Belfast Digital Innovation Commissioner Jayne Brady to be Head of NI Civil Service

  • Digital Innovation Commissioner for Belfast, Jayne Brady is to be the new Head of the Civil Service. An announcement on when Jayne will take up her post will be made shortly.

    Jayne will succeed Jenny Pyper, who has been serving as Interim Head since December 2020.

    Announcing Jayne's new position today, after the successful completion of the NI Civil Service (NICS) recruitment process, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This is a hugely significant appointment for the Northern Ireland Civil Service and for the institutions of government. As leader of some 23,000 civil servants and chief policy adviser to the Executive, the HOCS role is central to the development and delivery of public services. Jayne is an experienced and highly skilled leader who has much to bring to the role.

    “After a tumultuous year for the public sector, as society has grappled with the impacts of the pandemic, there is a need now for a renewed focus on rebuilding and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. Jayne will play a crucial part in guiding the Executive and leading the NICS to support delivery and improved outcomes for the public."

    RELATED: Tech Craic: Jayne Brady, Belfast's Digital Innovation Commissioner

    Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “Jayne brings extensive experience and skills to this critical leadership role in supporting the Executive and leading the Civil Service on the delivery of the commitments from New Decade, New Approach agreement, Programme for Government and the monumental task of recovery as we manage our way through the Covid pandemic.

    “I also want to put on record my thanks to Jenny Pyper, who stepped up to carry out the role on an interim basis over the past seven months during a time of great challenge for the Executive and Civil Service as we have responded to the global health crisis.”

    Jayne said she was "honoured" about her appointment and noted, “The NICS has a dedicated and skilled workforce who have done an outstanding job in the most challenging of circumstances. I will work with colleagues across the service to further develop the NICS as a high-performing organisation that effectively supports the institutions of government.  

    RELATED: 'The pandemic has proven how resilient the tech sector already was’ – Dr Jayne Brady

    “I am under no illusions about the scale of the challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to supporting the Executive in delivering their commitments and priorities during my tenure," she concluded.

    Kirsty McManus, National Director of Institute of Directors (IoD) Northern Ireland also congratulated Jayne on her new role and continued, “A Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a valued member of our Northern Ireland committee, Jayne will bring to the role an incredible depth of understanding of the Northern Ireland economy and what really drives organisations from a both private and public sector viewpoint.

    “A recipient of the IoD’s Diploma in Company Direction, and with a breadth of experience spanning decades in senior roles, Jayne’s business and leadership acumen are second to none. Her appointment is a significant boost not just for the Civil Service which will have one of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished leaders at the helm, but for our region as a whole.”

    About the author

    Niamh is a Sync NI writer with a previous background of working in FinTech and financial crime. She has a special interest in sports and emerging technologies. To connect with Niamh, feel free to send her an email or connect on Twitter.

    Got a news-related tip you’d like to see covered on Sync NI? Email the editorial team for our consideration.

    Sign up now for a FREE weekly newsletter showcasing the latest news, jobs and events in NI’s tech sector.

Share this story