Mr Maginness has practised as a solicitor for over 30 years. In February 1998 he was appointed chief legal adviser in what is now the Business Services Organisation (BSO) and continued in that role for 24 years until his retirement in March 2022.

During that time, he provided advice and representation to all health and social care bodies on legal issues such as medical negligence, family law, mental health law, judicial reviews, public inquiries, inquests and data protection, and provided training on relevant legal subjects.

As a senior executive, Mr Maginness also sat on the board of BSO and was a member of its senior management team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of that organisation. He has gained extensive experience of the HSC during his career.

The RQIA is an independent body responsible for monitoring and inspecting the availability and quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland, as well as having a range of duties in respect of mental health and learning disability.

Mr Maginness is one of seven members appointed to the RQIA for a four-year term ending 31 January 2027.

Human rights expert Dr Nazia Latif, who spent 13 years working for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), is another appointee.