The Department of Health has announced extensions to the terms of two Non-Executive Members (Local Government Representatives) of the Public Health Agency (PHA) Board.
Alderman Paul Porter’s term is to be extended from 14 November 2019 to a date not later than 13 November 2020, and the term of Councillor William Ashe, MBE is to be extended from 13 February 2020 to a date not later than 12 February 2021.
Both appointments carry a time commitment of 5 days per month and attract an annual remuneration of £9,371.
The PHA is a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body, with a strong regional and local presence. The Agency was established to provide a renewed and enhanced focus on public health and wellbeing by bringing together a wide range of public health functions under one organisation. It is required to create better inter-sectoral working, including enhanced partnership with local government, to tackle the underlying causes of poor health and reduce health inequalities.
The PHA is managed directly by a board of directors which has corporate responsibility for its operation. The board of the PHA is made up of four Executive Directors including the Chief Executive, a Non-Executive Chair and seven Non-Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors include a Trade Union Representative Member, two Local Government Representative Members, one Financial Member and two Lay Members.
This appointment is made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for NI.
This appointment is 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 within the last 5 years to be published. William Ashe is a DUP Councillor, and has spoken and canvassed on behalf of the party over the last five years. Alderman Porter has been a DUP Councillor for 18 years and has assisted the party’s MPs and MLAs during elections.
Notes to editors:
- Alderman Paul Porter was initially appointed as a Non–Executive Director following a public competition on 14 November 2011 for a four year period. He was Mayor of Lisburn City Council from 2010 to 2011 and is an elected representative and member of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for the past 18 years. He was formerly employed as a nursing auxiliary (Thompson House Hospital/ Lagan Valley Hospital and Seymour Nursing Home) from 1994 to 2000. Paul is currently the longest serving member of the PHA board and his experience gained over this time has been immense.
- Councillor William Ashe M.B.E. has been an elected representative for twenty-two years. During this time he has served as Mayor of Carrickfergus and First Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council when the new government body was formed in 2015. Having studied and practiced Community Development he brings a wealth of knowledge, practical experience and problem solving at grassroots level. Billy has a keen interest in personal development and positive mind-set and delivers coaching and training in this area to groups and individuals. He is passionate about improving quality of life issues for all our citizens.
- These extensions were made with the approval of the permanent secretary of the Department of Health. There are no specific qualifications for appointment.
- For media enquiries please contact the Department of Health Press Office on 028 9052 0575 or email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk . For out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
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