Highlighting the importance of the position Edwin Poots said: “I am keen to appoint a dynamic leader to this position. An enormous amount of progress has been made over recent years to develop the screen industry in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen has been instrumental in attracting major international film productions such as Lord Attenborough’s Closing the Ring and City of Ember, produced by Tom Hanks’ company Playtone Productions, to Northern Ireland.
“The Chair will be responsible for providing clear strategic leadership and promoting the highest standards of accountability and governance within the organisation.
“The Chair will be tasked with building on the Commission’s success and developing the organisation’s public profile, representing it authoritatively at all levels and in a wide range of circumstances. Maintaining and enhancing relationships with government and key stakeholders will also be critical in driving forward the work of the Commission.
“We have the talent, the expertise, the resources and a welcoming atmosphere that is sure to encourage more and more film and television productions to locate here. I am looking forward to working with the new Chair to build on the progress that has been made.”
Notes to Editors:
Northern Ireland Screen’s mission is to accelerate the development of a dynamic and sustainable film and television industry in Northern Ireland by integrating industrial, educational and cultural policies and actions.
Northern Ireland Screen was established in 1997. It is primarily funded by Invest NI, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and the UK Film Council and it is delegated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to administer Lottery funding for film in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Screen has eight primary areas of activity, all of which are integrated in a unified approach to the development of the audiovisual industry – an industry with the potential to make a positive economic and cultural impact on Northern Ireland.
- Film development and production funding; production logistics support.
- Marketing to promote Northern Ireland as a base for production.
- Company development support initiatives for local production companies.
- Training for the industry.
- Information services for producers and others.
- Moving image education policy development.
- Developing access to the audiovisual heritage of Northern Ireland.
- Specialised film exhibition development.
The post of Chair will attract an honorarium of £10,000 per annum plus travel and subsistence expenses.
The appointments process will be carried out in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. A selection panel, which will include an independent assessor, as required under the Commissioner’s Code, will consider the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointments will rested with the Minister.
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 (if declared) to be published.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
How to Apply
An application pack can be obtained by contacting us using the following details:-
Telephone: 028 9054 4962
Fax: 028 9025 8831
E-Mail: cm@dcalni.gov.uk
Website: Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Or by writing to: Central Management Unit, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Interpoint, 20-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AQ
All completed application forms must be returned in hard copy to the above address by 30 May 2008. CV’s will not be accepted. Interviews are expected to take place in June 2008.
