Appointment of Chairperson of the Board of National Museums Northern Ireland

Culture Minister Gregory Campbell today announced the appointment of the new Chairperson of The Board of National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI).

Following an open competition the following candidate has been appointed with effect from 1 January 2009 for a period of five years, up to 31 December 2013: Mr Daniel E Harvey.

Welcoming the appointment, the Minister said: “I am confident that Mr Harvey will carry on the excellent work of his predecessor and provide strategic leadership and drive to the Board, in addressing the challenges facing the museums sector. I look forward to seeing the major capital programme fulfilled, including the refurbishment and upgrade of the Ulster Museum which will significantly enhance the museums provision in Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

Biographical details of new Chairperson

Mr DANIEL E HARVEY (DAN): has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of National Museums Northern Ireland for a period of five years from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013.

Dan Harvey lives in Belfast and he is a current member of the Board of National Museums Northern Ireland having served from 1 July 2002 to date.

He is a former Chief Executive of the First Trust Bank, has been Chair of W5 and is Chair of the Audit Committee of National Museums and Vice-Chair of National Museums.

He has declared that he has not been involved in any political activity during the last five years.

1. The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, was established under the Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order on 1 April, 1998.
2. The organisation's corporate title is 'National Museums Northern Ireland', although the Board is referred to as 'The Board of National Museums Northern Ireland'.
3. National Museums Northern Ireland include the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park and Armagh County Museum. W5 at Odyssey is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Museums Northern Ireland.
4. National Museums Northern Ireland is managed by a Board of up to fifteen members including a Chairperson.
5. The Chairperson attracts a remuneration of £10,000 pa plus expenses. Members attract no remuneration and receive expenses only.
6. The appointments process was carried out in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. A selection panel, which included an independent assessor, as required under the Commissioner’s Code, considered the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointment rests with the Minister.
7. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is requirement for the political activity of appointees (if declared) to be published.
8. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258902 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
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