01/06/2012

New Director General Appointed For NI Prison Service

The Department of Justice has announced the appointment of a new Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Sue McAllister will take up the post at the beginning of July following a recent open recruitment competition.

Mrs McAllister has 25 years experience in the prison service, including working as a governor of both a prison and young offenders centre.

Justice Minister David Ford met Mrs McAllister this morning and has welcomed her appointment.

He said: "Sue joins the Northern Ireland Prison Service at a crucial stage of the reform programme.

"A number of key milestones have been reached, including the successful launch of the exit scheme with over 150 staff leaving the service, a recruitment competition under way for new Custody Officers and an agreement with the POA on new working practices.

"This is only the start of the reform programme and it is important to maintain the momentum for change that has been established.

"Sue brings a wealth of experience to this demanding post and I know that she is committed to driving forward the change agenda."

Mrs McAllister replaces Colin McConnell who left the Prison Service at the end of May to take up a post as head of the Scottish Prison Service.

(CD)

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