Lay Member appointed to the NI Judicial Appointments Commission

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have appointed Dr Joan Martin as Lay Member to the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC).

The appointment is for a four year term, from 13 May 2021 to 12 May 2025.

Notes to editors: 

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 Chairman who is the Lord 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. Dr Martin is a retired occupational therapist and Educator with substantial experience in the areas of education, regulation and health. She has served on a number of UK and NI Public Bodies including the General Medical Council where she chaired the Fitness to Practise committee that led to the new Medical Practitioner’s Tribunal Service.
5. She also worked for the Council of the Inns of Court (London) where she helped to establish the new Bar Tribunal Adjudication Service to oversee the Fitness to Practise of barristers.
6. Currently Dr Martin is a member of the General Osteopathic Council paying £7500 annually, a panel member of the NI Appeal Service paying £214 daily and the NI Consumer Council paying £111 daily rate.
7. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Dr Martin has not been 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.
9. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office via email: press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

Share this page