Paul Martin Biography

Paul Martin has been the Chief Officer for the Social Services Group since November 2000, having worked in the Department of Health and Social Services since 1989.  He was educated at University College Dublin, where he graduated with an honours degree in Social Science, he has also achieved a Diploma in Applied Social Studies at the University of Ulster and a CQSW qualification.  Paul also studied at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In the last five years Paul Martin has undertaken consultancy work in Poland, Russia and The Ukraine helping to establish quality standards and regulation.

Since his appointment as Chief Officer he has been heavily engaged in the establishment of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, moves to Reform Social Work Training and the establishment of The Social Care Institute for Excellence.

In addition to his role as Chief Officer, Paul Martin also has responsibility for the Department’s Child Care Directorate, leading on Departmental policy on Children’s Services and Family Policy Unit.

The Chief Social Services Officer answers directly to the Minister. He provides advice on the quality of social work and social care services and the need for them.  The Chief Inspector provides professional advice directly to Ministers where he thinks this is necessary. He has responsibility for the development and implementation of training policy for the personal social services.

The Group is part of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and we work closely with all Directorates in the Health and Personal Social Services Management Group (HPSS Management Group) and the different Units within the Policy and Strategy Division including the Voluntary Activity Unit. We also provide an inspection and professional advice service to the Northern Ireland Office which carries responsibility for the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. We work independently of policy divisions when we are carrying out inspections. We consult Policy Units, Executive Directorates, Boards, Trusts and other major agencies about inspection priorities before the Chief Inspector proposes the programme of inspection for Ministers to approve.