Skip to main content
The Executive Office The Executive Office

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • NICS Permanent Secretary appointments announced

    Date published: 10 February 2022

    The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has today confirmed two new appointments to the role of Permanent Secretary following the recent open recruitment competition.

    Neil Gibson will take up the post in the Department of Finance whilst Colum Boyle will fill the forthcoming vacancy in the Department for Communities (DfC).

    Currently EY’s Chief Economist in Ireland, Neil Gibson provides strategic advice, commentary and modelling input as an economic advisor.

    Senior Civil Servant Colum Boyle will return to the Department for Communities following his temporary promotion to Permanent Secretary in the Department of Finance.

    Start dates for both appointments are still to be agreed but will be effective as soon as possible.

    Notes to editors:

    1. The external recruitment competition was advertised on 28 October 2021.
    2. The selection process involved an eligibility sift of applications followed by an interview with the selection panel.  Candidates successful at first interview stage undertook a psychometric assessment and attended a second stage interview (involving a presentation) with the selection panel determining the successful candidates. 
    3. The salary scale for the Permanent Secretary role is £124,282 - £141,866.

    Latest news

    • The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy announce £12.9m investment by Cirdan to drive innovation, skills and create jobs

      5 March 2026

    • Lay Members appointed to the NI Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC)

      3 March 2026

    • First Minister and deputy First Minister unveil memorial plaque for victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse

      20 February 2026

    • First Minister and deputy First Minister welcome Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland to Stormont Castle

      4 February 2026

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens