Judith Gillespie

August 2026

As we move into the second half of 2026, I have been reflecting on what has been an exceptionally busy and productive year for the Chief Executives' Forum. I am immensely grateful to our members, Board, staff and partners for their continued commitment to strengthening leadership and collaboration across Northern Ireland's public services.

One of our most significant achievements this year has been the launch of the Landmark – Leading with Peace and Purpose programme. Supported through the PEACEPLUS Programme and delivered in partnership with Cooperation Ireland, Landmark is bringing together senior leaders from across Northern Ireland and Ireland to explore system leadership, build lasting relationships and develop the leadership capability needed to address the complex challenges facing our societies. It represents an important investment in the next generation of public service leadership and we look forward to following the progress of our first cohort over the coming months.

We have also continued our successful collaboration with Ulster University through the EPIC Futures programme. Earlier this year we published Innovations in Policy: Doing Things Differently, showcasing practical examples of innovation from across the public sector. The response has been extremely encouraging, and we are delighted that work is already underway on a further volume, enabling more organisations to share learning and inspire new approaches to public service delivery.

In March, we were delighted to work alongside the Northern Ireland Public Sector Chairs' Forum and SOLACE to deliver our largest ever Northern Ireland Leadership & Governance Conference at La Mon Hotel. With more than 300 delegates attending from across the public, voluntary and private sectors, the conference provided an important opportunity for leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing public services. We were particularly pleased to welcome the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Minister of Finance, whose contributions underlined the importance of strong leadership, effective governance and cross-sector collaboration.

Alongside these outward-facing activities, we have also devoted considerable attention to strengthening the Forum itself. Following a productive Board strategy day in April, we agreed a new Statement of Strategic Purpose:

To strengthen leadership, trust and collaboration across Northern Ireland's public services in order to support better outcomes for citizens and communities.

This is supported by four strategic priorities which will guide our work over the coming years:

• Develop current and future public service leaders.
• Strengthen governance and accountability capability across public services.
• Support collaboration, system leadership, learning and exchange.
• Ensure a sustainable and well-governed organisation.

Our Board also welcomed five outstanding public service leaders as new Directors. I am delighted to welcome:

• Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
• Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive, National Museums NI
• Steve Harper, Chief Executive, Strategic Investment Board
• Stephen Douthart, Chief Executive, Middletown Centre for Autism
• Amanda Stewart, Chief Executive, Probation Board for Northern Ireland

Each brings considerable experience, insight and commitment, and I very much look forward to working alongside them.

At the same time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to our outgoing Board members, who have completed two terms of office:

• Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive, Community Relations Council
• Roger Wilson, Chief Executive, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
• Richard Pengelly, Chief Executive, Education Authority
• Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive, Special EU Programmes Body

Their leadership, wisdom and commitment have made an enormous contribution to the development of the Forum over recent years, and we are deeply grateful for their service.

I am also pleased to welcome Jennifer Glasgow, who has joined our team on secondment from Ards and North Down Borough Council as our new Members Services Executive. Jennifer's appointment strengthens our growing team as we continue to expand the range of support and opportunities available to members.

Looking ahead, we are currently finalising an exciting programme of events and activities for the autumn, which we look forward to sharing with members in the coming weeks. 

To keep up to date with our latest news, events and opportunities, follow us on linkedin, where we regularly share updates, insights and examples of the excellent work taking place across our public services.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chief Executives' Forum. Together, we will continue to strengthen leadership, build trusted relationships and support better outcomes for the people and communities we all serve.