Replacement member of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression appointed
Date published:
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have announced the appointment of Naomi Doak as a member of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.
Naomi will take up her post on 11 August 2026 for a period of five years.
This appointment follows the recent resignation of one of the existing members.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I warmly congratulate Naomi on her appointment to the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression. She brings valuable experience and insight to the Board, as it works to promote respect, understanding and the celebration of the diverse identities and cultures that make up our society.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Naomi’s appointment completes the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression Board, strengthening its independent oversight, accountability, and organisational credibility. We wish Naomi every success in her role and look forward to working with her and the other Board members in the time ahead.”
The First Minister and deputy First Minister announced the appointments in a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly: https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/official-report/written-ministerial-statements/
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
1. The principal aims of the Office of identity and Cultural Expression are:
- to promote cultural pluralism and respect for diversity,
- to promote social cohesion and reconciliation between those of different national and cultural identities,
- to increase the capacity and resilience of people to address issues related to differences in national and cultural identity, and
- to support and promote the celebration of the cultural and linguistic heritage of all people living here.
2. The other members of OICE appointments are remunerated at £2500 per annum. The expected time commitment is approximately 1 day per month for a term of five years with eligibility of one renewal for a second term of office.
3. Although these public appointments are not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPANI), the appointment process for these appointments reflected the spirit of the CPANI Code of Practice. The new Identity and Language Authorities will be added to the schedule of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 when it is next updated.
4. 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. The following political activity in the last 5 years has been declared:
- Naomi Doak – None
5. As portfolio and programme management co-ordinator for Belfast City Council, Naomi Doak has valuable experience in the management of projects. She led on the housing regeneration action plan and worked on the development of the BCC Community Plan, where her role included strategic planning, setting direction and liaising with stakeholders.
6. Media queries should be directed to the TEO press office via email press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.