Competition launched for an Independent Chairperson for the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue (NISAR) Practitioners Group
Date published:
The Department of Justice has launched a competition to appoint a successor independent chair to the NISAR Practitioners Group.
The NISAR Practitioners Group represents those involved in the provision of frontline search and rescue services and includes representatives of a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations.
It is led by an independent Chair who is also responsible for representing the Practitioners Group at meetings of the NISAR Policy Group. The Policy Group comprises those with a strategic interest in search and rescue and is chaired by the Department of Justice. The NISAR Practitioners Group has responsibility for advising the NISAR Policy Group on all operational search and rescue issues.
Announcing the competition, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: Search and rescue services play a crucial role in saving lives here. The groups involved are made up of volunteers embedded in local communities and who selflessly give their time to help others.
“The Practitioners Group represents the wide range of organisations involved in the delivery of operational search and rescue provision. I want to encourage anyone who feels that they have the required skills, and who is interested in enhancing this service, to consider applying for this appointment.
Outgoing Chair Simon Hutchinson said: “Over the past number of years, the NISAR Practitioners Group has grown into a respected, collaborative forum bringing together organisations and individuals, both voluntary and statutory, committed to saving life. The group has played an important role in sharing learning, strengthening partnerships, and promoting good practice across the search and rescue community.
“As I step down as Chair, this presents an exciting opportunity for new leadership to build on a strong and well‑established foundation. The next Chair will help guide the group through an evolving risk landscape, support effective collaboration across agencies, and ensure the practitioners’ voice continues to inform and influence search and rescue activity across Northern Ireland.
“I would strongly encourage individuals with a passion for partnership working, operational learning, and public safety to consider applying. This is a rewarding role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of search and rescue.”
NISAR welcomes applications from individuals with a range of skills and experiences and who are motivated to support life‑saving activity across Northern Ireland
The position is not remunerated and is for a fixed term of three years with the possibility of reappointment for a further three years. The Department of Justice will pay reasonable travel and subsistence expenses, at civil service rates.
The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 21st August 2026. Interviews will be held in September. The appointment is expected to be made in September 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Information on NISAR and the work of the organisations it represents is available on this website.
- The position is not remunerated and is for a fixed term of three years with the option of reappointment for a further three years. The Department of Justice will pay reasonable travel and subsistence expenses.
The Department of Justice is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether you have dependents.
- All applications for appointment will be considered strictly on merit. In keeping with the NICS Policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would also welcome applications from those not currently serving on public bodies.
- Further information on the role, and the application form are available at the publication section of this website.
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