Lay Member
Career and Experience
Mrs Deirdre Toner has over 35 years of experience as a Senior Leader, leading organisations in public sector, health and justice sector and 25 years of Chair and Board member experience in health trusts, regulatory bodies, policing, mental health, health inequality and rights based organisations. As a graduate /postgraduate in Public Policy and human rights law, Deirdre has a keen interest in supporting organisations that promote good governance, public accountability and improving life chances. Deirdre lives in Newry near her grown up family and volunteers locally with bodies representing vulnerable groups.
Period of Appointment and Remuneration
Mrs Toner was appointed on 25 February 2026 for a term of five years. A daily rate of £355.25 and a half-day fee of £177.63 (4 hours or less) are payable. An hourly rate of £44.41 is payable for Commission activities other than attendance at scheduled meetings and attendance at training, conferences, outreach and diversity events.
Other Public Appointments and Remuneration Received:
Deirdre is the Chair of the Civil Service Commission NI which is remunerated at the rate of £16,000 per annum with a commitment of 1 day per week and serves as an Independent panel member with the General Optical Council which attracts a daily rate of £427 and has a time commitment of 1 day per month.
Political Activity
None