Leading NI cancer charity appoints new Director as part of strategic growth

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of a new Director of Policy, Research and External Affairs to help develop and grow the charity’s position as the leading local cancer charity voice in effecting public policy.

Nora Smith, the charity’s newest member of the senior management team, brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience across the charity sector alongside a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and systemic change. Her previous successes have centred on amplifying underrepresented voices and creating fairer, more inclusive systems. She has achieved this through lobbying for policy reform, leading research that reflects lived experience, and building trusted relationships across government and civil society. When not influencing politicians and senior government officials, Nora shares a home with her partner Michael, two stepsons, and their much-loved pets.

Commenting on her decision to join Cancer Focus NI, Nora said:

“I believe that meaningful change only happens when people come together with purpose and integrity and I see that with Cancer Focus NI. Since the charity launched their new strategy in 2023, I have watched them continually commit to their vision of creating a society where people can live their most fulfilled lives with access to world-leading, equitable cancer support, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and research. In just two short years, the charity has opened a new Cancer Support Centre, funded and launched Northern Ireland’s first Secondary Breast Cancer Audit, and released a Manifesto to see Northern Ireland smokefree by 2035. I believe now is an exciting time to join Cancer Focus NI and I look forward to meeting with colleagues, clients, and partners in the coming weeks and months.”

Speaking about the announcement, Richard Spratt, Chief Executive at Cancer Focus NI said:

“You only need to look at Northern Ireland’s cancer waiting times to see that immediate change needs to happen, alongside forward strategic planning and investment, to see the requirements of local cancer patients met in a fair and timely manner. The recruitment of a Director of Policy, Research and External Affairs builds on our charity’s legacy of work in the field and reaffirms our key role as the secretariat of the All-Party Group on Cancer at Stormont. Nora’s work will ensure that local knowledge and lived cancer experiences are heard and used to help shape campaign and lobbying efforts while influencing effective public policy and practice. With Nora’s seasoned passion for collaboration, we warmly welcome her to the team and look forward to seeing how she will enhance Cancer Focus NI’s reputation locally and nationally at such a pivotal time for our charity.”

Each year, Cancer Focus NI helps over 43,000 people with cancer prevention services and support over 4,000 people across a range of free-to-access cancer services such as counselling, family support, and bra and swimwear fitting. In May 2025, the charity proudly opened their first Regional Cancer Support Service in Enniskillen with exciting plans to launch four more across Northern Ireland in the coming years.