The Department of Justice (DoJ) is seeking to appoint an Independent Chair to the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue (NISAR) Practitioners Group.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will commence duties from end-October 2025, subject to pre-appointment checks. The appointment is for a fixed term of three years with the option of reappointment for a further three years.
The Northern Ireland Search and Rescue Practitioners Group has responsibility for advising the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue Policy Group on all operational Search and Rescue issues. Further information on the work of NISAR can be found at www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-search-and-rescue
It is expected that the successful individual will be required to dedicate approximately one day a month to the tasks associated with the position. This includes chairing the triannual Practitioners Group meetings, attending the triannual Policy Group meetings, responding to correspondence on behalf of the NISAR Practitioners Group and representing NISAR interest at the UK Search and Rescue Operators meetings.
The individual appointed to this post must be independent. Therefore, the appointee should not be or have been involved in the provision of Search and Rescue in Northern Ireland either currently or within the last twelve months.
The position is not remunerated. The DoJ will pay reasonable travel and subsistence expenses, at NI Civil Service rates.
Essential criteria – experience of: Setting Direction, Delivering Results and Engaging People.
A candidate information pack and an application form can be obtained as follows:-
Website: Download directly from the Public Appointments page on the DoJ website:
E-mail: DOJSMSearchand.RescueMailbox@justice-ni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9052 0061
Writing to: NISAR Chair Recruitment, Operations and Resilience Planning Branch, Department of Justice, Room 8, Block 4, Knockview Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SL.
THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 12.00 NOON ON THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2025. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. INTERVIEWS ARE ANTICIPATED TO TAKE PLACE FROM 15 SEPTEMBER TO 26 SEPTEMBER 2025.
The candidate information pack and application form can be provided in alternative formats and applicants requiring assistance will be facilitated on request.
Equality of Opportunity
The Department of Justice is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants.
We particularly welcome applications from females, people with a disability, and people from minority ethnic communities. In keeping with the NICS Policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would also welcome applications from those not currently serving on public bodies.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON MERIT.
