4 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
New Commissioner for Victims & Survivors of Troubles appointed
Mr McVey will take up the post on October 6 for a period of four years.
The principal aim of the Commissioner is to safeguard and promote the interests of Troubles' victims and survivors.
The work of the Commission is categorised under three overarching and interlinked areas – addressing the past, effective service provision, and building towards a better and more reconciled future.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'We want to congratulate Joe McVey on his appointment to this crucially important role.
"Victims and survivors deserve a strong, independent voice to ensure their needs are recognised and prioritised and it is vital that we continue to do all we can to support them.
'We are confident that Joe McVey will be a dedicated champion and powerful advocate for the rights and needs of all those who have suffered.'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: 'Ensuring that the needs of victims and survivors is at the heart of our trauma informed, victim-centred service is the key component to this vital work.
'I wish Joe all the best in his new role as Commissioner as he works to ensure that the voices of our victims and survivors are heard loud and clear, and that they have access to the highest quality mental and physical wellbeing support.'
Mr McVey is a former chief executive of Brain Injury Matters BIM (NI), a regional disability third-sector organisation supporting those affected by an acquired brain injury.
Prior to this, between 1999 and 2018 he was the founding partner with Blueprint Development Consultancy working with customers drawn from the public community and voluntary sectors.
He is currently chairman of the volunteering charity VSB Foundation, chairman of the Golden Thread Gallery and a trustee of the Linenhall Library.
In January 2024 Mr McVey was appointed as a non-executive director of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and has served eight years as a commissioner with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. In 2010 he was awarded an OBE for services to the voluntary sector.
Alliance Party MLA Paula Bradshaw said: "As Chair of the Executive Office Committee, I very much look forward to working with Joe McVey as he takes up the role.
"As considerable concerns continue to be raised around the whole legacy process, it is vital that victims and survivors have a voice.
"To that end, this is a long overdue but very welcome appointment."
East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson added: "There have been considerable challenges in filling public appointment positions since the restoration of the institutions, but I am delighted this one has now been filled. This was an absolute priority for all of us.
"Too many victims have been let down by successive failings at Westminster level and delays at Stormont level.
'It is essential, now more than ever, to ensure that the voice of victims is properly heard."
Mr McVey's predecessor, Ian Jeffers, left the post in 2023 to become chief executive of peace-building charity Co-operation Ireland.
