Process to appoint commissioner for survivors of historical institutional abuse launched

by Q Radio News

Stormont leaders have launched the public appointment competition for a full-time Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Abuse (COSICA). 

The Executive Office says applicants must have direct experience of working with victims and the post will be for five years. 

The appointment of a victims commissioner was recommended in the HIA inquiry, which investigated allegations of abuse in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period. 

The new position has been advertised with annual remuneration of £71, 932. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 3 July. 

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This is another important day for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

"The Commissioner, when appointed, will have a statutory duty to promote the interests of any person who suffered abuse as a child while resident in an institution at some time between 1922 and 1995.”

The Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act 2019 made statutory provision for the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) to be established.

Mranwhile, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “It is of the upmost importance that the needs and concerns of victims and survivors are met and that their voices are clearly heard and the appointment of COSICA will ensure this happens.

"This is a high profile and crucial appointment and I would encourage all those meeting the selection criteria to apply.”