Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice’s term extended for a further two years
The Northern Ireland Justice Minister has extended the term of office of the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for a further two years to help maintain “continuity” during the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jacqui Durkin was initially appointed on November 30, 2019, for a period of three years. She will now remain in office until November 29, 2024, as the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) looks to “re-energise its agenda for reform”.
The CJI recently published its latest annual business plan with the aim of delivering “performance improvement and better outcomes” across the criminal justice system (see https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/cji-outlines-plans-for-strategic-and-operational-improvement-across-justice-system/).
Ms Durkin said: “I welcome the Minister of Justice’s decision to extend my current term as Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice and look forward to further developing my relationship with the organisations and agencies that CJI inspects, our inspection partners and those from the voluntary and community sector who contribute to the criminal justice system.
“As pandemic recovery continues, the CJI team and I are committed to the delivery of independent and impartial inspections and reviews focused on a better criminal justice system for all those in contact with and who work in it.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am extending this appointment due to a range of factors, including the need for continuity as we seek to recover the criminal justice system and re-energise our agenda for reform.
“I am grateful to the Chief Inspector for committing to a further period of service.”
Ms Long said the appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland Code of Practice and attracts an annual salary of £112,542.