The new independent members are Michael Atkinson, Dr Janet Gray, Edgar Jardine, Carmel McKinney, Frank McManus and Deirdre Toner.

They join ten MLAs from the five main political parties on the Board which was established in 2001 and oversees both the PSNI and the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am delighted to announce six new independent members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

“The work of the Policing Board is central to the policing architecture in Northern Ireland and those appointed will have a demanding role to play, dealing with many complex issues, during their tenure.”

Ms Long added: “I would like pay tribute to the five outgoing independent members for the significant contribution they have made to policing in Northern Ireland and their personal commitment to the Policing Board and its work.”