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PCC Recruitment Opportunities *Now Closed*
*Recruitment has now now closed*
The Department of Health (DoH) is seeking to recruit 4 Non-Executive Members to the Patient and Client Council (PCC).
- 3x Local Government Representatives
- 1x Non-Executive Member (Lay)
This is an exceptional opportunity to share your expertise and talents to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Northern Ireland.
Esential Criteria:
Applicants must show on their application form, and if invited for interview, how they meet the following essential criteria.
Criterion 1: Strategic Thinking – by way of a practical example(s), provide evidence that demonstrates how you have contributed to the strategic direction of an organisation.
Examples of the type of evidence the selection panel will be looking for are outlined below. You do not have to describe activities which meet each and every one of these bullet points:
- an ability to identify key strategic issues;
- an ability to think broadly and longer term;
- an ability to source, analyse and organise relevant information and evidence to support strategic decision-making;
- an understanding of the importance of engaging experts in strategic decisionmaking;
- an ability to exercise sound judgement and a constructive challenge function;
and - an ability to clearly articulate strategic aims to ensure that they are fully
understood.
Criterion 2: Working Together – by way of a practical example(s), provide evidence that demonstrates how you have proactively created, maintained and nurtured a strong network of collaborative relationships to produce positive results.
Examples of the type of evidence the selection panel will be looking for are outlined below. You do not have to describe activities which meet all bullet points:
- communicating effectively and constructively;
- partnership working and building consensus;
- building effective working relationships and creating a diverse and inclusive environment;
- engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, staff, teams, service users, carers and others using a variety of mediums including social media platforms; and
- promoting collaboration and an information sharing culture.
Criterion 3: Corporate Governance and Accountability – by way of a practical example(s), provide evidence that demonstrates your experience and/or knowledge and understanding of corporate governance and accountability mechanisms and your awareness of the importance of effective governance.
Examples of the type of evidence the selection panel will be looking for are outlined
below. You do not have to describe activities which meet all bullet points:
- evidence of how you have contributed to securing and improving effective governance;
- evidence of identifying, evaluating and managing risk to an organisation’s performance and/or reputation;
- ability to work effectively within a team and exercise a constructive challengeand support function;
- ability to distinguish between executive and non-executive roles and responsibilities; and
- ability to tackle difficult issues; and behave with integrity.
Applicants for the Local Government Representative positions must also show on
their application form how they meet the following essential criterion:
Criterion 4: Community Development (Local Government Representative position only) – by way of a practical example(s), provide evidence that demonstrates your experience in supporting and empowering individuals, families, or communities of interest to influence and inform social change, improve the quality of life in their local area, challenge poor practice or seek service improvements.
Examples of the type of evidence the Panel will be looking for are outlined below. You do not have to describe activities which meet each and every one of these bullet points:
- an understanding of processes and practice of community development and active citizenship;
- experience of networking with communities of interest and wider stakeholders to share existing knowledge, experiences, and resources; and
- demonstrate a clear understanding and applied practice of inclusion and diversity.
Applicants for the Local Government Representative positions will not be required to demonstrate evidence at interview for Criterion 4. A paper-based assessment will be carried out by the Panel at sift stage in
relation to this criterion.
Time Commitment: 2 days per month
Remuneration: £4,219 per annum
Closing date: Wednesday 2 July 2025, 12 noon
It is expected that successful candidates will take up appointment in October/November 2025.
For further detail and to apply visit: Public Appointments - Current Vacancies | Department of Health
Q&A Opportunity - Monday 30 June 1pm - Online
Would you like the opportunity to ask current Council Members some questions about the role? We are hosting an online information session on Monday 30th June at 1pm. Simply email anna.obrien@pcc-ni.net by 10am on Monday 30th June referencing 'Council Appointments Q&A' to be sent the meeting link. Please note that this will be an open session with potentially other interested applicants in attendance.
In the Spotlight: Ruth Sutherland CBE, PCC Chairperson.
When people ask me what has guided my career, the answer is simple, a deep belief in fairness, and a lifelong commitment to making sure everyone’s voice is heard, especially those who often go unheard.
That belief began early in my life. I grew up in Brightlingsea, Essex, in a home filled with creativity and ideas, both my parents were artists. It was an unconventional and progressive upbringing, but it came with its challenges. I saw first-hand how stigma, mental ill health, and social exclusion could shape lives. That early awareness of injustice never left me. The belief that It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair and it had to change has inspired me throughout my career. I left school to become a family carer then hospital cleaner to Registered Nurse, public health community development and National Leadership. Making Northern Ireland my home from 1990.
It’s this journey, from carer to national leadership and then to care once again for my parents to their passing that have shaped my perspective: meaningful change only happens when we listen to people, especially those who don’t have power. That’s why the work of the PCC matters so deeply to me. It’s about ensuring the health and social care system in Northern Ireland reflects the real experiences, concerns, and aspirations of the people it serves. There is so much more to be done to get to reset the relationships so that patients, clients and their families are valued as partners in their health and care as opposed to recipients of services.
If you are thinking about applying for a non-executive board member role, I urge you to consider what you could bring, not just in terms of experience, but in values. You don’t have to be a healthcare professional or have sat on a board before. What we need are people who care, who are prepared to challenge and support in equal measure, and who are committed to making services better for everyone.
As a non-executive board member, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and drive the strategic direction of an organisation that listens to people across Northern Ireland; patients, carers, communities, and ensures their views influence policy and practice. Your voice at the table can help make sure theirs is not just heard, but acted upon.
It is certain that the challenges ahead of us are large and change is very hard too, but what I also know is that change is possible and change is most certainly worth working for. If you have the drive and passion for public service, then we can’t wait to meet you.
This piece was originally published in the Public Appointments Newsletter - May 2025
