Minister re-appoints Northern Ireland Higher Education Council chairman
Mr Tony Hopkins CBE was today re-appointed as the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council, (NIHEC).
The announcement was made by Employment and Learning Minister, Angela Smith, who congratulated Mr Hopkins on his re-appointment and paid tribute to his work, saying:
“I would like to thank Tony for his commitment and industry. Over the past four years, his leadership, vision and expertise have been invaluable to NIHEC and I look forward to his continued contribution to the work of the Council.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Council currently comprises a non-executive Chair, and thirteen non-executive members: -
Chairperson;
4 Representatives from the Northern Ireland Higher Education Sector;
2 Academics from Great Britain;
1 Academic from the Republic of Ireland;
5 Representatives from the Northern Ireland Business/Industry and Wider Public Sectors; and
1 Representative from the Learning and Skills Advisory Board.
2. The Northern Ireland Higher Education Council is a non-executive advisory body, established back in 1993. The Council provides advice to the Minister with responsibility for Employment and Learning, on issues pertaining to strategic priorities, strategic funding issues and policy and planning for all aspects of Higher Education in Northern Ireland.
3. The appointment was made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s (OCPA NI) Code of Practice.
4. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.
5. The Chairperson of the Council receives an honorarium of £10,830 per annum and can receive reasonable travel and subsistence payments for attending meetings.
6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.