Press release

SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONERS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the re-appointment of Deirdre Toner as Chair of the Civil Service Commissioners.

This was published under the 2022 Truss Conservative government

This appointment is for a further term of five years ending on 31 May 2028.

Biography

Deirdre Toner’s background is in Senior Leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director positions in the voluntary and public sector, focusing on mental health and community development. A graduate of public policy and later human rights law, Deirdre has over 30 years of experience of leading organisations, and 20 years of board and chair experience in the public sector in health and justice. Deirdre is currently a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Terms of Appointment

  • The position receives remuneration of £16,000 per annum for Chairing Civil Service Commissioner meetings and participation in Commissioner’s business as required by the Civil Service Commissioners (NI) Order.
  • The position is not pensionable.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.

Mrs Toner has declared that she has not been politically active in the last five years.

Regulation

Appointments to the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland are not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Statutory Requirements

Appointments to the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland are made under the provisions of section 36 (1) of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973.

Updates to this page

Published 24 October 2022