Launch of recruitment competition for a Chair to the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC)

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a recruitment campaign to appoint a Chair to the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC).

Minister Kimmins said: “Belfast Harbour is a leading Trust Port and the North's principal maritime gateway and key economic hub for logistics, trade and tourism. This key post offers an excellent opportunity for an individual to make a real and valued impact as the Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners whose role will involve bringing experience and judgement to bear on issues of strategy, governance and performance. 

“I would encourage anyone who considers that they meet the criteria for this post and believes that they can make a positive contribution to the work of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners to apply.”

The time commitment for the post will be approximately two business days per week. The Chair will be expected to attend all Board meetings and other ad hoc meetings as required.

The appointment will be effective from 1 July 2025 for a four year term.

Applications will be welcomed from all sections of the community.

Women, younger people, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minority communities are currently under-represented on DfI Boards. Applications from members of these groups would be particularly welcome. 

Competition information and documents are available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies or at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/dfi-public-appointments.  

Closing date for applications is Noon Friday 4 April 2025.

Alternatively contact the DfI Public Appointments Unit:

• In writing to James House, Gasworks Site, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, Belfast BT7 2JA
• By Telephone. 028 9054 0994  - Text relay service 18001 028 9054 0994
• By e-mail. Send your request to: publicappointmentsunit@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Around 70% of Northern Ireland's seaborne trade and 30% of the entire island's roll-on/ roll-off trade is handled at Belfast Harbour, amounting to around 24 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
2. The Chair will receive remuneration of £58,539 and reasonable travel and subsistence costs.
3. DfI is running the recruitment competition in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.
4. The appointment will be made on merit and political activity will play no part in the selection process.