Northern Ireland Minister of Justice issues remit letter to Senior Salaries Review Body guiding pay review for PSNI chief police officers in 2026–2027

The Northern Ireland Minister of Justice has formally issued the remit letter to the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) concerning pay and conditions for PSNI chief police officers for the 2026–2027 period.

This annual correspondence sets out the government’s priorities and expectations for the upcoming review of senior police pay.

Purpose of the Remit Letter

A remit letter is the official instruction from the government to the SSRB, outlining the issues to consider when reviewing remuneration for senior officers.

It provides context on budget considerations, broader public sector pay trends, and specific objectives for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) leadership.

The letter ensures that the SSRB has a clear framework for its recommendations, including factors such as recruitment, retention, and the unique demands of senior policing roles in Northern Ireland.

While it does not dictate outcomes, it guides the SSRB’s deliberations.

Accessibility and Public Information

The remit letter is published online and available in PDF format for public reference.

Recognising the importance of accessibility, officials have provided a contact email for anyone who requires the document in a format compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

This ensures transparency and inclusivity in the dissemination of public sector information.

Context: Senior Policing Pay in Northern Ireland

Senior police pay reviews are a routine but crucial part of public sector governance.

They ensure that chief officers’ salaries remain competitive while reflecting the responsibilities of maintaining law and order, particularly in a region with complex policing demands.

The PSNI chief officer cadre includes the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constables, and Assistant Chief Constables.

Their pay is considered alongside comparable roles across the UK public sector, balancing accountability with operational needs.

What’s Next

The SSRB will now examine the remit letter and gather relevant evidence before issuing its recommendations.

Stakeholders may provide input during this period.

Once the SSRB reports, the Minister of Justice will consider their advice and confirm pay adjustments or other changes for PSNI chief officers for 2026–2027.

Summary

The Northern Ireland Minister of Justice has issued the official remit letter to the Senior Salaries Review Body regarding pay for PSNI chief police officers for 2026–2027.

The letter outlines priorities for senior officer remuneration, including recruitment, retention, and operational challenges.

Published online, it is available in accessible formats on request.

The SSRB will review the guidance and make recommendations, which will inform pay and conditions for the PSNI leadership in the coming year.