Dodds announces public appointment extensions

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has made extensions to the terms of office of Governing Body (GB) members across five further education colleges.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds

Belfast Metropolitan College

The tenures of two GB members, Wendy Gillies and John McGrillen, have been further extended for six months from 1 February 2021 to 31 July 2021.

Northern Regional College

The tenures of two GB members, Isobel Allison and Gillian McConnell, have been further extended for three months from 1 May 2021 to 31 July 2021. 

North West Regional College

The tenures of two GB members, Gavin Killeen and Samuel McGregor, have been further extended for six months from 1 February 2021 to 31 July 2021. The tenure of a further member, Martin O’Kane, has been further extended for four months from 1 April 2021 to 31 July 2021. In addition, Dr Nigel Hand has accepted an extension to his first term of appointment from 9 January 2021 to 30 June 2021.

Southern Regional College

The tenures of Andrew Saunders, Chair of the GB, and one GB member, Gordon Gough, have been further extended for six months from 1 February 2021 to 31 July 2021. The tenure of a further member, Nicola Wilson, has been further extended for three months from 1 May 2021 to 31 July 2021.

South West College

The tenures of four GB members, Margaret Martin, Monica McGeary, Gerard O’Hanlon and Michael Skuce, have been further extended for six months from 1 February 2021 to 31 July 2021. The tenure of a further member, Peter Archdale, has been further extended for three months from 1 May 2021 to 31 July 2021. 

The extensions were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors: 

1. Further education colleges are non-departmental public bodies of the Department for the Economy 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. Remuneration for GB members:

• The post of Chair is remunerated at a rate of £20,000 per year plus travel and subsistence allowances;
• The post of GB 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.
• Travel and subsistence allowances are payable at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates in respect of activities carried out whilst fulfilling their duties.

3. All appointments 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. The individuals whose terms are being extended have all declared no political activity.

4. Pen pictures are available on the DfE website.

5. Follow us on Twitter at @Economy_NI 

6. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.

7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page