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School And Public Health Nurses Association.
The School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan McAuley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 11 February 2026.
Duncan brings extensive leadership experience from the education, charity and community sectors, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Action Foundation, where he provided strategic direction and external leadership for a multi-service organisation supporting children, young people and families. His achievements include leading the renewal and implementation of a five-year organisational strategy, embedding stakeholder consultation and evaluation, and developing new service models and partnerships that expanded reach and impact.
“We are pleased to welcome Duncan as the new CEO of SAPHNA. We are delighted that Duncan’s extensive experience, skills, and vision will help shape the future and continue to advance the charity’s mission and the vital role of school and public health nurses. We look forward to working with Duncan and supporting him in his leadership.
We would also like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Lucy Owen, who has served SAPHNA as the Interim Chief Operating Officer over the past 12 months. During this period, Lucy has provided excellent leadership, commitment, and professionalism, guiding SAPHNA though an important transition and driving the charity forward. We are deeply grateful for Lucy’s
dedication and the valuable contribution she has made. We are also very pleased that Lucy is continuing to support SAPHNA as the Business Manager, a role she expertly delivered prior to the interim COO position.
Our thanks extend to the wider SAPHNA team and community as we both renewed and strengthened the trustee board. We would like to thank them for their hard work and patience whilst the leadership, governance and assurance required to sustain SAPHNA has been undertaken”.
Catherine McEvilly, Chair of the Board of Trustees, SAPHNA
Speaking on his appointment, Duncan McAuley said:
“I am honoured to be joining SAPHNA and to be working with such a committed and skilled community. Attending the December Conference gave me a vivid sense of the energy and ambition within the profession, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been laid to expand SAPHNA’s reach, influence and impact.”
Duncan joined SAPHNA at its Annual Conference in December 2025, where he met members, partners and sector leaders - an experience he described as inspiring and affirming of the profession’s commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
SAPHNA will now move into the next phase of strategic development, with a renewed focus on member support, advocacy, professional development, digital engagement and partnership growth.
Media enquiries:
info@saphna.co
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