive director in the Livestock and Meat Marketing Commission NI.
2. Appointments to the NIBTS are made with the approval of the Minister for Health. There are no specific qualifications for appointment. Each person is appointed to act in a personal capacity and not to represent any particular interest or group.
3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for NI requires the political activity of appointees to be published.  Mr. Lennon has declared that he has canvassed or helped at elections on behalf of the SDLP political party during the last five years.
4. 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 @healthdpt

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