Nicole Lappin

The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) monitors how public bodies implement and apply the citizens’ rights parts of the Brexit agreements and to promote the adequate and effective implementation and application of those rights.

The IMA has the power to receive complaints, launch inquiries and initiate or intervene in legal proceedings. The IMA also has a duty to review the effectiveness of the legislative framework relating to citizens’ rights.

In exercising its functions, the IMA must have regard to the importance of dealing with general or systemic issues in the implementation and application of citizen’ rights.

Ms Lappin, a non-practising barrister, has been selected as the preferred candidate for the role of IMA chair following a public appointments process.

The role is subject to a pre-appointment hearing by Westminster’s justice select committee, whose views must be considered by ministers before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.

Ms Lappin is currently chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and has over 10 years’ combined experience in leading three public sector boards.

She chairs a fitness to practise committee for the Pharmaceutical Society in Northern Ireland and developed further expertise in regulation as the chief charity commissioner for Northern Ireland from 2019 until 2024.