Chris Quinn

In the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive, the appointment was made by Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

Mr Quinn will take up his post for a four-year term beginning 18 September 2023.

Jayne Brady, head of the NI Civil Service, said: “I want to congratulate Chris on his appointment. The role of children’s commissioner is vital in safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of our children and young people.

“I believe that Chris has all the skills and experience needed to take forward this important work and I want to wish him every success when he takes up his post.

“I also want to express my gratitude to the outgoing children’s commissioner Koulla Yiasouma. The energy, drive and passion she brought to the role ensured she was at the forefront of championing children and young people’s issues in Northern Ireland for many years.”

Mr Quinn started his career working in the Star Neighbourhood Centre in north Belfast before taking up employment with the Bytes Project working with young people in communities across Belfast.

He worked for Belfast City Council as children and young people’s co-ordinator from 2004-2008, where he set up the council’s first Youth Council.

In 2008, he took up the role of director at the NI Youth Forum, where he served for 15 years managing the organisation through the review of public administration and supporting young people to lead the youth forum through a changing policy and funding environment.

He has supported young people to present to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2015, 2016 and 2023.

Mr Quinn is a qualified youth and community worker, having graduated from the University of Ulster with a Master’s degree focusing on youth participation in decision-making.