Reappointment of Four Non-Executive Members to the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery
Date published:
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt has announced the reappointment of four
Non-Executive Members to the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC).
Karen Diamond (Lay Member) and Brenda Kelly Murnion (Professional Member) have been reappointed from 1 January 2026 to a date not later than 31 December 2029. Siobhan Caslin (Lay Member) has been reappointed from 6 January 2026 to a date not later than 5 January 2030, and Kieran McCormick (Professional Member) has been reappointed from 12 January 2026 to a date not later than 11 January 2030.
NIPEC Members are not remunerated, and the role carries a time commitment of 20 days per year.
These appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.
NIPEC supports the development of nurses and midwives by promoting high standards of practice, education and professional development as well as providing advice and guidance on best practice and matters relating to nursing and midwifery.The NIPEC Council comprises a Non-Executive Chair, a Chief Executive and not more than 14 Non-Executive Members appointed by the Department (60% registered nurses/midwives and 40% not registered).
Notes to editors:
- Karen Diamond has been a qualified music therapist for over 30 years. She runs her own music therapy consultancy practice providing facilitation and training, for children and adults in various care pathways specialising in learning disability, early years and long-term conditions. Karen is also Director of Professional Affairs with the British Association for Music Therapy where she has strategic responsibility for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Karen holds registrant partner roles in Continuing Professional Development and as Lead Visitor for Education with the Health Care Professions Council. In addition, Karen is an Associate Lecturer at St Mary’s University College teaching on the undergraduate and postgraduate education courses. She founded and directs the Equal Notes Choir, a choir for adults with learning disabilities. Karen brings to her role on the Board of NIPEC her professional and personal experience in the education, health and voluntary sectors.
- Brenda Kelly Murnion started her healthcare career as a Registered Nurse in 1990 and a Registered Midwife in 1993, holding positions within both the Western and Belfast HSC Trust areas. In 2002 she was appointed Supervisor of Midwives, before moving to the Southern HSC Trust as a Midwifery Sister and progressing to Lead Midwife in 2009. Brenda holds a diploma and BSc in Professional Studies in Midwifery graduating with First Class Honours in 2012 and was later awarded an MSc with Commendation in Inter Professional Health and Social Care Management in 2017. From 2014 until recently, she served as Divisional Midwife and Head of Midwifery for the Belfast HSC Trust. She currently holds the position of Deputy Regional Chief Midwife for the Midlands Region, England. A graduate of the Scottish Improvement Leadership Programme (2019), Brenda is passionate about improving perinatal mortality and morbidity and is an active mentor and coach, committed to advancing quality and safety in maternity care.
- Siobhan Caslin is a dual-qualified barrister with 15 years of experience in criminal, regulatory, and public law. Admitted to the Bars of Northern Ireland and England & Wales, she brings balanced and incisive legal judgment developed through roles in prosecution, defence, and complex regulatory investigations. Currently a Senior Associate Lawyer at the Financial Conduct Authority, Siobhán applies her advocacy and analytical expertise to matters of financial regulation and enforcement. Her previous positions include work with the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, Crown Prosecution Service, Undercover Policing Inquiry, and as Case Presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council—reflecting a career grounded in public service, professional rigor, and adaptability in high-stakes environments. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast, and a member of Gray’s Inn, Siobhán has been recognised for her academic excellence and advocacy skills, including election as one of three Scholars of Law at Trinity and graduating with First Class Honours. Siobhan holds one other public appointment with the Department of Health, as a Council Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. Attendance at meetings of up to 4 hours duration attracts a fee of £120 and meetings over 4 hours attract a fee of £240. The Council Member role carries a time commitment equivalent to 12 days per annum.
- Kieran McCormick has been a Registered Nurse for 17 years and during this time has worked across the public, private and voluntary sector. Kieran’s clinical nursing background is in care of the elderly and learning disability, before he later moved into management and regulation. Kieran is an Honorary Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast and is currently the Managing Director of a healthcare agency based in Belfast. Kieran is currently acting interim Chair of NIPEC and it is expected that he will continue to fulfil this role until the recruitment of a new substantive Chair completes in 2026. The role attracts remuneration of £12,495 per annum and a time commitment of 45 days per annum
- Appointments to NIPEC are made by the Health Minister.
- 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. The appointees have all declared that they have not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.
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