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The Department of Justice is seeking to appoint a Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI).

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners, visitors to prisoners, and deaths in Prison Service custody in Northern Ireland.

The position plays a key investigative role in the criminal justice system and is vital in helping to ensure widespread confidence in the prison system.

The successful candidate will bring an essential wealth of experience, professionalism and knowledge to this demanding post. They will have a successful track record built on productive leadership and management, relevant professional knowledge and experience in delivering or performing investigatory processes, along with effective communication and negotiation skills.

The Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is appointed for a term of three years. The maximum number of terms that the Prisoner Ombudsman can serve is two. There is no automatic reappointment to the role and therefore, should the Prisoner Ombudsman wish to serve a second term, they are required to reapply for the role.

The post holder will be required to work a four day week. The post will be remunerated on a fixed point within the range £59,525 and £67,298 (pro-rata and under review).

Candidate information packs and applications forms are available on the DOJ website at Competition for Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland | Department of Justice (justice-ni.gov.uk)

We particularly welcome applications from women, people under the age of 40, individuals from a minority ethnic community and people with a disability.

THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 12 NOON (UK LOCAL TIME) ON MONDAY 06 NOVEMBER 2023. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on Monday 27 November 2023 and Tuesday 5 December 2023

Further information and an application pack can be downloaded direct from:
Competition for Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland | Department of Justice (justice-ni.gov.uk) or by emailing: poni.appointments@justice-ni.gov.uk

or by telephoning: 028 9052 6496

or by writing to: PONI Competition 2023, Department of Justice, Public Appointments, Room B5.12, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG.

Candidate information packs and application forms can be provided in alternative formats 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. In keeping with the NICS Policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would also welcome applications from those not currently serving on public bodies.