Minister announces reappointment to Ulster Supported Employment Ltd

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has announced the reappointment of Mr Patrick Bogues to the Chair of the Board of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL).

The reappointment takes effect from 16 September 2009 and runs for up to three years.

The appointee has not been involved in any political activity during his previous term as Chair of USEL. Mr Bogues does not hold any other Ministerial appointments.

USEL operates a factory based in Cambrai Street, Belfast, that manufactures beds and a range of industrial sewing products. USEL also delivers a range of pre-vocational and vocational programmes that assist people with disabilities to find and keep appropriate employment.

Mr Bogues has been a Managing Partner of Bogues' Jewellers since 1975 and has been a member of the USEL Board since 1 January 2003. He has previously held the position of Vice Chairman of the Omagh 2010 Task Force. Mr Bogues was a founding committee member of Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and served as President in 2000-2001. He was President of the Rotary Club of Omagh from 1999-2000 and has also held office as Secretary of a local branch of the SDLP in 2005. He is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association and of the National Association of Goldsmiths.

Notes to Editors:

1. The appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI Code of Practice.

2. 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 a requirement for the political activity of appointees to be published.

3. The role of the USEL Board is to have responsibility for ensuring that USEL fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Department for Employment and Learning and approved by the Minister. The Board considers and approves the three year Corporate Plan and Annual Financial Plan with performance targets contained in them, before submission to the Department. The Board monitors and advises on performance against objectives and targets, taking proper account of guidance issued by the Minister, the Department, DFP or OFMDFM.

4. Appointments to the USEL Board are made on a part-time basis. The chairman of the USEL Board is remunerated at the rate of £220 per day for attendance at Board meetings (approximately 11 meetings per year).

5. Other members of the board are: Mrs Mary Clare Gibson, Mrs Brenda Maitland, Mr Brian McMurray and Mr James Smyth. There is also currently one vacancy on the Board.

6. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.