DR COLIN SULLIVAN

CLASS OF 1981

Chief Executive, UK Human Tissue Authority

I greatly enjoyed my time at Belfast High, getting involved in many aspects of school life. With my siblings also attending, the school played a central role in our family for well over a decade. Looking back, Ardilea was a great haven from “The Troubles” and a joined-up campus for learning and recreation. Many teachers influenced my formative years, not least Mr Devine. His enthusiasm for physics sparked an interest in me and I applied to study optometry. Fascinated by light and optics, I worked hard, obtaining a First before starting in the NHS at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital and continuing my studies to complete a PhD at Aston University.

I gained experience of leading clinical colleagues and really enjoyed team working. This led me to full-time NHS management and then the Civil Service, where I have relished the rich variety of roles that public administration can offer, working with professionals, politicians and the general public. That included reforming the health and social care system in NI and then leading health projects (for UKG, EU and World Bank) in over 30 countries, some in challenging locations (e.g. Gaza Strip, Ukraine, East Timor and Tristan da Cunha). I have also worked on social security delivery in a demanding leadership assignment during the 2008 economic downturn, with 4,500 staff in 40 different NI locations, following which I was asked to lead the NI roll-out of the new Universal Credit benefit.

From 2013, as Deputy Secretary for Strategic Policy and Reform at the Department of Finance, I worked closely with Ministers in the NI Executive whilst leading on public sector reform and one of the Executive’s primary economic initiatives, the devolution of Corporation Tax. In that role, I also created the NI Public Sector Innovation Lab and was tasked with establishing the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Public Inquiry.

More recently, with the advent of hybrid working, I have served on a UK-wide basis, firstly as Chief Operating Officer at the Food Standards Agency and, now, in the field of health regulation as Chief Executive of the Human Tissue Authority. I have found taking opportunities for multiskilling has been important to increase career flexibility and, overall, I have been fortunate to enjoy a varied career, involving significant travel, whilst still living close to BHS and with a daughter at the school.

I distinctly remember my final day at Belfast High. Assembly was led by Mr Dunlop and, as Head Boy, I was asked to read a lesson from Ephesians which proposes “putting on the full armour of God.” As we set off on our various life adventures, this was good advice from a school which has helped develop the values, behaviours, competence and confidence of so many.