Chris Quinn confirmed as new Children’s Commissioner 

The Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of Chris Quinn as the new Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. 

As the fourth Commissioner since the establishment of NICCY in 2003, Chris will take up the appointment on 18 September 2023 

In the absence of First and deputy First Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, the appointment was made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act by the SoS. 

Chief Executive of NICCY, Mairéad McCafferty, said: “The Team at NICCY are very much looking forward to working with Chris who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.”   

“We look forward to continuing our vital work – particularly in the current context in NI – with Chris our new Commissioner in safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of children and young people in NI.”  

• Chris Quinn has served as Director of the NI Youth Forum since 2008. He was instrumental in setting up Belfast City Council’s first Youth Council and has promoted the voices of young people locally and internationally, including presentations to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. 
• The position of NI Commissioner for Children and Young People is full time for a term of four years with the possibility of one renewal for a further period of four years. 
• Media queries should be directed to the NICCY press office via email communications@niccy.org, or by calling 0794 9016 313.