29 December 2005
MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE ULSTER SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT LIMITED BOARD
Employment and Learning Minister, Angela Smith, today confirmed the appointments of four new members to the Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) Board.
The appointments of Mr Brian McMurray and Ms Mary Clare Gibson take effect from 1 January 2006 and run until 31 December 2008 and the appointments of Mrs Brenda Maitland and Mr James Smyth take effect from 16 March 2006 and run until 15 March 2009.
Mary Clare Gibson was the Owner/Director of Abbey Training Services from 1991 to2001, and prior to this worked as a Senior Lecturer/Staff Development Officer with Ballymena College. Mary Clare held a number of part-time and temporary teaching positions since 1966. Between 2000 and 2003 she was a Civic Forum Representative with the NI Assembly.
Brenda Maitland holds a B.Eng Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Hons) and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Brenda has worked for BT since 1979, and from 2003 has been HR Business Partner with responsibility for a division of 1300 people.
Brian McMurray has worked with a number of companies since 1968, at which point he was Factory Manager with Milanda Bakeries. From 1999 to 2001, he was Managing Director of Moygashel Linens before moving to Abbicoil Springs where he was Managing Director/Owner for three years. Other Public Appointments held are Non-Executive Director of Causeway Health & Social Services Trust and Roe Valley Enterprises. Brian is also a Business Mentor with Invest Northern Ireland.
James Smyth is a Registered General Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and holds approved and professional social work qualifications. He has been employed by Down and Lisburn Health & Social Services Trust since 1980 and currently holds the position of Senior Social Worker/Team Leader.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. USEL is a Non-Departmental Public Body which was established in 1962 to provide sheltered employment for severely disabled people. It merged with the Workshops for the Blind in 1980 and acquired charitable status in 1996. USEL's factory premises are located in Cambrai Street, Belfast. USEL employs more than 750 people throughout Northern Ireland in a range of programmes, making it the largest employer of people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.
2. The appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI Code of Practice.
3. Board Members receive an allowance of £110 for attendance at meetings (approximately 11 meetings per year).
4. Political activity played no part in the selection process. No political activity was declared by the appointees.
5. The Chairman of the Board is Mr David Russell.
6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
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