Notice to former Northern Ireland Civil Service staff
Date published:
This notice contains references to sexual abuse and safeguarding concerns and may be distressing for some individuals. Information on available support is included below.
Following the conviction of Jeffrey Donaldson for rape, indecent assault and gross indecency against two women when they were children, the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has commissioned a scoping exercise relating to the period during which he served as a Junior Minister in the former Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) between February 2008 and July 2009.
The purpose of the exercise is to establish whether any current or former member of NICS staff may have experienced abuse or inappropriate behaviour during that period. It also provides a safe, confidential and supported opportunity for current and former NICS staff to share information if they wish to do so.
The exercise is being conducted by a small number of Senior Civil Service HR and legal officials and will take a trauma-informed approach throughout. Its findings will be reported directly to the Head of the Civil Service, and it is expected to conclude before the end of September.
Current NICS staff have been advised of these arrangements. This notice is intended to ensure that former members of staff are aware of the arrangements that have been put in place should they wish to share information relevant to the exercise.
How to share information
A dedicated confidential telephone line and mailbox have been established for current and former NICS staff who may wish to provide information relevant to the exercise.
- Phone: 028 9027 7662
- Email: nicshrconfidentialreporting@finance-ni.gov.uk
The telephone line and mailbox are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Contacts will be managed by a small number of appropriately briefed HR managers, who will respond sensitively and consistently and explain the options available. Any contact made through this route will be handled with care, sensitivity and respect.
Providing information is entirely voluntary. Individuals can decide whether to make contact and the extent of any information they wish to share.
Current or former staff who wish to do so may also report concerns or information directly to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Confidentiality and handling of information
All information received as part of the exercise will be handled sensitively, securely and on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with the NICS's legal obligations relating to data protection, confidentiality, records management and information governance. Information will only be shared with the PSNI or another appropriate authority where this is required by legal, safeguarding or other statutory obligations.
Support and wellbeing
The subject matter of this notice may be difficult or distressing for some people, including those who have experienced abuse, inappropriate behaviour or trauma at any point in their lives.
Support is available regardless of whether an individual wishes to provide information as part of the exercise.
Individuals may wish to seek support through their GP or relevant support organisations.
Information on support services is available on the nidirect website.
Further information
The Terms of Reference for the scoping exercise.