Role of NIJAC Staff

Commissioners are supported in their work by 18 members of staff led by a Chief Executive.  NIJAC’s Chief Executive is Edward Gorringe.

There are three teams within NIJAC:

The Appointments Team

NIJAC has a statutory obligation to conduct an appointments process and to ensure that applicants are appointed on the basis of merit and good character.

NIJAC’s Appointments Team supports Commissioners by:

  • developing and implementing NIJAC’s appointments strategy and policies (ensuring best practice is adhered to);
  • overseeing the co-ordination and administration of judicial appointment schemes;
  • liaising with sponsoring departments in relation to recruitment planning and renewals;
  • advising on assessment and selection methods for each judicial appointment scheme; and
  • providing training, advice and support to Commissioners and Selection Committees.

The Diversity and Communications Team

NIJAC has a statutory duty to engage in a programme of action to ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable to do so, that those appointed to judicial office in Northern Ireland are reflective of the community they serve.

It must also ensure that the widest possible applicant pools are available for consideration for appointment. Additionally, NIJAC has a statutory duty, in partnership with the Department of Justice, for the judicial complement.

The Diversity and Communications Team supports Commissioners by:

  • developing and implementing NIJAC’s Communications Strategy in partnership with the Law Society, Bar Council and other key stakeholders;
  • conducting and commissioning research into the barriers which prevent people from applying for judicial office;
  • maintaining a judicial equity monitoring database to inform the programme of action;
  • promoting and raising awareness of the work of the judiciary and judicial opportunities through events, publications and the Judicial Shadowing Scheme;
  • organising and delivering recruitment campaigns;
  • evaluating recruitment schemes (from advertisement to appointment) and sharing feedback to ensure continual improvement; and
  • liaising with the Department of Justice to agree the judicial complement.

The Governance Team

The Chief Executive, Edward Gorringe, is designated as NIJAC’s Accounting Officer. He is responsible for safeguarding the public funds for which he has charge; propriety and regularity in the handling of those funds and the management of NIJAC.

He also has to ensure that a system of risk management is maintained to inform decisions on financial and operational planning and to assist in achieving objectives and targets. Additionally, he ensures that adequate internal management and financial controls are maintained by NIJAC, including effective measures against fraud and theft.

The Chief Executive is supported in this work by the Corporate Planning, Resources and Governance Team. The Team is mainly responsible for:

  • corporate planning;
  • managing resources (including procurement and payment of suppliers);
  • governance;
  • liaison with OFMDFM;
  • audit and risk management;
  • corporate publications e.g. Annual Report and Accounts, Corporate Plan and Business Plan

Commissioners also support this work through the Business and Audit and Risk Management Committees.