Appointment of a Non-Executive Director to the Department of Education

Anna Carragher has been appointed as an Independent, Non-Executive Member to the Departmental Board of the Department of Education and as a Member of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

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Anna Carragher’s appointment is for an initial two year term from 1 May 2024. This may be extended up to a maximum total term of six years.

The primary role of a Non-Executive Member is to contribute to the good governance of the Department. This involves offering constructive challenge across all of the Department's business, with a view to ensuring that all aspects of strategy and delivery of policy are scrutinised for effectiveness and efficiency.

Notes to editors: 

1. Anna Carragher joined the BBC in London after graduating from Queen’s University holding a number of positions for both BBC Radio and Television. Ms Carragher returned to Northern Ireland in 1995 as Head of Programmes for BBC NI and later became Controller in 2001. As Controller she oversaw BBC NI’s transition from analogue to digital production and transmission and consolidated BBC NI’s contribution to network television output.

2. After leaving the BBC, Ms Carragher served on a range of Northern Ireland and UK public sector bodies and charities: Chair of the Grand Opera House, Belfast; board member of the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority; Equality Commission of Northern Ireland; and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Ms Carragher was the Electoral Commissioner for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Trustee for the National Lottery Heritage Fund. She was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts and Broadcasting. 

3. The Departmental Board comprises the following members:

• Permanent Secretary (Chairperson)
• Three Deputy Secretaries
• Chief Inspector of Education and Training Inspectorate
• Finance Director
• Departmental Strategic HR Business Partner, and
• Two Non-Executive Members

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