25th July 2024
PRISONER OMBUDSMAN FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
The Department of Justice is seeking to appoint a Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
The Ombudsman has oversight of 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, leading and oversight of 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 and remuneration for the position is £67,256.
Candidate information packs and applications forms are available on the DOJ website at Recruitment Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman | 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 THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on w/c Monday 23 September 2024
Further information and an application pack can be downloaded direct from: Recruitment Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman | Department of Justice (justice-ni.gov.uk) or by emailing: prisoner.ombudsman.appointment@justice-ni.gov.uk
or by telephoning: 028 9052 6496
or by writing to: Prisoner Ombudsman NI Competition 2024, 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.
25th July 2024
29th May 2024
Community Planning conference highlights success of collaborative working
Causeway Coast and Glens Community Planning Partnership has hosted an event to showcase their recent achievements and share examples of how collaborative working between partners has benefited citizens in the Borough.
The conference, held at the Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine at the end of May, included two practical case studies, delivered in collaboration with partners in the public, private and community and voluntary sectors.
Members of the Community Planning Partnership were delighted to hear from the Chief Executive of one of our statutory partners, Grainia Long from Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Drawing from her diverse experience across the public bodies and charities, Grainia spoke of the importance of acknowledging the journey of community planning to date and the challenges that each partner can face, but also highlighting that these are not insurmountable.
She focussed on what can be achieved by taking a problem-solving approach, taking calculated risks, and having the appropriate experts in the room to work innovatively and creatively to overcome barriers.
The then Mayor Councillor Steven Callaghan welcomed the progress to date saying: “Working with partners in the Borough is key to ensuring we support our communities effectively, thank you to Causeway Coast and Glens Community Planning Partnership for arranging this collaborative showcase event.”
Speaking on behalf of the Anti-Poverty Steering Group, Louise Scullion, Council’s Community Development Manager and Ricky Wright, CEO and founder of Vineyard Compassion provided examples of what had been achieved through collective action, including the ‘Where to Turn’ campaign and grants to assist those experiencing food or fuel insecurity or loneliness.
Marc McGerty from Council’s Labour Market Partnership highlighted the extensive work that had been undertaken by the group. Between 2023 and 2024, the LMP has enabled 383 people to work towards achieving a qualification, with 131 gaining employment or promotion.
Community Planning Partnership Chair Councillor Dermott Nicholl and Vice Chair Vince Redmond PSNI added: “Working collaboratively with our statutory partners and action leads ensured that the day was a great success, with positive feedback from those in attendance noting that the day had left them enthused and reinvigorated about the future of community planning within the Causeway Coast and Glens area.”
For more information on support available visit: https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/advice-services
Council’s Where to Turn leaflet can be downloaded here:www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
Pictured at the Community Planning conference in the Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine are (L-R) Elizabeth Beattie, Head of Policy and Community Planning, CCGBC; Marc McGerty; Labour Market Partnership Manager, CCGBC Louise Scullion, Community Development Manager, CCGBC; Gary Mullan, Community Planning Officer, CCGBC; Grainia Long, Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Ricky Wright, CEO and founder of Vineyard Compassion and Bebhinn McKinley, Community Planning Officer, CCGBC.
Julie Welsh, Head of Service for Community and Culture, CCGBC; Louise Clarke, Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Elizabeth Beattie, Head of Policy and Community Planning, CCGBC and Pat Mulvenna, Director of Leisure and Development, CCGBC at the Community Planning conference.
Members of the Causeway Community Planning Strategic Partnership at the Community Planning conference which took place at the Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine.
Leah Glass, Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trust; Avril Sharkey, Department for Communities; Simon Sloan, Department for Communities; Michael McCafferty, PCSP Officer, CCGBC; Liam Hinphey, Age Friendly Coordinator, CCGBC; Elizabeth Craig, Multi-Disciplinary Team; Bronagh Crory, Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Roger Downey, Sport & Wellbeing Development Unit Manager, CCGBC.
10th April 2024
100 Big Lunch Vouchers available to celebrate communities and volunteers in June TheBigLunch.com
Residents, groups and schools across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to come together and sign up for this year’s Big Lunch annual celebration of neighbourhood and communities in June. It’s a great way to recognise and celebrate your volunteers.
Those who register for a free Big Lunch pack at TheBigLunch.com could also be in with a chance of winning one of 100 £20 shopping vouchers to help get their party started and you do not need to be a constituted group or organisation to take part.
Even if you chose to join in by bringing a few neighbours together for a cuppa, everyone is invited to join in at TheBigLunch.com where they can download free resources and top tips. Pop your event on the interactive map before Friday May 10th, whether your event is a huge gathering or just a few people, you could win one of 100 £20 food vouchers.
Grainne McCloskey, Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, the charity behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit makes a huge difference in helping a neighbourhood thrive and we want to encourage everyone to join in this year in your own way. Whether it is a few neighbours gathering in a kitchen or on the street or a group celebrating its volunteers and shining a light on their progress this year, we want to hear from you. The Big Lunch can also be a great fundraiser, just download the free tools at thebiglunch.com and drop your plans for June onto the map.
“The Big Lunch is about food, friendship and fun. People are the key ingredient, and we all have something to share. Organising something simple and low-cost increases belonging and can help new neighbours feel welcome in their new community. It’s also a great way to celebrate the people who volunteer their time throughout the year to have a positive impact where they live and can also be a simple fundraiser that reaches beyond your usual group.”
The Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery, and supported by Iceland The Food Warehouse and Greene King, is part of Month of Community, with organisers encouraging neighbourhoods and groups across Northern Ireland to hold a Big Lunch event to bring their community closer together, fundraise for a good cause, reduce loneliness, spend some time in a local green space or simply get to know each other better.
The winners of the food vouchers will be picked at random from all those registered on the interactive Big Lunch map but hurry and register your details as the competition closes on Friday May 10th.