The British government today started the search for 10 independent members to sit on a reconstituted Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Advertisements are being placed in newspapers seeking applicants to fill the independent seats on the 19-member board for four years from next April.
Northern Secretary Peter Hain said: "These appointments are some of the most important in Northern Ireland.
"Government is seeking to continue to build on the policing board's admirable and considerable work to date. We would encourage individuals from all sections of the community to come forward and apply."
Existing members can reapply, but Sir Des Rea, the board chairman, remained silent today on whether he was planning do so. There would be surprise within board circles if he did not seek to remain.
Deputy chairman Denis Bradley has already said he will stand down in April. Mr Bradley is still recovering after suffering head injuries when he was attacked with a baseball bat in a Derry pub in September. He had previously been threatened and had his home petrol bombed.
The primary function of the board is to hold the chief constable and the police Service publicly to account.
PA