Department of Justice launches search for new Psychiatry Parole Commissioners

The Department of Justice is seeking to appoint Psychiatry Commissioners to the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland (PCNI.)

PCNI is an independent body, critical to the process of deciding whether offenders who are eligible for parole are safe to release back into the community.  Public protection is always paramount and robust risk assessment is the key to making a decision on potential release.

Parole Commissioners consider case documents and provide direction for or against a prisoner being released.  Each case completed attracts a set payment related to the nature of the case.  The projected caseload for each commissioner in the coming years is between 25-35 cases per annum however the exact number of cases cannot be guaranteed and may be higher or lower subject to operational demands.

The vacancies are in the Psychiatry field and anyone who believes they have the necessary attributes and experience to make a positive contribution to the work of the Parole Commissioners is encouraged to apply.

All applicants must meet the following essential criteria: Team working; Analytical Thinking; Judgement and Decision Making; Expertise; Planning and Organisation; and Communication.

The Commissioners are based in Laganside Courthouse, Belfast. 

The Candidate Information Pack and Application is available at the publication section of this website.

Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 24th March 2023. 

For more information Email

By telephoning:   028 9052 0114 or 028 9052 3173

Notes to editors: 

1. 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.  They 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.

2. Commissioner appointments are for a three-year term and subject to security clearance.

3. 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.

4.  All media enquiries should be directed Press Office via Email. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 028 9037 8110 and your call will be returned

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