Policing Board Gets New Chief

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has appointed a new top officer.

Professor Sir Desmond Rea - the Board's Chairman - announced that Adrian Donaldson would take up the job in January.

Sir Desmond said: "The Board is very pleased that Mr Donaldson has accepted the offer to become its new Chief Executive.

"Following a rigorous selection procedure he was appointed after successful interview from amongst a number of able and competent candidates.

"The Chief Executive is responsible for supporting the work of the Board in overseeing policing in Northern Ireland and ensuring that the PSNI is effective, efficient and accountable," he explained.

In addition, Mr Donaldson will be responsible for leading a 60 strong team who support Members and facilitate the smooth running of the Board.

He will also be required to head up strategic planning and policy formulation for the organisation.

Sir Desmond continued: "Policing remains very much in the spotlight with the recent announcement on the process to facilitate future devolution of policing and justice which will be a key piece of business in the coming months.

"Another critical issue is of course current and future police funding so there is no doubt that this is a challenging role. We are very much looking forward to working with the new Chief Executive, Mr Donaldson."

Mr Donaldson was previously the Chief Executive of Castlereagh Borough Council.

(BMcC/KMcA)