The Department of Justice has launched a recruitment drive to fill two critical governance positions at the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT), with applications closing in just over two weeks. The Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, which provides psychological therapies, physiotherapy and coaching to retiring police officers, seeks both a Chairperson and an additional Board member to serve terms of up to four years starting in September 2026.
Remuneration and Time Commitment
The appointments carry fixed annual remuneration, though the time commitment figures provided suggest differing levels of responsibility between the two roles. Key details include:
- Chairperson: £10,000 per annum
- Board member: £5,000 per annum
- Time commitment: Approximately 12 days per annum for both positions, according to the announcement
- Additional duties: Attendance at seminars, functions and other events outside normal office hours is expected
- Term length: Up to four years from September 2026
Application Process and Deadline
Applications opened on 8 June 2026 and must be submitted by 12:00 midday on Thursday 25 June 2026. The Department has provided multiple channels for candidates to request application packs:
- Email: prrt.appointments@justice-ni.gov.uk
- Telephone: 028 9052 0067
- Post: PRRT Competition 2026, Department of Justice, Policing Policy & Strategy Division, Block 3, Knockview Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG
The Department states that the appointment procedure complies with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice, and emphasises its commitment to merit-based selection with independent assessment. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or caring responsibilities.
About the Trust
PRRT is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body of the Department of Justice. It delivers psychological therapies, physiotherapy, coaching and development, plus training and education programmes, to support police officers retiring from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) or the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC (RUC GC). The Trust also provides services to other Justice Partners, which includes prison officers and former prison officers.
Ambiguities and Considerations
The announcement leaves several operational questions unanswered. While both positions are listed as requiring approximately 12 days per annum, the Chairperson receives double the remuneration of the Board member. This disparity suggests the Chair role may carry additional unquantified responsibilities, or the time commitment figure may require clarification given the differing pay grades.
The document does not specify who has been fulfilling these governance roles since the previous Chairperson’s term ended in May 2024, nor does it detail interim arrangements during the apparent gap before the September 2026 appointments take effect. Additionally, while the Department welcomes diverse applicants, the requirement to attend functions outside normal office hours may present accessibility barriers for candidates with caring responsibilities or those unable to work flexible hours.
Questions for the Recruitment Process
- How has the Trust been governed during the period between the previous Chair’s term ending in May 2024 and these new appointments taking effect in September 2026?
- Will the independent assessment panel include representation from serving or retired officers who have direct experience of the Trust’s rehabilitation services?
- Given that remuneration rates appear unchanged since 2022, how does the Department intend to ensure these roles attract candidates with sufficient seniority and experience?
- What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of these appointments in delivering the Trust’s strategic objectives?
- How will the new Board members support the Trust’s expanding remit, which now includes healthcare services for prison officers?
What Happens Next
With a compressed 17-day application window, candidates must act quickly to secure their place in the competition. The appointments come at a critical time for police welfare services in Northern Ireland, as the sector continues to address legacy health issues and support officers transitioning to civilian life.
Interested applicants should contact prrt.appointments@justice-ni.gov.uk or telephone 028 9052 0067 before the midday deadline on 25 June 2026. Media enquiries should be directed to press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk or the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110 outside office hours.