Naomi Long

Ms Mongan, who was already a member of the board, will serve in the post until 29 February 2028, aligning with the wider membership of the board.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “I would like to welcome Bria to the role of PBNI deputy chair.

“Her expertise and experience will in no doubt contribute to PBNI’s crucial role in reducing reoffending, rehabilitation and reintegrating individuals into the community, helping make communities safer.

“I wish her well in the role.”

Ms Mongan has extensive experience working across the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector in Northern Ireland, serving as executive director of social work and children’s services and previously as director of mental health, learning disability and prisoner healthcare, working closely with justice agencies developing HSC services for people in detention.

She brings extensive experience of managing a wide portfolio of HSC services across community and hospital services, which includes corporate governance, organisational development, professional leadership and significant financial management gained as executive director and board member in a large complex public sector organisation.

She holds a master’s degree in social work and held responsibility for all issues relating to social work policy, workforce, professional standards and ensuring the effective discharge of delegated statutory functions as executive director of social work and director of children’s services in an HSC trust.

Ms Mongan was awarded an OBE in recognition for services to social work and healthcare for prisoners.

She is currently an associate consultant at the HSC Leadership Centre and is a trustee and non-executive director of the Caring Breaks charity.