Press release

Reappointment of Independent Reviewer

Secretary of State, James Brokenshire MP, announces reappointment of David Seymour CB as the Independent Reviewer for a further three years.

The Secretary of State, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, has today announced the reappointment of David Seymour CB as the Independent Reviewer of the exercised powers under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.

The Secretary of State said:

The role of Independent Reviewer is vital in securing the confidence in the use of the powers contained in the Act, as well as in the procedures adopted by the Military in Northern Ireland for investigating complaints.

I believe that renewing his appointment is in the public interest. Mr Seymour takes seriously his role in scrutinising the use and impact of the 2007 Act powers and clearly recognises the importance of providing well informed and considered independent review.

Mr Seymour’s appointment will be renewed for a further period of three years from 1 February 2017.

Notes for Editors

Terms of appointment

The appointment is for three years commencing 1 February 2017.

The position is part time with an expected time commitment of 50 days per annum.

Remuneration is £650 per day.

This position is not pensionable.

Background

The role of the Independent Reviewer is set out within the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.

In particular, the Independent Reviewer has a responsibility to review the operation of sections 21 to 32 of the Act and those who use or are affected by those sections; to review the procedures adopted by the Military in Northern Ireland for receiving, investigating and responding to complaints; and to report annually to the Secretary of State.

The Reviewer will act in accordance with any request by the Secretary of State to include in a review specified matters over and above those outlined in Sections 21 to 32 of the Act.

This year’s report will be published in early 2017 and covers the period August 2015 to July 2016.

Biography

David Seymour CB is an experienced lawyer having held posts including Director General of the Attorney General’s Office and Legal Advisor to the Home Office. He has advised successive Home Secretaries on all aspects of Home Office business including terrorism, policing, law and order and national security. He was a member of the Criminal Justice Review in Northern Ireland set up after the Belfast Agreement in 1998 to reform the criminal justice system.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.

Mr Seymour has declared no political activity in the past 10 years.

This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Published 8 February 2017