First Minister and deputy First Minister launch competition to appoint non-judicial member of the Truth Recovery Redress Service
Date published:
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have launched a competition to appoint a non-judicial member of the Truth Recovery Redress Service.
The competition marks a significant step towards the establishment of a new Redress Service to administer a standardised payment redress scheme for those whose lives have been impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions and Magdalene Laundries.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“The appointment of the non-judicial member marks an important milestone in establishing the Truth Recovery Redress Service and ensuring it is shaped by the voices, needs and experiences of victims and survivors.
“Nothing can undo the suffering experienced by women, girls and their children. This process is about truth, acknowledgement and recognition. It is essential that those who come forward are met with dignity, compassion and a trauma-informed approach.
“The non-judicial member will have an important role in helping ensure the service delivers on those principles.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“We fully appreciate that no payment can erase the grief, loss, separation or trauma endured by victims and survivors. These payments are not about financial compensation but provide tangible recognition from the Executive of the lifelong consequences for women and their children who were in these institutions.
“The Truth Recovery legislation provides safeguards to ensure that the Redress Service operates fairly and independently, and the non-judicial member appointed to the new body will have a key role in this.”
The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill recently completed its legislative stages in the Assembly. When it becomes law, the Truth Recovery Redress Service will be established to receive, process and determine applications for payment from those admitted to (or born in) a relevant institution, or the eligible relatives of deceased persons.
The Redress Service will consist of at least two judicial members, appointed by the Lady Chief Justice, and at least one non-judicial member appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
For more detailed information and how to apply for the post of non-judicial member, please go to: https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/
Completed application forms must be returned no later than 12 noon on Friday 14 August 2026.
Notes to editors:
1. Further information about the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill is available here - Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill
2. This post is a part-time appointment for up to five years. The non-judicial member will be expected to be available to sit a maximum of five days each calendar month. A daily rate of £500 will be paid. The post is not pensionable.
3. To apply please go to: https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/ - alternatively an application pack can be requested by contacting: HRConnect PO Box 1089, Beacon House, 27 Clarendon Road, Belfast, BT1 9EX. Telephone: 0800 1 300 330 or email recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net All requests must include your name, address and reference number IRC324851.
4. 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 and the principles of the Guaranteed Interview Scheme will be applied for such applicants.
5. It is anticipated that interviews will be held in Belfast from 14 October 2026.
6. TEO is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. TEO is committed to providing equality of opportunity and welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependents.