News Release Page Title

1 January 2007

APPOINTMENTS TO ULSTER SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT LIMITED BOARD

Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle MP, today confirmed the appointment of a new member to Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL).

The appointment of Alan Thompson will take effect from 1 January 2007 and run until 31 December 2009.

Alan Thompson is a qualified social worker and has been a Director of the Orchardville Society since 1990, having strategic and operational responsibility for the society's activities. He previously held Department of Education public appointment positions as Board of Governor and acting Chair until 2005. Mr Thompson previously worked as manager responsible for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's Child Protection Services in Belfast.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Ulster Supported Employment Limited (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 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 appointment has been made on merit and in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI Code of Practice.

  3. Non-Executive Directors receive an allowance of £1,100 for attendance at meetings (approximately 11 meetings per year).

  4. Political activity played no part in the selection process.

  5. The current membership of the USEL Board is : Mr Patrick Bogues (Chair); Mrs Mary Clare Gibson; Mr Brian McMurray; Mrs Brenda Maitland and Mr James Smyth.

  6. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.

    Click here to print this press release.