Paul Sweeney, former permanent secretary in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, has been appointed to lead the review.

He will be supported by Dr John Topping, senior lecturer in criminology at Queen’s University Belfast, acting as independent expert advisor.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “A review of the policing board was initially announced by the former chair of the Board, following a series of policing-related incidents.

“However, it has always been my preference that an independent review be carried out and I thank Paul Sweeney and John Topping for agreeing to take it forward. I look forward to receiving the findings and recommendations of the review in due course.

“The review will be tightly focused and delivered in a timely manner to conclude by the end of December. It will primarily involve members and staff of the NI Policing Board, the PSNI and representative bodies, and the Department of Justice.”