Latest news with #JayneBrady
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Investigation into why top civil servant was replaced
An investigation is taking place into the circumstances in which the Department of Education's permanent secretary was replaced in November 2024. BBC News NI understands the investigation is being undertaken by a senior legal figure from Scotland. It was commissioned by the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady. A permanent secretary is the most senior non-political official in a government department, effectively the department's chief executive. Who is Mark Browne? Mark Browne held the role of permanent secretary for a number of years, including a period when the Stormont Executive had collapsed. In the absence of a functioning government at Stormont from February 2022 until January 2024, departments were run by senior civil servants. As permanent secretary for education, Mr Browne had to make a number of difficult decisions on cuts in the absence of a minister. But in November 2024 Education Minister Paul Givan informed the chairman of the Stormont's Education Committee, Alliance assembly member Nick Mathison, that a temporary permanent secretary was being put in place. The former head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, subsequently became the acting permanent secretary at the Department of Education. Why was Mark Browne replaced? That is what members of Stormont's Education Committee have been trying to find out. According to correspondence seen by BBC News NI, the committee had a number of questions about the change at the top. In a letter to Givan on 10 January 2025, Mathison, as the committee chair, asked "why there is a vacancy." He said the committee also wanted to know "what difficulties may have arisen, what implications these may have and how they may be resolved." In his reply to the committee, the minister said moves at permanent secretary level were made by the head of the Civil Service (HOCS), a position currently held by Jayne Brady. But in a further letter to Givan in February, the committee sought "further clarification on senior staffing issues." "The committee is concerned about the adequacy of governance checks and balances," Mathison wrote. "The committee's letter of 10 January asked 'why there is a vacancy.'" "The committee considered that your reply of 21 January did not answer this question, and the committee agreed to ask you the question again." Givan responded to that letter on 25 March, in which he said he "noted" the concerns of the committee. He again said that the head of the Civil Service had "moved the permanent secretary." Members of the Education Committee subsequently wrote to Ms Brady, asking "what were the considerations which underpinned your move of the permanent secretary." But BBC News NI understands that Ms Brady, as head of the Civil Service, had by that stage appointed a senior Scottish legal figure to investigate the circumstances behind Mr Browne's replacement at the Department of Education. What has been the response from the Department of Education and Jayne Brady? When contacted by BBC News NI, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Civil Service said: " We do not comment on internal confidential staffing matters." The Department of Education said it had nothing further to add to the response from the Civil Service. The FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, told BBC News NI they were not able to comment at this time. But the MLA who chairs Stormont's Education Committee says they still have questions. Nick Mathison told BBC News NI "a number of concerns have been raised with me relating to the role of the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education in recent months." "It was surprising to see an interim permanent secretary announced with no explanation," he said. "Seven months on, despite calls for clarity and an explanation from the Education Minister and Head of the Civil Service, we remain in the dark as to why the previous Permanent Secretary is no longer in post or when the position will be filled permanently." "The role is the second most senior in education in Northern Ireland and the sector is facing multiple critical challenges, including school budgets, Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and school maintenance." "It is vital clarity is given, so the public can have trust in the senior leadership structures across the sector." More on this story Holiday hunger cut the 'most difficult choice' Prison service chief moving to new NI role
BBC News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Mark Browne: Investigation into why top civil servant was replaced
An investigation is taking place into the circumstances in which the Department of Education's permanent secretary was replaced in November News NI understands the investigation is being undertaken by a senior legal figure from was commissioned by the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady.A permanent secretary is the most senior non-political official in a government department, effectively the department's chief executive. Who is Mark Browne? Mark Browne held the role of permanent secretary for a number of years, including a period when the Stormont Executive had the absence of a functioning government at Stormont from February 2022 until January 2024, departments were run by senior civil permanent secretary for education, Mr Browne had to make a number of difficult decisions on cuts in the absence of a in November 2024 Education Minister Paul Givan informed the chairman of the Stormont's Education Committee, Alliance assembly member Nick Mathison, that a temporary permanent secretary was being put in former head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, subsequently became the acting permanent secretary at the Department of Education. Why was Mark Browne replaced? That is what members of Stormont's Education Committee have been trying to find to correspondence seen by BBC News NI, the committee had a number of questions about the change at the a letter to Givan on 10 January 2025, Mathison, as the committee chair, asked "why there is a vacancy."He said the committee also wanted to know "what difficulties may have arisen, what implications these may have and how they may be resolved."In his reply to the committee, the minister said moves at permanent secretary level were made by the head of the Civil Service (HOCS), a position currently held by Jayne in a further letter to Givan in February, the committee sought "further clarification on senior staffing issues.""The committee is concerned about the adequacy of governance checks and balances," Mathison wrote."The committee's letter of 10 January asked 'why there is a vacancy.'""The committee considered that your reply of 21 January did not answer this question, and the committee agreed to ask you the question again." Givan responded to that letter on 25 March, in which he said he "noted" the concerns of the again said that the head of the Civil Service had "moved the permanent secretary."Members of the Education Committee subsequently wrote to Ms Brady, asking "what were the considerations which underpinned your move of the permanent secretary."But BBC News NI understands that Ms Brady, as head of the Civil Service, had by that stage appointed a senior Scottish legal figure to investigate the circumstances behind Mr Browne's replacement at the Department of Education. What has been the response from the Department of Education and Jayne Brady? When contacted by BBC News NI, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Civil Service said: " We do not comment on internal confidential staffing matters."The Department of Education said it had nothing further to add to the response from the Civil FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, told BBC News NI they were not able to comment at this time. But the MLA who chairs Stormont's Education Committee says they still have Mathison told BBC News NI "a number of concerns have been raised with me relating to the role of the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education in recent months.""It was surprising to see an interim permanent secretary announced with no explanation," he said."Seven months on, despite calls for clarity and an explanation from the Education Minister and Head of the Civil Service, we remain in the dark as to why the previous Permanent Secretary is no longer in post or when the position will be filled permanently.""The role is the second most senior in education in Northern Ireland and the sector is facing multiple critical challenges, including school budgets, Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and school maintenance.""It is vital clarity is given, so the public can have trust in the senior leadership structures across the sector."
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Belfast Pride: Head of NI Civil Service warned over involvement
The head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) was warned it would be "open to the charge of acting politically" by taking part in Belfast Brady was told by a senior adviser there would be "criticism for any decision the NICS takes", according to internal are due to participate in the LGBT parade on Saturday, but its involvement has been questioned by some politicians over impartiality NICS has said it is "committed to being an inclusive employer". In March, Belfast Pride decided to exclude Stormont executive parties from the summer parade for supporting a ban on puberty blockers for under blockers are drugs used to delay or prevent puberty happening and have sometimes been prescribed to children questioning their move by Belfast Pride led to a clash of opinions behind the scenes among senior NICS staff over how to respond, according to emails released through a Freedom of Information (FOI) one email, Ms Brady was told there would be "significant interest to the media and you will be the focus of the story"."It is fair to assume that there will be criticism for any decision the NICS takes," the correspondence from a senior communications adviser message said that "attending the parade leaves the NICS and you open to the charge of acting politically".But it added that "not attending also leaves you open to the charge that we are not living up to our commitments to be a fair and equitable employer". Ms Brady was advised that "there should be engagement at a political level before a final decision is taken" on a press separate emails, the Executive Office official advised having a "conversation with FMdFM (first minister and deputy first minister) and the finance minister" before finalising a official drafted a "holding line" which said the NICS would have internal discussions before making a decision on this year's Pride a senior Department of Finance (DoF) official responded: "For a number of reasons I don't think we should say that."The official added that NICS participation "as an employer" was "different to political attendance".A note of a meeting in June said the finance minister - Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd, whose department has responsibility for civil service matters - was "content for NICS to retain a presence at Pride".Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) criticised the continued involvement of NICS in the party's equality spokesperson Ann McClure said the NICS was "fully aware of the political sensitivities" but "pressed ahead regardless".She questioned whether deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was consulted. In a statement the DUP said that NICS participation was "a decision for the head of the NI Civil Service, not ministers"."Public sector organisations should not be involved in political campaigns," a party spokesman Executive Office and Department of Finance have been approached for a previous statement, the DoF said the NICS was "committed to being an inclusive employer".It said the "Civil Service LGBTQ+ Staff Network has participated in the Belfast Pride parade since 2018"."The network plans to participate in the Pride parade as it has done since then," it NICS is one of Northern Ireland's largest employers with around 24,000 Belfast Pride parade is the main event in the city's annual LGBT festival, which involves more than 150 events across 10 days.
Belfast Telegraph
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Mourners pay tribute to former NI Civil Service titan Sir Kenneth Bloomfield during funeral service
Friends and family of the former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and NI Victims Commissioner attended the Service of Thanksgiving, alongside Stormont politicians and Jayne Brady – the current Civil Service chief. Other guests at the service paying tribute to Sir Kenneth included Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt, former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Trevor Ringland and the Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle. Sir Kenneth died peacefully on Friday at the age of 94. He was the much loved and loving husband of Lady Elizabeth Bloomfield and a devoted father of Caroline and Tanya as well as a highly respected father-in-law of Boyd. Sir Kenneth joined the Civil Service in 1952 and would rise through the ranks to head the organisation in 1984. After standing down in 1991, he would later become the BBC's National Governor for Northern Ireland. In 1997, he would be tasked by the then Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, to take on the role of NI Victims Commissioner. While at their home in Crawfordsburn in 1988 and while he was still the head of the Civil Service, he and his wife would become targets of an IRA bomb attack outside their home. Neither of them were injured in the Co Down blast. NI leaders paid tribute to Mr Bloomfield over the weekend. 'I was sorry to learn of the passing of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield. He gave many years of service to Northern Ireland and did so with thoughtfulness and dedication,' said the DUP leader, Gavin Robinson. 'His calm approach, even when targeted by the IRA, earned respect across the board, and his contribution to public life will not be forgotten. 'My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him at this sad time.' News Catch Up - Thursday 12th June Also sharing her condolences was the Alliance Party leader, Naomi Long. 'Sir Kenneth had a distinguished career in public service over many years and in many roles,' said the Justice Minister. 'He and his wife were personally targeted in the Troubles, when their home was attacked by an IRA bomb, but he did not allow it to deter him from his enduring commitment to public service. 'In the decades since his formal retirement, he continued that commitment, offering his skills and experience in the service of the community, most particularly in his work as Victims' Commissioner in the early days of the Assembly, a role which he notably described as being a 'painful privilege'. 'I know that he kept in touch with political developments and was especially supportive of efforts to ensure the devolved administration was put on a firm and stable footing. 'On behalf of myself and Alliance, I would wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Lady Elizabeth and the family circle on their very personal loss." UUP leader Mr Nesbitt described Sir Kenneth as a 'great intellect' and 'one of our finest'.
Belfast Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Stormont spin doctor removed from role by Civil Service chief Jayne Brady
It is understood neither the First nor deputy First Minister were consulted before the decision by Jayne Brady to move Chris McNabb to another Stormont role, following what has been described as a 'personality clash'. First reported by the News Letter, it is believed that Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly wanted Mr McNabb to be reinstated, but he decided to accept an offer for a new position. Mr McNabb has headed the Executive Information Service (EIS) for more than a decade and is popular with journalists and politicians. It is understood the relationship between Mr McNabb and Ms Brady had deteriorated over issues he felt brought into question the impartiality of the NICS. Stormont sources told the Belfast Telegraph that the decision by Ms Brady was 'short-sighted' as there is no 'plan B' in terms of someone being lined up to take over the running of the Executive Information Service. 'Jayne Brady, for whatever reason, took this decision, but it seems she hasn't thought it through,' one source said. 'I would describe it as a reasonably clumsy decision. No one is indispensable in a job, but it was fair that the First and deputy First Ministers questioned why Chris is being moved, as he hadn't done anything wrong. "Jayne Brady just seems not to have valued the advice being given by Chris. 'It appears there has been no forward thinking as to how the EIS will be able to deliver the same level of service without someone else, with adequate experience, lined up to fill the role.' It is understood Mr McNabb is still in post on paper, but will soon be formally moved to another internal position at Stormont. The Executive Office has been contacted for comment. Jayne Brady was brought in to head up the NICS in 2021 in what was the first external appointment in the organisation's history. She had previously been a senior official at Belfast City Council. Speaking at the time of her appointment, Ms Brady said she was 'honoured' to take up the role, which came at a time when the NICS was still reeling from the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. 'The NICS has a dedicated and skilled workforce who have done an outstanding job in the most challenging of circumstances,' she said. 'I will work with colleagues across the service to further develop the NICS as a high-performing organisation that effectively supports the institutions of government. 'I am under no illusions about the scale of the challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to supporting the Executive in delivering their commitments and priorities during my tenure.' Concerns have previously been raised about Ms Brady acting outside her remit, such as when she wrote directly to then Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in January 2024 asking him to release funds to make public sector pay awards. In her letter to Mr Heaton-Harris, Ms Brady said the correspondence was being sent 'without prejudice to any decisions that an incoming executive might take', but that she was concerned about the 'public services, citizen safety and wellbeing, and the stability of public finances' posed by underfunding. 'You have publicly stated that the UK government cannot, and will not, stand by and allow public services and finances to decline further,' she said. 'This Thursday will represent the single biggest day of industrial action in a generation, reflecting the strength of feeling and deteriorating, and frankly untenable, position we are now in.'
