Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has confirmed the reappointment of Paul Cummings as Independent Chair of the Health and Social Care Pension Board (HSCPB). The new term runs from 1 July 2026 until a date no later than 30 June 2030.

The role attracts remuneration of £436 per day, with an annual time commitment of between 10 and 20 days. The Department of Health stated that while the appointment process is not formally bound by the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland, it was carried out within the spirit of that code.

The HSCPB was established in 2015 under the Public Service Pensions (Northern Ireland) Act 2014 and related regulations. Its function is to assist the HSC Pension Scheme manager in securing compliance with governance and administration legislation. The board comprises the Independent Chair plus 12 other members, split equally between employer representatives and scheme member representatives.