Search begins for a new Chair and Board Members for the Labour Relations Agency

The Department for the Economy has launched a public appointments competition to recruit a Chair and four new Board Members to the Board of the Labour Relations Agency (LRA).

The LRA is a non-departmental public body with responsibility for promoting the improvement of employment relations in Northern Ireland. The LRA contributes to organisational effectiveness by providing impartial and independent services for promoting good employment practices and preventing and resolving disputes.

The Department wishes to appeal to people of all ages from a wide range of backgrounds and experience and would particularly welcome applications from people with a disability, those from ethnic minorities and young people, as they are currently under-represented on the Board. The Department is operating a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in this competition for applicants with a disability.

We hope this competition will be of particular interest to people who wish to develop their skills as part of a Board and are willing to learn. Previous experience of serving on a Board is not necessary as new appointees will undergo an induction programme, as well as being offered peer support.

The rate of remuneration for the LRA Chair will be £25,234 per annum based on two days’ work per week. Board Members receive remuneration of £5,424 per annum and will be required to attend the monthly Board meeting and undertake other occasional duties on behalf of the LRA. The Chair and Board Members can claim all reasonable travel and subsistence costs while undertaking board duties.

Further information and application packs can be obtained at the  Department for the Economy's website.

This is an open competition which involves a simple application form and interview. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday 19 November 2020.

Notes to editors: 

1. This competition is being run in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
2. The Labour Relations Agency is a public body, sponsored by the Department for the Economy, offering impartial advice to both employees and employers.
3. No specific academic qualifications are required for the posts. Appointments will be made on merit. Applicants are asked to demonstrate in writing four criteria specific to the Chair and Board Member posts. The process will recognise less traditional career patterns and experiences found within the employment field. Candidates may use examples from their working or personal life, e.g. part-time activities or leisure activities, including any voluntary or community work they have been involved in.
4. The Board of the LRA consists of a Chairperson and nine members. Further information regarding the LRA can be found by visiting LRA website.
5. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.
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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.

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