The Department of Health (DoH) has a statutory responsibility to promote an integrated system of health and social care (HSC) designed to secure improvement in:
• the physical and mental health of people in Northern Ireland;
• the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness; and
• the social wellbeing of the people in Northern Ireland.
The Department’s statutory responsibilities under the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 are to:
• Develop policies;
• Determine priorities;
• Secure and allocate resources;
• Set standards and guidelines;
• Secure the commissioning of relevant programmes and initiatives;
• Monitor and hold to account its Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB’s); and
• Promote a whole system approach.
The Department is also responsible for establishing arrangements for the efficient and effective management of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. DoH discharges its duties and contributes to its objectives, including the Outcomes in the Programme for Government (PfG), both by direct departmental action and through its 17 ALB’s.
Detailed information on budget, structures and work of DoH is contained in our annual report and accounts at this link:
Why the Department of Health is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
Having hosted an apprentice for the first time in 2021-22, the Department is keen to continue to support this initiative to develop diversity and provide valuable experience for the potential future cadre of publically appointed Board members. Whilst the Department continues to face considerable challenges in terms of its response to the pandemic and re-building of HSC services, the opportunity to join the Departmental Board at this time would undoubtedly be beneficial for a Boardroom Apprentice.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Currently by Videoconference. When circumstances permit meetings are held in our offices in Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Departmental Board meetings are held every 2 months, on a Friday, from 13.30-16.00.
Departmental Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (DARAC) meetings are held quarterly, on a Tuesday, from 09.30-12.30. An additional meeting is usually held in June to focus solely on review of the draft financial statements.
Date of Board Meetings (September 2022 – August 2023)
The following 2022 schedule for the Departmental Board is subject to the ongoing response to the pandemic. Dates for 2023 will not be agreed until late 2022, but that future schedule should be very similar.
Friday 11 February
Friday 8 April
Friday 17 June
Friday 19 August
Friday 14 October
Friday 16 December
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (September 2022 – August 2023)
The following 2022 schedule for DARAC is subject to the ongoing response to the pandemic. Dates for 2023 will not be agreed until late 2022, but that future schedule should be very similar.
Tuesday 8 March
Tuesday 14 June*
Tuesday 5 July**
Tuesday 13 September
Tuesday 13 December
* Annual Accounts items only
** Non-Accounts items only
