13 March 2026
Last week we celebrated International Women’s Day showcasing inspirational women from across Business Services Organisation (BSO).
Following this, we are delighted to announce that Melissa Cochrane (Head of Programme Delivery, ITS) won the Transformational Leader of the Year award at the Women in Business Awards last night.
Melissa deserves this award for her individual excellence and outstanding leadership in driving digital transformation across the public sector. Her exceptional vision, strategic focus and ability to deliver impactful digital services have transformed how healthcare operates regionally.
Under Melissa’s leadership, BSO has delivered some of the most significant digital advancements in Northern Ireland, positioning the organisation as an exemplar, often envied by peers across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Melissa leads with positivity and energy, inspiring and innovating to create lasting organisational transformation.
Her supportive and hands‑on leadership style has had a transformative impact on her teams and the wider organisation. She leads by example, guiding highly technical teams through complex challenges with positivity, collaboration and compassion.
On receiving her award Melissa said, “I am absolutely honoured to have received this award. It still hasn’t quite sunk in!
A huge thank you to Women in Business NI, the judges, BSO, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. This recognition isn’t just mine — it reflects the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, learn from, and lead alongside.
I especially want to acknowledge the female leaders who have inspired me, encouraged me, and shown me what strong, authentic leadership truly looks like. Women who lift others up, challenge the status quo, and create space for real transformation. Your influence has shaped my journey more than you know.
To my colleagues, mentors, friends, and the brilliant teams I’ve worked with: thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and pushing me to be better every day. Transformation only happens when people come together with purpose — and I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by the very best.
Here’s to all the women driving change across Northern Ireland and beyond. Let’s keep raising each other up and making an impact where it matters.”
Many congratulations Melissa on this fantastic achievement.
For more information on the work that Melissa leads, please follow the link: https://bso.hscni.net/directorates/digital/
