Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden has launched a competition to recruit new Parole Commissioners to serve from early 2017 until 8 September 2019.

The commissioners, based in Belfast’s Laganside Courts, are responsible for considering the release and recall of prisoners serving life sentences and public protection sentences and make recommendations and directions as appropriate.

The vacancies are across two categories of Commissioner:

Launching the competition, Ms Sugden said: “The Parole Commissioners play a critical role in making a judgement on the level of risk associated in releasing offenders back into the community.

“These are extremely important positions and we are seeking applicants who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to these appointments as well as the necessary high degree of independence and robust professionalism.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in criminal justice, who believes they have the necessary attributes and experience, to apply.”

More information is available from the Department of Justice website.