The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Northern Ireland interests are fully and effectively represented at Westminster and the heart of Government, and the Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland.
Our key purpose is to ensure good political governance by working alongside the Northern Ireland Executive to help improve the effectiveness and delivery of the devolved institutions; to ensure a more secure Northern Ireland; deliver a growing economy including rebalancing the economy; ensure a stronger society by supporting initiatives designed to build better community relations and a genuinely shared future.
The Northern Ireland Office employs just under 200 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. Staff are recruited directly and on loan or secondment from other Whitehall departments and the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
In addition to the core Department, there are a range of matters that are dealt with through a network of associated bodies which operate independently of Government. These differ considerably from each other in terms of their formal status, intended purpose, statutory or other responsibilities, and the degree of independence from Government and size.
In partnership with the Irish Government we also co-sponsor the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains and provide support for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat.
Why the Northern Ireland Office is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
The Northern Ireland Office is a leader in promoting inclusion, equality and diversity and is committed to supporting learning and development to enable our people to do their jobs to the best of their ability and to develop the necessary skills for the present and future. We, therefore, welcome this opportunity for a Boardroom Apprentice as it is consistent with our ethos and will have a positive impact on increasing participation in public life from a wide range of underrepresented groups.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Board and Committee meetings are held in either London or Belfast or can be accessed remotely.
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Board meetings held quarterly with Executive Committee meetings held every month, except for months when the Board meets, and the Audit & Risk Committee meets at least four times a year. The Board and Committees meetings are usually scheduled for the second Thursday of the month with timings is usually in the range 11.00-14.30.
Date of Board Meetings (September 2022 – August 2023)
8 September 2022, 8 December 2022, 9 March 2023 and 8 June 2023
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (September 2022 – August 2023)
ExCo – 13 October 2022, 10 November 2022, 12 January 2023, 9 February 2023, 13 April 2023, 11 May 2023, 13 July 2023 (TBC).
Audit Committee – 22 September 2022, 19 January 2023 (TBC). Meetings in April and June 2023 TBC.
