Joe McVey Appointed Northern Ireland Victims Commissioner

Joe McVey has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland, starting his four-year term on October 6, 2025. The role focuses on safeguarding and promoting the interests of victims and survivors of the Troubles, with work categorized into addressing the past, effective service provision, and building a reconciled future. McVey, former chief executive of Brain Injury Matters and founding partner of Blueprint Development Consultancy, is also involved in various community and voluntary organizations. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly praised McVey as a dedicated champion who will ensure victims' voices are heard and their needs prioritized within a trauma-informed, victim-centered framework. The position is full-time with a salary of £79,237 per year, and the previous commissioner, Ian Jeffers, stepped down at the end of 2023. This appointment has been welcomed amid ongoing concerns about the legacy process, emphasizing the importance of strong advocacy for victims and survivors.