Head of NI Civil Service asks staff to report any Jeffrey Donaldson abuse

The head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has asked staff to come forward with any experiences of abuse or inappropriate behaviour during Jeffrey Donaldson's time as a junior minister.

Jayne Brady sent an email to NICS staff on Wednesday as she launched a "scoping exercise" following his conviction.

Donaldson was convicted in June of 18 counts of sex abuse including one count of rape, which he committed against two women when they were children.

The former DUP leader held the role of Junior Minister at the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister from February 2008 until July 2009.

Donaldson is to appeal against his sex offence convictions. His legal team lodged the paperwork with the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

The document sets out in detail the grounds on which he will attempt to have all 18 guilty verdicts set aside.

In the email to NICS staff, Brady said arrangements have been put in place so anyone, including former employees, who wish to share information can do so "safely, confidentially and with appropriate support".

The exercise will be conducted by senior HR and legal officials and will take a "trauma-informed approach".

The findings will be reported directly to Brady and the exercise is expected to conclude within the next six to eight weeks.

The Executive Office has been asked for a response.