Sue McAllister, director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), is due to step down at the end of October.

Ms McAllister has served in the role since May 2012, becoming the first woman to hold the most senior position within any UK prison service.

An open recruitment competition will be launched in September for her successor.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: “The role of Director General is a uniquely challenging post and Sue McAllister has led the organisation through the reforms, which have placed rehabilitation at the core of its work.

“The Prison Service plays a vital role in the justice system and Sue can be proud of what she has achieved in her time as Director General.”

Ms McAllister added: “It has been a great privilege to lead the Prison Service over the past four years.

“When I became Director General my focus was to lead the transformational reform envisaged in the Prison Review Report.

“With the conclusion of the reform programme in March, my role has come to a natural end and the time is right for a new Director General to lead the Service.”