Minister appoints a new Chairperson to the Board of the Education Authority
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the appointment of Mr Mervyn Storey to the post of Chairperson of the Board of the Education Authority (EA) with effect from 1 January 2025.
Welcoming the appointment, Paul Givan said:
“I am pleased to make this appointment today as Mervyn Storey brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this role at a critical moment as we seek to transform our education system for the next generation. He has a sound understanding of the education landscape and an appreciation of the values that underpin the work of the Authority.
“Delivering this transformation will require exceptional leadership. There could be no-one better placed to drive forward our agenda than Mervyn, and I look forward to working with him as we make real and impactful change to the lives of children, young people and their families in Northern Ireland.”
The EA is a non-departmental body sponsored by the Department of Education. It is responsible for ensuring that efficient and effective primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people, and support for the provision of efficient and effective youth services
The Minister continued:
“Having served as a member of the Board of the Education Authority since May 2022, Mervyn has developed an in-depth understanding of the significant operational challenges that the EA is facing, not least in terms of the delivery of Special Educational Needs provision.
“Mervyn’s insight and knowledge of the Education system and coupled with his strategic vision and people-focused leadership will drive the EA forward at a time of change. I am confident that Mervyn will be able to build on existing long-standing relationships with key stakeholders and be able to provide invaluable advice and support to the senior leadership team with EA.”
Paul Givan concluded:
“I would also like to thank the outgoing Chairperson, Barry Mulholland, for his dedication and service. I am grateful to him for providing leadership, dedicated service and commitment since 1 January 2021, during a significantly challenging period for the organisation and the education system as a whole.
“In particular, I appreciate his efforts in leading the EA Board in taking the difficult decisions needed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently the constrained budgetary environment.”
Notes to editors:
- The Education Authority (EA) came into operation on 1 April 2015 and replaced the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and their Staff Commission.
- The constitution of the EA Board is set out in the Education Act (NI) 2014. The Board comprises a Chairperson appointed by the Minister and 20 members who are nominated by a range of interests i.e. there are 12 members representing the trustees of maintained schools, transferors of controlled schools, Irish-Medium schools, integrated schools, voluntary grammar schools & controlled grammar schools, and 8 political members who are nominated by the relevant political parties.
- The Chairperson appointment will commence on 1 January 2025 for a four-year term (unless terminated before that time). The annual remuneration for the Chairperson post will be in the range of £50,000-£60,000 plus travel and subsistence allowances.
- This competition was widely advertised including in the Public Appointments section of NI Direct.
- These appointments have been made in accordance with the principles and practices of the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner requires the political activity of appointees to be published.
- Mr Storey has declared that during the last five years he has undertaken political activity on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. He has been a Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor for the Ballymoney District Electoral Area since 2022 and was an MLA (2003-2022). Mr Storey currently holds two other public appointments. He is a member of the Education Authority Board, for which he receives £8,800 and will step down from upon taking up the role of Chairperson. He is also Chairman of the Northern Ireland Police Fund for which he receives £6,000.
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