The First Minister and deputy First Minister are seeking to appoint Lay Members to the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC).
NIJAC is a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) established on 15 June 2005 under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act, as amended, to enhance an independent process for the appointment of judicial office holders to courts and tribunals.
As a Lay Member of NIJAC you will play a full part in the activities of the Commission.
This will include leading in the design and development of the selection schemes and taking part in shortlisting, interviewing and giving feedback to candidates. You will also lead on and contribute to the work of the Commission’s committees and sub committees to support the strategic direction and management of the Commission, monitor performance and support the Chairperson to ensure NIJAC’s business is carried out within its statutory authority.
We are looking for individuals who can make an effective contribution to our Board based on their skills and experience. There are no specific qualifications required to apply for this position. However, it is a requirement that Lay Members should be committed to nonviolence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; and they must never have held a protected judicial office or be (or have ever been) a barrister or a solicitor.
In the past financial year NIJAC has delivered 14 Recruitment and Selection schemes and made 44 recommendations for appointment to the Courts and Tribunals. NIJAC has also carried out 22 renewals of appointment.
This is a four year term. The expected time commitment amounts to approximately 24-36 days per year (2-3 days per month). The posts carry a remuneration of £338, daily rate (currently under review). Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates.
For more detailed information on the position, the selection criteria and how to apply, please click APPLY NOW.
Alternatively you can request an application pack by contacting:
HRConnect, PO Box 1089, Beacon House, 27 Clarendon Road, Belfast, BT1 9EX.
Telephone: 0800 1 300 330.
Email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net
All requests must include your name, address and reference number IRC312451.
The material will also be made available, on request, in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audio etc. All reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants/candidates with a disability. A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for those applicants with a disability.
Completed application forms must be returned to arrive not later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 2nd May 2025.
It is anticipated that interviews will be held in Belfast during weeks commencing 16th and 23rd June 2025.
Equality of Opportunity: The Executive Office is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. We are also committed to equality of opportunity and welcome application forms from all applicants irrespective of religious belief, gender, race, political opinion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether or not they have dependants.
We particularly welcome applications from women, people with a disability, those from ethnic minorities and those representing the views of young people as these groupings are currently under-represented on the Commission.