The Department of Education has launched a combined public
appointments competition to appoint four members to the Council
for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) and two
members to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).
This will also include nine appointments to the Diocesan
Education Committees (DECs) located in; Armagh (three members);
Clogher and Kilmore (two members); Derry (one member); Down and
Connor (two members); and Dromore (one member).
Launching the competition, Education Minister said: "These roles offer people
a unique opportunity to help shape the future direction of
education in Northern Ireland.
"Serving as a board member of CCEA or CCMS is a chance to bring
your professional expertise, provide strategic leadership and
independent challenge, and play a meaningful role in that work."
CCEA is the main education body in Northern Ireland setting
educational standards and is responsible for the curriculum,
examinations and qualifications. CCEA is responsible for keeping
under review all aspects of the curriculum, examinations and
assessment for schools including developing, conducting and
moderating qualifications and assessments, and developing
resources to support the implementation of the curriculum.
Acting as non-executive members, the council member's role is to
provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight, helping
to set the organisation's direction, monitor performance, ensure
accountability and good governance, and support CCEA in
delivering its responsibilities for curriculum development,
examinations, assessments and qualifications in Northern Ireland.
CCMS is a DE sponsored non-departmental public body, and is
responsible for developing and promoting, in conjunction with the
Trustees of Catholic maintained schools, quality education within
the Catholic maintained sector. CCMS DECs are committees of
CCMS which have responsibility for the Catholic maintained school
sector. DECs provide advice to the CCMS Council regarding
its policies and implementation and exercise many of the
Council's operational and representational responsibilities.
The Council member's role is to contribute to the development of
the CCMS strategy; ensuring that it is consistent with the
Minister's priorities and DE aims and objectives. It will
challenge and support the decision-making processes of the
Council; and contribute to the work associated with the discharge
of CCMS's statutory functions.
The Minister continued: "My vision is for a modern,
forward-looking education system, underpinned by sustainable
funding, robust evidence and evaluation, and informed by
international best practice. If you share this vision and want to
make a positive difference for children and young people, I
encourage you to apply."
Details on the selection criteria, the role responsibilities and
time commitment are set out in the Information Booklet which is
part of the application pack: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-opportunities
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4.00pm BST on
Thursday 17 September 2026.
Notes to editors:
1. The competition will reflect the principles and practices of
the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPANI) Code of
Practice. The appointment will be made on merit, and political
activity plays no part in the selection process.
2. Application packs can be made in a different format e.g. large
print. CVs and late applications will not be accepted.
