Secretary of State announces appointment to the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt. Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP has announced the appointment of Sarah Havlin as a member of the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland.

Notes for Editors

The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland’s role is to review the number, names, designation and boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland and to submit reports with recommendations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for making appointments to the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986.

Terms of appointment

The position is a part-time appointment for five years. The appointment will end on 10 December 2025.

The position attracts a daily remuneration of £505.50.

The position is not pensionable.

Biography of Appointee

Sarah Havlin is a solicitor by profession currently serving as the Certification Officer of Northern Ireland. She holds appointments as the legal member of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority of Northern Ireland, and as a member of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland. Previous appointments include Assistant Local Government Boundaries Commissioner, Assistant District Electoral Areas Commissioner and she previously served one term on the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.

Sarah Havlin has declared no political activity.

Regulation

This appointment is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) and all stages of the process were overseen by an independent panel member.

Statutory Requirements

This appointment is made by the Secretary of State in accordance with Schedule 1 Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986.