The Department for the Economy has launched a public appointment
competition to recruit six new members to the Governing Body of
Northern Regional College.
Northern Ireland's six Further Education colleges help people
meet their full potential through the provision of a wide range
of programmes and courses at all educational levels and support
innovation in the business community. In doing so, they
fulfil their dual mandate of social and economic inclusion,
helping to support a productive, thriving economy.
Governing Body members play a key role in supporting colleges to
meet the requirements of both learners and employers. Successful
candidates will have the opportunity to make a significant
contribution to the continuing development of a dynamic, vibrant
further education sector in Northern Ireland.
The Department for the Economy (DfE) is looking for people of
varying backgrounds across the community, voluntary, business or
public sector, who can bring a wide range of skills and
experience to the role. Women, people under 40, people with a
disability and those from minority ethnic communities are
currently under-represented on the Governing Body and
applications from members of those groups would be particularly
welcome. We are operating the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for
applicants with a disability.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on
Thursday 14th May 2026. For more information on the
positions including responsibilities and selection criteria
please download or request an application pack - www.economy-ni.gov.uk/department-economy-public-appointments or
contact DfE Public Appointments Unit by telephone on 02890529461
(Textrelay: 18001 02890529461) or email pau@economy-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. Northern Regional College (NRC) is one of the six further
education colleges in Northern Ireland. Colleges are
non-departmental public bodies of the Department for the Economy,
which are established under the Further Education (Northern
Ireland) Order 1997. The Governing Body of a further
education college is responsible for securing the efficient and
effective management of the college, the provision of suitable
further education to its students and determining the college's
strategic direction. In delivering college services, the
Governing Body takes into account the educational needs of the
business sector and the local community.
2. Further information on the College can be found on its
website Northern
Regional College
3. This is an open competition which involves an application form
and interview. The competition is being run in accordance with
the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland Code
of Practice. Independent assessment, openness and transparency
are integral parts of the process. DfE is also committed to
equality of opportunity for all individuals and applications are
welcome regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability,
religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation,
or whether or not you have dependents.
4. Appointment will be made on merit from those eligible
individuals who best satisfy the four essential criteria –
Leadership and Corporate Governance, Delivering Strategy and
Analytical Skills, Communication and Partnership Working, and
Specialist Skills (selecting one from Sustainability/Green
Economy, or Business Development, or Digital economy including
experience in emerging technologies, or Managing and Developing
People). Individuals are also required to meet an
eligibility criterion that they should be, or have previously
been, engaged or employed in business, industry or any
profession. No specific academic or other qualifications
are required for these appointments.
5. The appointments will be made as soon as practicable for an
initial term of four years. If successful, you can expect to
commit around one day per month to college business. This
includes attendance per year at around six-nine full (evening)
meetings, and dependent on Committee membership, four or more
meetings per Committee. Members will also represent the College
at meetings/public events.
6. The Governing Body member position is remunerated at £250 for
a meeting and £150 for a committee meeting or event sanctioned by
the Chair plus travel and subsistence allowances which are
payable at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates in respect of
activities conducted whilst fulfilling their duties.
