“he will remain available to exercise any legal authorities required beyond the delegated authorities”

As the BBC reports, the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, has appointed Colin Lewis as Interim Chief Executive  for the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.  From Colin Lewis’ profile [pdf file]

In 1991 Colin entered the Northern Ireland Civil Service as an Industrial Accountant with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and specialised in business appraisal. In 1995 he transferred to the post of Project Manager in the Inward Investment Group of IDB and played a major role in encouraging substantial inward investments to Northern Ireland from major global multinational corporations.

In 1999 Colin became a member of the Northern Ireland Senior Civil Service and held the posts of Executive Director, Inward Investment Group (IDB) and Director, International Sales and Marketing (Invest NI).

In 2004 Colin assumed the role of Managing Director, Corporate Services (Invest NI) in which he had responsibility for Finance and Accountancy Services, Human Resources, Strategy Management and Planning, Communications and Marketing, Corporate Finance and Appraisa  Services and Property Services.

In 2009 Colin was seconded to the role of Deputy Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment with responsibility for Finance, EU issues, Business Regulation, Human Resources and external communications. In 2010 Colin assumed this role in a substantive capacity.

And from the NI Police Ombudsman’s press release

Mr. Hutchinson has said that at the end of January 2012 he will formally delegate his functions as Police Ombudsman to appropriate levels within his Office. He will be taking his accrued leave during February and then returning to his home in Canada at the end of March 2012.

As a result of independent legal advice, Mr. Hutchinson has taken the decision that, for operational and legal reasons, he will not formally resign until the newly appointed Police Ombudsman is in a position to assume full legal responsibility for the Office.

“The general responsibility for managing an effective organisation that secures the confidence of the public and the police will rest with the Interim Chief Executive and the leadership team during the period leading to the appointment of the new Police Ombudsman” he said.

From 1 March 2012 he will remain available to exercise any legal authorities required beyond the delegated authorities, but will do so in an unpaid capacity.

Mr. Hutchinson is providing his resignation in advance to take effect as soon as the new Police Ombudsman is appointed and can accept his or her statutory responsibility.

[And then they can wrestle with those unresolved legacy issues? – Ed]  Indeed.  That’s if OFMDFM can find, and agree on, someone to take the job…