Public Appointments

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The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is responsible for making appointments to a variety of public bodies, either directly as Ministerial appointments or by way of nomination to the Boards.

The non-departmental government bodies (NDPBs) for which DCAL is responsible for are as follows:-

• Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI)
• Sport Northern Ireland (SNI)
• National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI)
• Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC)

Other bodies are:

• The Governors of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
• Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Management Committee
• Northern Ireland Screen

Apppointments to our NDPBs are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (Northern Ireland) (OCPA NI). The Commissioner has introduced two Kitemarks for use in public appointments competitions. The purpose of the Kitemarks is to certify that such appointments are regulated or monitored by OCPA NI and to heighten public confidence in the public appointments process. The OCPA NI Regulated Kitemark is used for appointments competitions for bodies within the remit of OCPA NI, which are currently all the Department's NDPBs. The OCPA NI Monitored Kitemark is used for appointments competitions in relation to all other bodies that fall within the Department's remit.

Forthcoming public appointments to the Department's bodies are listed twice-yearly in the six-monthly list of public appointments that is published by the Central Appointments Unit (CAU) of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) in the new "All Aboard" newsheet.

The Department is committed to the principle of public appointments made on merit, with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is also committed to equality of opportunity, probity and proportionality.

DCAL has responsibilty for ensuring that the individuals it appoints are committed to the principles and values of public service.

The Department advertises many of its public appointments and is keen to diversify its applicant pool. We are working with both OCPA NI and CAU to achieve this.

Not all appointments are advertised as in some instances there are nominating bodies which have a statutory right to make nominations or where it would not be cost effective.

However, in these cases OCPA NI Principles are still applied. The principles of appointment on merit are:-

Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or other friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.