A review of the Policing Board has found that some believe there is a “board within a board” and the current structure represents a “mini-Stormont culture”.
Details were revealed in the review of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, which was ordered by Justice Minister Naomi Long last year.
The 66-page review has now made a series of recommendations linked to the work of the board, which was established in 2001, and consists of elected and independent members.
The independent reviewer was Paul Sweeney, former civil service permanent secretary, while Dr John Topping, a senior lecturer of criminology at Queens University Belfast, acted as an independent expert advisor.
The review was announced by former board chair Deirdre Toner in 2023 after a series of controversies, including criticism over its response in the aftermath of the PSNI data breach when details of almost 10,000 officers and civilian staff were accidently made public.
The board came under further pressure over a critical High Court ruling around the disciplining of two PSNI officers, which led to then PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne resigning.
There are currently 19 board member, including 10 MLAs representing five political parties, along with nine independent members.
As part of the review, which engaged with more than 70 stakeholders, the “culture” of the board was considered.
The review reveals that while current and former board members, along with staff, remarked on “cordial relationships” several participants expressed “concerns and frustrations” over “a (real or perceived) dominant political culture and modus operandi within the board”.
The report also states that there was “a sense of a ‘board within a board’, as an unofficial hierarchy with some members seen as more equal than others”.
“Or in other terms, a sense that the equilibrium between elected and independent members was out of alignment.
“Commentary around this was highlighted insofar as ‘we have replicated a mini-Stormont culture’.”
The report also dealt with the appointment of the board’s chair and vice chair adding that “in practice, the two main political parties on the board pre-determine their preferred candidates and secure the ratification of the board”.
While appointments are made from within the independent membership the report states “the positions are based on perceived community background”.
“In the subsequent election, the perceived community background dynamic is reversed,” the report said.
“As described by one respondent, this practice had become so ingrained, they were told ‘that is just the way it is / how things work’.”
The report added that “on so many levels this is a flawed process”.
“A clear view expressed was that if you are not perceived to be unionist or nationalist and/or perhaps perceived as somewhat sympathetic or aligned to one of the two main parties, there would be a limited chance of being elected as chairperson or vice-chairperson in the first instance,” the report adds.
In its recommendations the report suggests “the positions of chairperson and vice-chairperson should be subject to a bespoke public appointment process.
“The appointments should be made by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly with the justice minister.”
Ms Long thanked those behind the report while a spokeswoman for the Policing Board said it will “now carefully consider the findings…and discuss implementation of recommendations made with the justice minister, the chief constable and other stakeholders as appropriate”.
