Lay Member appointed to the NI Judicial Appointments Commission

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. Mr Douglas had 15 years' experience as a senior manager within the Police Service of Northern Ireland before his retirement.  He developed strategies to reduce crime and help build safer communities.  He was previously Vice Chair of the NW Community Safety Partnership; a partner in the Western Investment for Health Forum; a Council Lay member for the Pharmaceutical Society for Northern Ireland and a non-executive Director for the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

5. He also holds a non-executive role for the Probation Board (NI) and a monthly fee of £300 is payable.  In addition to this, Mr Douglas serves as a non-executive representative with the Patient & Client Council and a monthly fee of £300 is payable.  Mr Douglas also serves as a non-executive director on the NI Environment Agency for which a daily rate of £516.38 is payable.

6. 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.  Mr Douglas has not been engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

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

8. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office via email: press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk.