Lay Magistrate Commissioner appointed to the NI Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC)

1. The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC) was established on 15 June 2005 under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 as amended by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004. On the devolution of policing and justice powers in April 2010 the remit of the Commission was further expanded and NIJAC is currently responsible for selecting and appointing, or recommending for appointment, applicants in respect of all listed judicial offices up to and including High Court Judge.

2. The Commission comprises a Chair who is the Lady Chief Justice and 12 other members:-

• five Judicial Members;
• two Legal Profession Members (a barrister nominated by the General Council of the Bar and a solicitor nominated by the Law Society); and
• five Lay Members (Recruited by an open competition regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI.)

3. The Executive Office holds sponsorship responsibility for the Commission and the 2002 Act provides for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to appoint Commissioners.

4. Mrs McRoberts is employed in Local Government and is currently on secondment to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.  With over 30 years dedicated service in the public sector, Mrs McRoberts has a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of community and public service. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, colleagues and community members, fostering strong, positive relationships, improving community engagement, more effective public services, successful problem-solving initiatives and a greater sense of trust and cooperation within the community.

5. Mrs McRoberts has been serving as a Lay Magistrate since 2004, sitting in the Magistrate Courts of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, in Dungannon, Omagh, Enniskillen and Strabane in both the Youth and Family Courts.  Mrs McRoberts sits, on average, about twenty sittings per year.

6. Mrs McRoberts serves as a Trustee of her local church.   She was elected to serve on the Congregational Church Committee, serving for several years as committee secretary.  

7. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Mrs McRoberts has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

8. Remuneration will be made in accordance with the Commission’s fees schedule attracting a daily rate of £338.