Education Minister has announced the appointment of
Mr to the post of Chairperson of
the Board of the Education Authority (EA) with effect from 1
January 2025.
Welcoming the appointment, said: “I am pleased to
make this appointment today as brings a wealth of expertise
and experience to this role at a critical moment as we seek to
transform our education system for the next generation. He has a
sound understanding of the education landscape and an
appreciation of the values that underpin the work of the
Authority.
“Delivering this transformation will require exceptional
leadership. There could be no-one better placed to drive forward
our agenda than Mervyn, and I look forward to working with him as
we make real and impactful change to the lives of children, young
people and their families in Northern Ireland.”
The EA is a non-departmental body sponsored by the Department of
Education. It is responsible for ensuring that efficient and
effective primary and secondary education services are available
to meet the needs of children and young people, and support for
the provision of efficient and effective youth services
The Minister continued: “Having served as a member of the
Board of the Education Authority since May 2022, Mervyn has
developed an in-depth understanding of the significant
operational challenges that the EA is facing, not least in terms
of the delivery of Special Educational Needs provision.
“Mervyn's insight and knowledge of the Education system
and coupled with his strategic vision and people-focused
leadership will drive the EA forward at a time of change. I am
confident that Mervyn will be able to build on existing
long-standing relationships with key stakeholders and be able to
provide invaluable advice and support to the senior leadership
team with EA.”
concluded: “I would also
like to thank the outgoing Chairperson, Barry Mulholland, for his
dedication and service. I am grateful to him for providing
leadership, dedicated service and commitment since 1 January
2021, during a significantly challenging period for the
organisation and the education system as a whole.
“In particular, I appreciate his efforts in leading the
EA Board in taking the difficult decisions needed during the
Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently the constrained budgetary
environment.”
Notes to editors:
- The Education Authority (EA) came into operation on 1 April
2015 and replaced the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs)
and their Staff Commission.
- The constitution of the EA Board is set out in the Education
Act (NI) 2014. The Board comprises a Chairperson appointed
by the Minister and 20 members who are nominated by a range of
interests i.e. there are 12 members representing the trustees of
maintained schools, transferors of controlled schools,
Irish-Medium schools, integrated schools, voluntary grammar
schools & controlled grammar schools, and 8 political members
who are nominated by the relevant political parties.
- The Chairperson appointment will commence on 1 January 2025
for a four-year term (unless terminated before that time). The
annual remuneration for the Chairperson post will be in the range
of £50,000-£60,000 plus travel and subsistence allowances.
- This competition was widely advertised including in the
Public Appointments section of NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/government/public-appointments
- These appointments have been made in accordance with the
principles and practices of the Code of Practice of the
Commissioner for Public Appointments. Appointments are made
on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection
process. However, the Commissioner requires the political
activity of appointees to be published.
- Mr Storey has declared that during the last five years he has
undertaken political activity on behalf of the Democratic
Unionist Party. He has been a Causeway Coast and Glens
Councillor for the Ballymoney District Electoral Area since
2022 and was an MLA (2003-2022). Mr Storey currently holds
two other public appointments. He is a member of the Education
Authority Board, for which he receives £8,800 and will step down
from upon taking up the role of Chairperson. He is also Chairman
of the Northern Ireland Police Fund for which he receives £6,000.
