Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has appointed three non-executive members to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. Colin Reid joins as a non-executive registrant member. Colm Donaghy and Frederick Smyth join as non-executive stakeholder members. All three terms started on 1 April 2026 and run until no later than 31 March 2030.

Nesbitt also extended the term of existing member Gerard Guckian. That extension began on 1 May 2026 and ends no later than 31 August 2026.

The positions require at least two days per month and pay £7,404 annually. Appointments follow the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland's code of practice. The council registers social workers, social care practitioners and students. It sets conduct standards and supports professional development.

The board has a chair and eight non-executive members under the Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001. Members represent lay, stakeholder and registrant interests equally.

Nesbitt launched the 'This is our health' engagement programme to build a shared understanding between citizens and the health system. He visited the Lesley Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey for an event to hear public views.

The programme seeks input on staying healthy longer, health service guarantees and citizen actions to support services. It forms part of the Reset Plan's prevention strategy and the Neighbourhood Model of care.

Events will occur across all Northern Ireland counties until the end of June. Formats include in-person sessions in public spaces and community groups, plus digital, social media and online questionnaire options.