Reappointment of a Non-Executive Director to the Public Health Agency
Date published:
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has announced the reappointment of a Non-Executive Director to the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Craig Blaney is to be reappointed as a Non-Executive (Local Government Representative) Director from 1 August 2026 to a date not later than 31 July 2030.
The Non-Executive Director position attracts a remuneration of £10,556 per year, and the role carries a time commitment of 5 days per month.
This reappointment is made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.
The PHA is a multi-disciplinary, regional body within the Health and Social Care system. It works closely with the Department of Health, local health and social care, and other partners to improve and protect the health of population. The PHA’s purpose is to protect public health; improve health and social wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland; reduce health inequalities; and collaborate on health service planning and delivery. The PHA works with individuals, communities, and organisations across all sectors to achieve these goals.
The PHA was established under Section 12 (1) of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009. The PHA Executive Board comprises a Chief Executive, and three other Executive Board Members: the Director of Public Health, the Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions, and the Director of Finance and Corporate Services. The Board of the PHA comprises a Non-Executive Chair and seven Non-Executive Directors, (three lay, two local government representatives, one trade union representative and one member with a finance background).
Notes to editors:
- Mr Craig Blaney is an experienced communications, marketing and public affairs professional with a strong background in brand development, strategic consultancy and stakeholder engagement. He has worked across the private, public and voluntary sectors, supporting organisations to grow their profile, strengthen their messaging and deliver measurable outcomes. Craig brings particular expertise in digital marketing, campaign planning, media relations, business development and governance. He has held non-executive and elected public service roles, giving him experience of accountability, scrutiny, risk management and working within complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. Through his consultancy work, Craig has supported businesses and organisations across food, drink, tourism, health, community and public affairs, helping them develop clear strategies, communicate effectively and build trusted relationships. He is known for combining commercial insight with strong communication skills and a practical, results-focused approach.
- Appointments to the PHA are made by the Health Minister.
- All public 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. Craig Blaney is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and is an elected Local Government Councillor for Ards and North Down Borough Council.
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