Reappointments to the Labour Relations Agency Board

21 November 2007

The Department for Employment and Learning today announced two reappointments of members to the Board of the Labour Relations Agency.

Mrs Norma Heaton and Mrs Patricia O’Farrell have been reappointed to the Board for the period 1 December 2007 to 30 November 2010.  Mrs Heaton and Mrs O’Farrell were first appointed to the Board in December 2004.

Mrs Heaton is a senior lecturer in Human Resource Management at the University of Ulster and has taught there since 1990.  She has extensive knowledge of employment legislation, familiarity with relevant academic work and practical experience of employment relations. She also has a substantial record of research and publication in areas such as gender in the labour market and workplace partnerships.  She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD) and a member of the Higher Education Academy (formerly Institute of Learning and Teaching).

Mrs O’Farrell has over 30 years experience as a teacher, head of Department and team leader in secondary and grammar schools.  She has long been a member of the Irish National Teachers organisation and recently has been vice-chairman and chairman successively of the Northern section of that organisation.  She is currently a member of the CCEA council of the NI Teachers Council for which she receives no remuneration.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Labour Relations Agency was established in 1976 by the Industrial Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 as an independent body responsible for promoting the improvement of employment relations in Northern Ireland.  Board membership currently attracts remuneration of £4,950 per annum.
  2. The reappointments were made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s Code of Practice.  
  3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the appointments process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for political activity of the appointee (if any declared) to be published.
  4. No political activity was declared by either of the appointees.
  5. The Chairman of the Board of the Labour Relations Agency is Mr Patrick McCartan.  Other Board members are Dr B Black, Ms J A Clarke, Mrs B Maitland, Mr Gordon Milligan, Mr J McCusker Mr P Williamson and Mr R Ward.
  6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 90257872.
  7. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.