Competition launched for independent members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board
Date published:
The Department of Justice has launched a recruitment competition to appoint six independent members to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
From this competition, three will be appointed on 1 December 2026 and three will be appointed on 1 April 2027. The terms of appointment are up to four years.
The Northern Ireland Policing Board, which includes ten political members and nine independent members, is responsible for ensuring the provision of an effective, efficient, impartial and accountable police service in Northern Ireland, and for holding the Chief Constable to account for the exercise of his functions and those of the police.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Independent members bring a wide range of skills and experience to the Policing Board.
“The Board plays a vital role in ensuring that there is a high quality, open and transparent process of accountability for policing in Northern Ireland and independent members make a very valuable contribution to that.
“Independent members are crucial to maintaining and expanding support for the rule of law across society. I would encourage anyone who feels that they have the required skills, and who believes that they can contribute to the important work of the Policing Board, to consider applying for this role.”
Board members are required to commit a minimum of four days per month (under review) to Policing Board business and perform a representative role on behalf of the Board at a variety of events. Remuneration is £15,000 per annum.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
You can find out more information about the role and the work of the Northern Ireland Policing Board by watching footage of Policing Board meetings via the NI Policing Board YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/nipolicingboard) and by visiting the NIPB website (www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/).
Notes to editors:
- Candidate information packs and applications forms are available at: www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/recruitment-independent-members-northern-ireland-policing-board
- Copies are also available as follows:
Via email: nipb.appointments@justice-ni.gov.uk or by writing to:
NIPB Independent Members 2026,
Block 3, Knockview Buildings,
Stormont Estate,
Belfast
BT4 3SG - The appointment dates for the six successful candidates will be 1 December 2026 (x3) and 1 April 2027 (x3).
- The time commitment required is a minimum of four days per month (under review) including evenings and weekends as required. The remuneration is £15,000 per annum. Travel and incidental expenses will be reimbursed for costs necessarily incurred on Policing Board business.
- The Northern Ireland Policing Board takes its powers from the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 as amended by the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003 and has 19 members in total: 10 political; and 9 independent members, including a Chair and a Vice Chair appointed by the Board from among the independent members.
- The procedure for these appointments is compliant with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
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