Competition for Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland launched

Justice Minister Claire Sugden has today launched a competition to recruit a number of new Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland.

Parole Commissioners consider the release and recall of prisoners serving life sentences and public protection sentences and make recommendations and directions as appropriate.

The vacancies are across two categories of Commissioner:  Legal and Psychiatry/Psychology.

Launching the competition, Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: “The Parole Commissioners play a critical role in making a judgement on the level of risk associated in releasing offenders back into the community. 

“These are extremely important positions and we are seeking applicants who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to these appointments as well as the necessary high degree of independence and robust professionalism. 

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in criminal justice, who believes they have the necessary attributes and experience, to apply.”

Notes to editors: 

1.  View the candidate information packs and applications forms

2.  Copies are also available as follows:-

            Telephone: 028 9052 6196

            E-mail

By writing to:

3.  The Parole Commissioners were established on 15 May 2008 through the renaming of the Life Sentence Review Commissioners (LSRC) under Article 46(1) of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 and are required by legislation to decide on the release of life sentenced prisoners, prisoners serving indeterminate custodial sentences and prisoners serving extended custodial sentences and whether those released on licence should be recalled.

4.  The Commissioners are based in Laganside Court, Belfast.

5.  The vacant posts will be available from early 2017 and will be for the period ending 8 September 2019.

6.  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 or not you have dependants.

7.  All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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