Archibald reappoints members to the governing bodies of Belfast Metropolitan, Southern Regional and South West Colleges

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced the reappointment of three members to the Governing Bodies of three Further Education colleges.

Mr Stuart Harper has been reappointed with effect from 29 September 2026 to Southern Regional College.

Mrs Maureen Brunt has been reappointed with effect from 29 September 2026 to South West College.

Mr Bill Montgomery has been reappointed with effect from 05 October 2026 to Belfast Metropolitan College

All three reappointments are for a period of four years.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland - www.publicappointmentsni.org/publications/code-practice-ministerial-public-appointments-northern-ireland

Notes to editors

1.  Pen pictures are available on the DfE website - https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/reappointments-governing-bodies-belfast-metropolitan-college-southern-regional-college-and-south-west-college-pen-pictures

2.  BMC, SRC and SWC are three 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 considers the educational needs of the business sector and the local community.

3.  The post of governing body member is remunerated at £250 for a governing body 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.

4.  All appointments/reappointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. None of the individuals has undertaken any political activity in the last five years.