Reappointment of Chair to the Board of Libraries NI

The Department for Communities has reappointed Professor Bernard Cullen as the Chair of the Board of Libraries NI.

His second term of appointment is from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2023, and he has been the Chair since 1 November 2014.

Notes to editors: 

1. The primary duty of the Northern Ireland Library Authority (known as Libraries NI), as set down in the Libraries Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, is to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service for persons living, working or studying in Northern Ireland.

2. The Chair position attracts remuneration of £12,120 per annum, plus travel and subsistence allowances in line with Northern Ireland Civil Service rates. This post will require a commitment of at least 30 days per year. 

3. The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.

4. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. 

5. Biographical details of Chair:

Professor Bernard Cullen

Professor Cullen is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Queens University, Belfast, a Training Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Psychoanalysis (London), and Director of Training of the Northern Ireland Psychoanalytic Society. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Parkanaur Residential College. A former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Queen’s, he has also been Chair of the Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards, a member of the Public Service Commission, Vice-President of the Belfast & District Trades Union Council, President of the Irish Philosophical Society, President of the Irish Association for Cultural, Economic and Social Relations, Philosophy Consultant to the European Science Foundation Project on Social Justice, and Chair of the Ethics Committee of the British Confederation of Psychotherapists. Professor Cullen brings skills and experience in relation to equality and social inclusion, as well as considerable Chair experience to Libraries NI. He holds no other public appointment and has had no political activity in the past 5 years.

6. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3532 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

7. Follow the Department on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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