Minister announces the appointment of the Northern Ireland Advisor on employment and skills
26 September 2008
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today announced that Bill McGinnis has been appointed as the Northern Ireland Advisor on Employment and Skills.
This is a new, part-time appointment and will run from 1 October 2008 until 30 September 2011.
Welcoming Mr McGinnis to his new position, the Minister said: “Bill will act as a public champion of employment and skills issues within industry, business and government. He has a wealth of experience in this area and this will be invaluable to help promote a collaborative approach between government and business, especially small and medium sized businesses, to create a shared vision of the employment and skills landscape that meets mutual aims.”
As part of his new role Mr McGinnis will also undertake the role of Northern Ireland Commissioner on the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and represent Northern Ireland’s interests. Commenting on this role, Sir Reg added: “As the new Northern Ireland Commissioner Bill will provide a voice for the Northern Ireland business community, raising issues effectively to the UK Government and giving clear advice on developing policies and measures, including Welfare to Work policies. His position will ensure that the UK Commission takes full account of Northern Ireland’s employment and skills issues and the devolution considerations when making recommendations.”
Mr McGinnis is Chair of the McAvoy Group (Off-site building solutions). He is currently a board member of Tourism Ireland and Chair of Air Route Development Ltd. Upon appointment Mr McGinnis will be stepping down from his position of non-executive director of the Department for Employment and Learning. Mr McGinnis was previously Chair and Managing Director of Sperrin Metal Ltd., a board member of Invest Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Chair of the Learning and Skills Advisory Council and the Training and Employment Agency. He was also a Belfast Harbour Commissioner.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1.The appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s Code of Practice.
2.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 to be published. The successful appointee has declared no political activity.
3.The role of the Adviser is to provide sound advice on skills and employment issues to the Minister for Employment and Learning, as well as other key partners and to act as a public champion of these issues within industry, business and government. The Adviser will also take on the associated role of Northern Ireland Commissioner on the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
4.This appointment is made on a part-time basis. The Adviser is paid a set non-pensionable salary of £25,000 per annum.
5.Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872
6.Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via paper number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
