Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced the appointment of a new board member to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) board.

Joseph Stewart has been appointed for a three-year term effective from February 1, 2021, to January 31, 2024. Stewart will also chair the commission’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

Stewart has significant finance and governance experience in the private and public sectors which he will bring to the role.

Joseph M. Stewart OBE, LLB, JP, is currently a non-executive director of the Public Health Agency (including chairman of its Governance and Audit Committee). He is also the council member of the Suffolk Sheep Society GB.

He is retired, following a wide-ranging career including the Engineering Employers’ Federation, Harland & Wolff, Police Authority of NI, (PANI) and PSNI (in a non-policing role).

Stewart was appointed an OBE for Public Service in 1994.

Confirming the new appointment, Minister Poots said: “I welcome the appointment of Mr Joseph Stewart to the LMC Board to the position of Board Member with responsibility as chairman of their Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

“Mr. Stewart’s skills and experience in finance and governance matters will assist the LMC Board to continue to effectively provide corporate oversight of the LMC and contribute to the fulfilment of their commission’s functions of supporting, examining and informing the marketing and development of the Northern Ireland beef and sheepmeat industry.”

The post attracts remuneration of £6,485/year plus an additional (pro-rata) daily fee of £313 for work undertaken as ARAC chairman (under review).