*Closes 10th July*

Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland were first appointed in 1923 and derive their powers from prerogative Orders made by the Secretary of State. They are appointed by the Crown to uphold the principle that selection for appointment to posts in the Northern Ireland Civil Service should be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
The Civil Service Commissioners (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, sets out the principle that “a person shall not be appointed to a situation in the Civil Service unless the selection was made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.” The Order gives Commissioners the responsibility to maintain this important principle, known as ‘The Merit Principle’.
The Order provides for the Commissioners to discharge their responsibilities by:
  • publishing and maintaining a Recruitment Code setting out the essential principles and  procedures on which recruitment to the Northern Ireland Civil Service must be based;
  • making General Regulations prescribing certain ’Exceptions’ to the principle of selection on merit on the basis of fair and open competition;
  • approving the procedures for appointment through open competition to senior positions in the Northern Ireland Civil Service;
  • auditing the recruitment policies and practices followed by Departments and Agencies in making appointments to the Northern Ireland Civil Service, to ensure that they meet the Commissioners’ requirements in regard to the Merit Principle; and
  • requiring Departments and Agencies to publish information about their recruitment activity.

Civil Service Commissioner for Northern Ireland

Time commitment Adhoc
Remuneration £300 per day
Length of term Five years
Application deadline Midday on 10 July 2026

 

The Role
In addition to safeguarding an impartial and independent NICS, Commissioners have a role in hearing appeals made by existing civil servants under the NICS Code of Ethics, a copy can be found at: Code of Ethics.
The role of Civil Service Commissioner is challenging but a rewarding opportunity that calls for someone with good judgement, resilience and sensitivity who can promote the highest standards in public life. All Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland are expected to:
  • contribute to establishing the overall strategic direction of the work of the Commissioners;
  • adopt collective responsibility and decision-making in a way that is open and transparent and in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, regularly placing in the public domain information about their activities and publishing an annual report;
  • exercise their role in accordance with any protocols, guides and frameworks they have collectively agreed;
  • adopt and adhere to any government policies and guidelines as required, in particular Information Security, Internet and e-mail usage, data handling and gifts and hospitality policies and procedures;
  • in reaching decisions, take into account any relevant guidance issued by the sponsor department;
  • seek to preserve the reputation and independence of the Commissioners and to ensure they do not misrepresent the views or actions of the Commissioners;
  • act at all times in a corporate manner and follow the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (see Annex A).
The Commissioners have no executive or managerial responsibility for the day-to–day work of the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
Commissioners are appointed individually by Royal Warrant and sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).

 

In order to apply, you will need to create an account or sign in. Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions by the closing date of Friday 10 July 2026 at 12 noon.

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed below, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

For your application to be properly considered by the Panel you must provide:
  • A supporting statement of no more than 1000 words summarising your proven ability related to the essential criteria and person specification. Your statement should provide specific and detailed examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria (including what you did to achieve a specific result);
  • A full CV (including education and professional qualifications, career history, and relevant achievements and responsibilities);
  • Diversity / Equality Information; and
  • Information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
You will be asked to check and confirm your personal details to ensure that your application is accurate and will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application. If you require any adjustments or have any questions about the process, please contact the team at CSC2026@nio.gov.uk.
Completed applications should be submitted by the closing date of Friday 10 July 2026 at 12 noon. Late applications will not be accepted.