Long launches competition for Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime
Date published:
A public appointment competition for a Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland has been launched.
Launching the recruitment process, Justice Minister Naomi Long said:
“The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland is an important new role that will promote the interests of victims and witnesses of crime and raise awareness of matters relating to the interests of victims and witnesses.
“This is a challenging and demanding position with a public profile that requires a high calibre individual with appropriate skills and experience.
“The successful candidate will be the voice for victims and witnesses of crime and will provide leadership and influence that will achieve positive change for victims and witnesses.”
The competition will run in parallel with the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill, which includes provisions to establish a statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland.
The Bill is due to be introduced to the Assembly before the summer recess with a view to it becoming legislation before the end of the current mandate.
The Commissioner will provide an independent, public voice and will seek to promote the interests of victims and witnesses of crime and to raise awareness of matters relating to the interests of victims and witnesses of crime.
The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the development of policies and legislation with a view to addressing the needs and rights of victims and witnesses of crime.
They will also monitor compliance of relevant organisations with the Victim and Witness Charters.
The Minister continued:
“The launch of the appointment competition for this new position marks a significant step forward for victims and witnesses of crime.
“I would like to encourage all those who feel they can fulfil this important role to make an application before the deadline of 12 noon on 5 June 2026.”
The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime is a full-time post for a four-year term.
The remuneration for the position is on the Senior Civil Service Grade 5 scale, i.e. £88,268 - £97,070. The post holder is able to avail of a contributory pension scheme.
Notes to editors:
1. On the 11 March 2026 the Department of Justice published a new strategy, performance framework and action plan for improving the Criminal Justice experience for all Victims and Witnesses of Crime. A commitment stating legislation to improve victim experience through the establishment of a statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime is included in the action plan (Pillar 4: Objective 1; Action 2) as well as a commitment to implement provisions of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill to establish a statutory Commissioner with an effective range of powers and duties to ensure victims’ rights and interests (as informed by their experiences) are promoted and upheld (Pillar 4: Objective 3: Action 2).
2. The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill will include provisions for the establishment of a Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland including a range of duties and powers. The Bill will also include duties for Charter Service Providers to provide data to show compliance with Charter entitlements.
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