New Prisoner Ombudsman is announced

Date published: 01 November 2024

Justice Minister Naomi Long has today announced the appointment of Darrin Jones as the new Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

New Prisoner Ombudsman Darrin Jones

The Prisoner Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners and visitors, as well as deaths in custody in Northern Ireland.

The appointment was made following an open competition and Mr Jones will take up office on 1 November 2024 for a term of three years. 

Ms Long said: “I would like to congratulate Darrin on his appointment as Prisoner Ombudsman. The Ombudsman plays a key role in the criminal justice system, ensuring independent and impartial investigation of eligible complaints and deaths in custody, instilling confidence in our prison system, and I wish him every success in this challenging role.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, who was appointed Interim Prisoner Ombudsman while the process for a new appointment for a substantive Prisoner Ombudsman was undertaken.

“With her support, the important work of the Prisoner Ombudsman’s Office continued until an appointment could be made.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Ombudsman is completely independent of the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

2. Whilst this is a ‘non-regulated’ public appointment, it was run in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments CPANI Code of Practice.

3. There is no automatic reappointment to the role and therefore, should the Prisoner Ombudsman wish to serve a second term, they are required to reapply for the role.

4. Remuneration for the role is fixed for the term of appointment at £67,256 per annum. The post holder will be required to work a four-day week.

5. Appointment of the Prisoner Ombudsman is made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

6. Pen picture: Mr Jones has just completed 32 years in policing, gaining extensive operational experience in a challenging environment and commanded both Derry city and Strabane and Belfast at the rank of Chief Superintendent. He has successfully delivered numerous significant events and incidents with human rights, procedural fairness and objectivity applied consistently throughout his planning and delivery. 
As PSNI business and maritime lead, he has experience of effective collaboration and strategic stakeholder engagement. Throughout his career, he continually championed community policing and accredited community based restorative justice practice.
He was awarded the King's Police Medal for exemplary service in the King's birthday honours of 2023. He is a graduate of University of Ulster and holds a post graduate diploma in Leadership from Queen's University. There are no declarations of political activity.

7. Press queries about this publication should be directed to the DoJ Press Office via press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk

8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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