New victims commissioner appointed for Northern Ireland

Joe McVey will start the role in October for a period of four years

A new commissioner for victims and survivors in Northern Ireland has been appointed.

The first minister and deputy first minister said Joe McVey would take up the post on 6 October for four years.

Mr McVey, a former chief executive of Brain Injury Matters (NI), was awarded an OBE for services to the voluntary sector.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said they were confident Mr McVey would be a "dedicated champion and powerful advocate for the rights and needs of all those who have suffered".

O'Neill congratulated Mr McVey on his appointment, and said victims and survivors deserved a "strong, independent voice to ensure their needs are recognised and prioritised".

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "Ensuring that the needs of victims and survivors is at the heart of our trauma informed, victim-centred service is the key component to this vital work."

The principal aim of the commissioner is to safeguard and promote the interests of victims and survivors. The work is categorised under three areas - addressing the past, effective service provision, and building towards a better and more reconciled future.

The position is full time for a term of four years with eligibility of one renewal for a second term of office, subject to satisfactory performance. The salary is £79,237 per year.

The last victims commissioner Ian Jeffers stepped down at the end of 2023. He took up the post the previous year.