The Department of Health has announced the appointment of a Non-Executive Member to the Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland-the new name for the Northern Ireland Guardian ad Litem Agency (NIGALA).

The appointment of Mr David Douglas, Non-Executive (Lay) Member commenced on 1 February 2023 and will end on a date not later than 31 January 2027.   

The Non-Executive Member position attracts an annual remuneration of Pound 4,084 with a time commitment of 30 days per year.

The appointment is made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

NIGALA was established as a Special Agency by virtue of powers contained in the Health and Personal Social Services (Special Agencies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990. The constitution of NIGALA was set out in the Northern Ireland Guardian ad Litem Agency (Establishment and Constitution) Order (NI) 1995, which came into operation on 1st December 1995.

Following the decision to change the name of the Agency, the Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland was established by the Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland (Establishment and Constitution) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023, which came into operation on 6 March 2023.

The Board of the Agency comprises a Non-Executive Chair, four Non-Executive members and the Chief Executive.