The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) Board has announced the appointment of three Non-Executive members. It is the first time external experts will sit on the Board and the change has been welcomed by existing members.

The new appointees will provide support and challenge to the Service's most senior leaders.

The NICS Board is crucial to the whole system approach needed to support the Executive effectively. It provides strategic leadership to the work of the Civil Service and has oversight of the organisational change underway to enhance delivery and impact. 

The new board members are Patrick Magee, Laura McKeaveney and Frances Ruane.

Welcoming the appointees, Jayne Brady, Head of the Civil Service and NICS Board Chair said: "The Non-Executive Members join us at a pivotal time as we build upon the strengths of the Civil Service. They will support us as we address the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead.

"Making positive change goes beyond individual departments and requires working across organisational boundaries, with a range of people and perspectives. The appointment of external board members is a significant step on our journey of continuous improvement.

"They bring exceptional international experience in key areas of focus for the Civil Service, including strategic organisational transformation, socio-economic policy development and government investment."

Patrick Magee is an expert in investment banking and corporate finance. He was previously Chief Commercial Officer at the British Business Bank plc (the UK Government's Economic Development Bank).  During his tenure, the Bank helped deliver economic growth by supporting over Pound 85billion of investment in UK businesses.   Prior to this, Patrick was a Managing Director at JP Morgan Cazenove.

Laura McKeaveney is internationally recognised for her expertise in Human Resources, organisational development, culture change and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. Her experience includes 25 years at senior global executive levels leading HR and organisational transformation; most recently for Novartis, a leading pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland.

Frances Ruane is an eminent Irish economist and previous adviser to the NI Economy Minister and Scottish First Minister. She currently chairs Ireland's National Competitiveness and Productivity Council which advises the government on economic policy.

The new members will each serve a term of three years, working with the Chair and wider Board, with an immediate focus on preparing the foundations for the return of the Executive and developing and implementing the NICS Board corporate plan.