New public appointments commissioner for NI announced

Claire Keatinge is to be the new public appointments commissioner for Northern Ireland

Claire Keatinge is to be the new public appointments commissioner for Northern Ireland.

The role has been vacant since May 2021, after Judena Leslie's term in the job ended.

Northern Ireland has about 1,400 public appointments, ranging from unpaid boards of further education colleges to many high-profile paid positions.

The commissioner's role is to ensure that certain standards and principles are met in how these appointments to public bodies are made.

Former commissioner for older people

Claire Keatinge will take up her post on 22 August 2025 for a period of five years.

Appointing a person to the role requires approval from the first and deputy first ministers.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "As guardian of the public appointment process, Claire will provide a key role in constructive challenge and guidance to government departments to ensure that public appointments are based on merit and with proper regard to equality, diversity and inclusion."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, and we are confident that this will enable her to provide strong, independent oversight of our public appointments process and deliver maximum impact in the years ahead."

Claire Keatinge is the former Older People's Commissioner for Northern Ireland.