New watchdog confirmed for public appointments in North after four-year vacancy

By Rebecca Black, PA

A new watchdog for public appointments in the North has been announced following a four-year vacancy.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said Claire Keatinge has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

The former Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland is set to take up the role later this week for a five year term.

Judena Leslie was the most recent Commissioner for Public Appointments in the region until May 2021.

Ms O’Neill described the role as “very important and challenging”.

“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,” she said.

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “Given the substantial responsibilities carried by Arm’s Length Bodies in Northern Ireland, the Commissioner will ensure that the process for Board Level public appointments here is fit for purpose.

“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.”

SDLP Sinead McLaughlin questioned why the appointment had taken so long to make.

“It is frankly unacceptable that it has taken the First and deputy First Minister more than four years to make this appointment,” she said.

“In the four years without a Commissioner, more than 360 public appointments have been made without the proper independent oversight that should be in place. That is not something I am comfortable with, nor should it be acceptable to those who lead our political institutions.”