The Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners

Board Members are appointed by the Department for Regional Development on the basis of open public advertisement. The number of Board members, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, may be no less than ten and no more than fifteen and up to four Board Members shall be members of Belfast City Council. As at 31st December 2010, there were fifteen Board Members, including the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer.

The management of the Port of Belfast is independent of Government and falls to the Board and the management team. The duties of Board Members are akin to those of a company director, in particular to be accountable for the proper exercise of the statutory and administrative requirements placed upon them. In addition Board Members are required to:

• Ensure high standards of corporate governance.
• Establish the overall strategic direction of the Port having regard to the best interests of the Port and the local economy following consultation with key stakeholders.
• Ensure that, in reaching decisions, Government policy and relevant guidance provided by the sponsor Department are taken into account.