New Chief Executive ‘honoured’ to lead independent Commission

The ICRIR’s new Chief Executive and Commissioner Louise Warde Hunter said today she was ‘honoured’ to lead the independent Commission and pledged to support the victims, survivors and families who have asked the Commission to seek answers for them.

Prior to her new leadership role Ms Warde Hunter was Chief Executive and Principal of Belfast Metropolitan College, one of the UK’s largest Further Education Colleges. During a leadership career spanning over 30 years in the public and voluntary sectors, she has also worked as a senior civil servant shaping social policy in a range of Northern Ireland government departments including Communities, Justice, and Education.

Following a fair and open competition, the independent Commission’s Board selected Ms Warde Hunter as the next Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner. This appointment was endorsed by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 7 September.

Speaking today Ms Warde Hunter said: “I am honoured to join the ICRIR and support the Commission’s mission to serve those who have been bereaved or seriously injured through The Troubles in seeking answers and justice.”

The independent Commission’s Chief Commissioner, former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Sir Declan Morgan welcomed Ms Warde Hunter to her new role: “Louise joins us as we move from our establishment into meeting the commitments we have made to those who have come to us about investigating their cases thoroughly and in accordance with the framework and policies that we have set out. Her focus on embedding a trauma and resiliency informed approach and ensuring that the Commission serves those who come to us so that we earn their trust is an important addition to the Commission’s leadership.”

Sir Declan also said: “Thanks to Tristan there has been a rigorous focus on embedding good governance and establishing the fundamental values and principles that now underpin the Commission as an independent organisation. His leadership, team-building and openness to new ideas have been instrumental in the independent Commission reaching this stage.”

Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan said: “I look forward to working with Louise to support all those who come to us through our trauma and resiliency informed approach and in pursuit of obtaining information and answers for them in line with what the Commissioners have set out. I thank Tristan for his dedication and effort in getting the Commission set up, and in drawing together a wide range of skills and expertise to make the most of the opportunity the Commission has to deliver for victims, survivors and families in a better way.”