It has been announced by Robin Masefield, the Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, that Phil Wheatley CB has been appointed as a non-executive member of the Management Board of the Northern Ireland Prison Service with effect from 16 January 2010.

In 2003, he was appointed Director General of Her Majesty’s Prison Service, the first Director General to have started his career as a prison officer. On 1 April 2008, the Prison Service merged with the National Probation Service to create the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), which he has since led as Director General.

In commenting on the appointment, Robin Masefield said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Phil Wheatley has agreed to become a non-executive member of our Management Board. His expertise and breadth of experience will be of invaluable assistance to NIPS managers.”

This appointment is in line with the Pearson Report, published in June 2009, which recommended that “the contribution of Non Executive members of the NIPS Management Board should be maximised and consideration given to increasing the number of Non-Executive Directors”.

Mr Masefield also announced that Ruth Laird is stepping down as a Non-Executive Director, also with effect from 16 January 2010. This follows from her recent appointment as a Parole Commissioner.

Robin Masefield paid tribute to Ruth Laird’s contribution:

He said; “Ruth has been a Non-Executive Director since September 2005. She has made a tremendous contribution, both personally and professionally. In particular, she provided the Service with expertise and insights in key areas such as human resources, diversity and change management.”

The Prison Service is currently looking for a third Non-Executive member. The vacancy is being advertised through the Whitehall & Industry Group. The skills and attributes sought will be complementary to the other two members.

The other serving Non-Executive Director is Sid McDowell CBE, who took up appointment on 1 December 2004.

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