Business Plan 2006-07

BUSINESS PLAN 2006–07

May 2006

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Temple Court,

39, North Street

Belfast

BT1 1NA

tel: (028) 9024 3987

fax: (028) 9024 7844

textphone: (028) 9024 9066

email: [email protected]

website: www.nihrc.org

CONTENTS Page Introduction 2

Vision 4

Mission 4

Values 5

Equality commitment 5

Business Plan 2006–07 6

Aim 1: Building a human rights culture in Northern Ireland 6

Aim 2: Challenging and preventing human rights abuse 10

Aim 3: Building support for a Bill of Rights and working in partnership with others for its implementation 15

Aim 4: Ensuring a strong and effective Human Rights Commission 17

Budget 2006–07 23

Appendices:

1. Organisation chart 24

2. Commissioners 25

3. Staff 29

4. Statutory authority 30

This document can be made available in languages other than English, in Braille, on audio tape or in large print by request to the Commission’s offices.

It is also available on the Commission’s website at www.nihrc.org.

1 INTRODUCTION

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established as a result of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 1998 and has been in operation since 1 March 1999, under the governing legislation, the Northern Ireland Act 1998. It is a Non–Departmental Public Body funded by government through the Northern Ireland Office and reporting to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

The Commission operates independently of government through a Commission comprising one full–time Chief Commissioner and nine part–time Commissioners. The Commission has some 20 staff and a budget of £1.475 million, which is funded by grant–in–aid from Parliament through the Northern Ireland Office. The Commission’s organisation chart is at Appendix 1; the names of Commissioners and staff in post from April 2006 are listed in Appendices 2 and 3 respectively.

The primary functions of the Commission are to protect and promote the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland. It does this by litigation, conducting investigations, education and promotion and advising government. A major area of work concerns providing advice to the government on rights that might be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland – progress on this is closely linked to the establishment by government of a political Round Table of political parties and representatives of civil society as a way of achieving political consensus on a Bill of Rights. Details of the Commission’s statutory powers and duties are listed in Appendix 4.

A consultation process conducted by the Northern Ireland Office has been completed recently on enhancing the powers of the Commission, particularly in respect of its powers of investigation. Anticipated amendments will allow the Commission access to places of detention and give it the power to compel the production of documents. There are also several important administrative functions which require amendment in order to ensure that the Commission operates in a manner which is compliant with the United Nations ‘Paris Principles’ guidance of 1993 on the status and role of national human rights institutions. While it is unclear at the time of writing when such amendments might come into effect, the Commission will be preparing for them during the planning period.

The Commission has recently agreed its third Strategic Plan covering the period 2006–09, which provides the framework for this Business Plan. Both Plans reflect a consolidation and continuation of previous work, together with a revised focus on new areas. In particular, the legal services function of the Commission is being reviewed.

2 The Commission’s budget for 2006–07 represents an increase of £125,000 on the previous year. A further increase in the annual budget is anticipated for 2007–08, which allows the Commission to make improvements to its premises and consider options in terms of staffing structures and numbers that will best fulfill the identified aims and objectives.

The Northern Ireland Office will be conducting a Landscape Review of the Commission in the autumn of 2006. This Review will examine the effectiveness of the Commission and its value in an external context. The Commission anticipates developing co–operative relationships with the Commission on Equality and Human Rights, which is being created in Great Britain, and the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission, and is conscious of its own particular contribution among the various regulatory and oversight bodies that co–exist in Northern Ireland.

At the international level, the Commission will continue to play an active role in the various networks of national human rights institutions, at the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Monitoring the United Kingdom’s compliance with international human rights treaties to which it is a signatory will continue to be a focus of our work, together with monitoring compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights domestically, through the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Commission commends this Plan to its many stakeholders and welcomes views on its work at any time.

VISION

Our vision is to help bring about a society in Northern Ireland where everyone is aware of their internationally recognised human rights and those of others and can enjoy those rights in a society which respects diversity and in which they can feel safe and valued.

MISSION

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will work vigorously and independently to ensure that the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland are fully and firmly protected in law, policy and practice. To that end, the Commission will measure the law, policy and practice in Northern Ireland against internationally accepted rules and principles for the protection of human rights and will exercise to the full the functions conferred upon it to ensure that those rules and principles are promoted, adopted and applied throughout Northern Ireland.

VALUES The Commission is committed to working in accordance with the following key values: Independence: The Commission is completely independent from any outside influence. We arrive at our conclusions after all the evidence has been fully considered. Fairness: We provide a proper hearing to any person or group wanting to meet with us. We are objective when assessing evidence, and use internationally accepted rules and principles on human rights as our baseline at all times. Openness: We welcome visitors to the Commission’s offices and undertake to meet individuals and groups at other premises if this is more convenient or suitable. The minutes of Commission meetings and all key documents are published on our website. Accessibility: The Commission works closely with members of the public. We ensure that all our public events are accessible and our publications are as easy to understand as possible and made available in other formats. Accountability: We produce an annual report after the end of each financial year. We are answerable to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (the UK Ombudsman) and we will co–operate fully with any investigation that might arise. We maintain a Register of Commissioners’ Interests which is available to anyone who wishes to view it. Participation: We work to ensure that individuals and groups feel that the Commission is their Commission. We strive to ensure that this happens particularly in our work on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and in our education work, but more generally we want to avail of people’s expertise in all areas of our work.

EQUALITY COMMITMENT We are fundamentally committed to equality of opportunity in accordance with the Commission’s Equality Scheme. We will therefore strive to promote equality of opportunity and good relations within the Commission as well as in the activities we conduct. We will strive to comply fully with our statutory obligations and we will liaise closely with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to ensure that the two institutions work effectively together.

5 BUSINESS PLAN 2006–07

This Business Plan describes the work proposed for the incoming year under each of the four strategic aims of the Commission and should be read in conjunction with the Commission’s Strategic Plan 2006–09.

A range of strategic objectives is described under each of the aims. Some re–prioritising may be required during the year and the Commission wants to leave capacity to respond to new events as they occur. In addition there is a need to ensure that appropriate time and resources are dedicated to reflecting on the value of ongoing work and to monitoring the implementation of any previous recommendations and commitments.

The implications of increased powers and amended administrative arrangements will also be kept under review and may require additional investment in terms of training or redeployment of staff. Any associated additional resource requirements will also be assessed when the Commission’s new powers are confirmed.

Aim 1: Building a human rights culture in Northern Ireland

Strategic objectives

1. To develop an inclusive and resourced education and training function to include the direct delivery of training, monitoring of others’ and developing materials for human rights training.

In–year target(s):

(a) Produce a revised education training and development strategy by February 2007

(b) Deliver a training programme on an introduction to human rights by March 2007

(d) Organise a conference on human rights education and training in the Police Service of Northern Ireland by February 2007

(e) Explore, by March 2007, options for monitoring human rights education and training in the Northern Ireland Prison Service

6 2. To seek accreditation for introductory human rights training that can be delivered by a range of organisations.

In–year target(s): preparatory work only is planned under this strategic objective during 2006–07 – the strategic objective is dependent on completion of the Commission’s revised education, training and development strategy (Objective 1(a) above)

3. To introduce to the public sector a human rights impact assessment framework to measure compliance with the Human Rights Act.

In–year target(s):

(a) Establish, by October 2006, partnership arrangements with relevant agencies to develop and pilot a human rights impact assessment tool.

4. To assist organisations and groups working to reduce sectarian conflict and violence to include a human rights dimension to their dialogue and action.

In–year target(s):

(a) Organise, in June 2006, a workshop for national human rights institutions on the role of NHRIs in conflict resolution in partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights

(b) Design and deliver a training programme on human rights for community relations practitioners by March 2007

5. To promote a strong and clear media message highlighting the value of a Bill of Rights and the universality of human rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop and deliver, in partnership with others where feasible, a media campaign by October 2006

7 6. To increase the Commission’s presence and engagement in communities across Northern Ireland.

In–year target(s):

(a) Increase the number of events and visits organised by the Commission outside Belfast, with a particular emphasis on community organisations

(b) Hold two Commission meetings outside Belfast during 2006–07, with opportunities to meet local political representatives and members of voluntary and community groups

7. To develop strategic partnerships with relevant organisations to help promote a human rights culture.

In–year target(s):

(a) Establish, by September 2006, liaison arrangements with local universities in respect of promoting human rights education activities

(b) Review current, and develop and implement new, Memoranda of Understanding with other regulatory bodies (see Aim 4, Objective 8 below)

8. To increase public awareness of the Commission and of international human rights standards and their relevance.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop, by August 2006, an exhibition resource to raise awareness of human rights for use by schools, colleges and community organisations

(b) Co–ordinate ‘human rights week’ in December 2006, and produce associated promotional materials

8 (d) Revise the Commission’s brochure ‘Guide to the Human Rights Act’ by September 2006

(e) Develop and publish a guide to Article 11 (the right to freedom of assembly) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and scope work on guides to other Articles, by March 2007

(f) Review, by September 2006, the range of the Commission’s publications and their distribution arrangements

(g) Develop and publish three issues of ‘NIHRC Review’, the Commission’s magazine, during 2006–07

(h) Provide the information, training and support necessary to encourage the participation of relevant interest groups in the treaty monitoring process of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) – the 2003 report of the UK has not yet been examined and a further report falls due in May 2007

(i) Undertake similar activities in relation to other human rights treaty processes, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (report due in November 2006); the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (report due in April 2006) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (report due in June 2007)

(j) Support, as required, the work of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People in promoting awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

(k) Evaluate public awareness of the Commission and its work in a public opinion survey by November 2006

9. To implement an agreed public affairs strategy, particularly in relation to the development of a Bill of Rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) Further develop contacts with, key parliamentary spokespersons and politicians with human rights interests in Northern Ireland, London, Dublin, Washington and Strasbourg by December 2006

9 (b) Meet with the UK Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, and Westminster political parties’ human rights spokespeople and researchers by November 2006

(c) Organise similar meetings in the Dáil and Seanad in Dublin with the assistance of the Irish Human Rights Commission, and meet with the Department of Foreign Affairs by November 2006

10. To develop resources and support for organisations working in the field of human rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop and publish a human rights training guide by March 2007

(b) Explore the potential of producing a training resource on embedding human rights values in youth work by March 2007

(c) Undertake, by March 2007, a scoping study on the potential for producing a good practice guide on human rights compliance in the health and social services sector

(d) Further develop the content of the Commission’s website and promote the use of the reference library (see Aim 4, Objectives 10 and 11 respectively below)

Aim 2: Challenging and preventing human rights abuse

Strategic objectives

1. To secure effective outcomes for individuals and groups who seek the support of the Commission in addressing human rights complaints or concerns.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop and consult on a new strategic approach to the delivery of legal services, informed by best practice in other rights–based agencies, by October 2006

(b) Review, by October 2006, the processes for handling complaints and enquiries, including to and from other specialist agencies

10 (c) Assess cases for support or intervention by the Commission in accordance with priorities set under its legal strategy, through monthly meetings of the Casework Committee

(d) Support key cases in the courts as advised by the Casework Committee

2. To promote the Human Rights Act 1998 and to increase the consideration given in the courts to applicable international human rights standards.

In–year target(s):

(a) Apply for leave to intervene in appropriate cases as advised by the Casework Committee

(b) Organise at least two training events of specific interest to the judiciary and legal profession during 2006–07

3. To secure changes in public policy to reflect the Human Rights Act 1998 and international human rights standards.

In–year target(s):

(a) Respond to key consultation documents issued that have major human rights implications, within stipulated timeframes

(b) Identify key areas to advise government on measures that ought to be taken to protect human rights

(c) Assess and advise on any proposals for legislative or other measures designed to deal with the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland

(d) Seek to ensure human rights compliance and effective oversight and complaints mechanisms in the context of changing policy, practice and operational responsibilities in law enforcement as they emerge

11 4. To manage and invest in relationships with other key agencies and stakeholders in the field.

In–year target(s):

(a) Liaise with key public authorities in law enforcement and other rights–sensitive areas, such as social services, places of detention and urban and rural planning

(b) Ensure effective mutual referral arrangements with public authorities that handle complaints and non–governmental advice agencies

5. To monitor the jurisprudence of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Court of Human Rights and other international fora.

In–year target(s):

(a) Maintain awareness of case law developments throughout the Commission

(b) Publish, in plain language, an overview of case law, signposting relevant information resources, by March 2007

6. To monitor the impact of counter–terrorism measures on individual human rights protections.

In–year target(s):

(a) Assess against relevant international human rights standards proposals for legislation and practice in respect of counter–terrorism and, as appropriate, provide advice to the government and others

(b) Disseminate emerging international standards to inform debate on the protection of human rights in the context of counter–terrorism measures

12 7. To use the Commission’s powers effectively to investigate key human rights concerns and build on previous investigations and research, and monitor the implementation of recommendations.

In–year target(s):

(a) Complete follow–up research on the conditions of women prisoners in Hydebank Wood and publish a report on the findings by September 2006, and organise a conference to discuss the findings by February 2007

(b) Undertake a project to research suicide and self–harm in places of detention, focusing on women, young people and asylum seekers/immigration detainees and publish initial findings by November 2006; consider the need for further research into the experiences of adult male prisoners

(c) Investigate immigration procedures in Northern Ireland and produce a report on initial findings by August 2006; organise a conference to discuss the findings by October 2006

(d) Continue work to identify and disseminate good practice in the investigation of deaths in hospitals; organise an international conference by February 2007

(e) Develop and publish, by June 2006, an update on ‘In Our Care’ on the experiences of young people in detention, and organise a seminar to discuss the findings by September 2006

(f) Develop and implement, by September 2006, a strategy on visits by the Commission to places of detention (and other institutions)

8. To introduce a proactive approach to protecting social, economic and cultural rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop, by September 2006, priorities for work on economic social and cultural rights, including health, education, poverty, and linguistic and cultural minorities

(b) Develop, by March 2007, in–house expertise on the human rights analysis of public expenditure

13 (c) Respond to consultations, or otherwise contribute advice to government, on at least six topics pertaining to economic, social and cultural rights during 2006–07

(d) Publish, in partnership with the Law Centre, Animate and OFMDFM, the first phase of a series of guides to the rights of migrant workers by June 2006

(e) Publish a report on the rights of transgendered people by July 2006

9. To respond to the reporting mechanisms of international treaty monitoring bodies and to build the capacity of those most directly affected to respond effectively themselves.

In–year target(s):

(a) Engage in the treaty monitoring process under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by preparing a parallel report for submission in time for the next examination, which may take place in 2007

(b) Provide comments to government on draft UK reports under other instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (report due in November 2006); the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (report due in April 2006) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (report due in June 2007), and prepare parallel reports in time for any examinations that may be scheduled

(c) Contribute to the international networks of national human rights institutions in promoting a formal role for NHRIs in the monitoring procedures

(d) Encourage the government to ratify further international instruments

10. To identify and develop cross–border pieces of work with the Irish Human Rights Commission through the Joint Committee.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop proposals for projects for consideration by the Joint Committee by September 2006

14 (b) Contribute as required to any projects initiated by the Joint Committee

Aim 3: Building support for a Bill of Rights and working in partnership with others for its implementation

Strategic objectives

1. To encourage public confidence in and support for the concept of a Bill of Rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop a website for existing and new resources on a Bill of Rights by November 2006

(b) Meet with a range of stakeholders throughout 2006–07, with a particular focus on rural, faith, business and Unionist communities, in order to encourage public confidence in and support for a Bill of Rights

2. To work to promote a Round Table of political parties and representatives of civil society as a way of achieving political consensus on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

In–year target(s):

(a) Agree, by June 2006, the Commission’s strategy in respect of contributing to a political Round Table

(b) Organise a seminar on progress towards a Bill of Rights by October 2006, if appropriate, in light of developments with the political Round Table

15 3. To secure relevant information and advice from domestic and international sources in submitting advice to the Secretary of State.

In–year target(s):

(a) In light of developments with the political Round Table, organise a residential conference to discuss the Commission’s advice to the Secretary of State

4. When appropriate, to submit advice to the Secretary of State on a Bill of Rights.

In–year target(s):

(a) In light of developments with the political Round Table, agree a timetable, issue guidance and an update on the Commission’s position on a Bill of Rights by December 2006

5. To develop extensive political engagement in Northern Ireland and at Westminster with the Bill of Rights process.

In–year target(s):

(a) Meet with the Northern Ireland Office on a regular basis to monitor progress on a Bill of Rights and political engagement with it

(b) Meet regularly with lobby groups and political parties to update them and seek their views on progress towards a Bill of Rights

6. To co–ordinate, in partnership with political parties and others from civil society, an effective lobby to maintain momentum for the implementation of advice when submitted.

In–year target(s): this strategic objective is dependent on submission of the Commission’s advice to the Secretary of State on a Bill of Rights (Objective 4(a) above), which in turn is linked to progress in respect of a political Round Table

16 7. To secure a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, with wide public and political support.

In–year target(s): this strategic objective is a product of, and therefore dependent on, the achievement of all of the objectives listed above. Specific targets will be developed in respect of this objective once the Commission has submitted its advice to the Secretary of State on a Bill of Rights

Aim 4: Ensuring a strong and effective Human Rights Commission

Strategic objectives

1. To co–operate fully with and give due regard to a Landscape Review by government.

In–year target(s):

(a) Work with the Northern Ireland Office to ensure effective terms of reference and protocols for the conduct of the Landscape Review

(b) Provide all the necessary support and documentation to the Landscape Review Team within a timeframe to be agreed with the Northern Ireland Office

(c) Develop an action plan to respond to the findings of the Landscape Review within a timeframe to be agreed with the Northern Ireland Office

2. To review the effectiveness of the organisation using guidance provided by the United Nations and other expert groups.

In–year target(s):

(a) Review the Commission’s Management Statement and Financial Memorandum with the Northern Ireland Office to secure the Commission’s independence in line with the ‘Paris Principles’ by September 2006

(b) Establish criteria and methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the Commission by January 2007

17 (c) Develop a new strategic approach to increase the effectiveness of legal services (see Aim 2, Objective 1 above)

3. To implement and keep under review the Communications Strategy recently developed by the Commission.

In–year target(s):

(a) Implement the outstanding recommendations of the Communications Strategy by October 2006

(b) Keep under review the Communications Strategy and make recommendations for change as appropriate

4. To implement a strategy to encourage stakeholder confidence in the Commission and its work.

In–year target(s):

(a) Implement the stakeholder strategy and associated contact management system by June 2006

(b) Deliver the Commission’s public affairs strategy (see Aim 1, Objective 9 above)

5. To enhance working relationships with the government and administrations at Stormont, Westminster, Dublin, the Scottish and Welsh administrations, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and other bodies internationally.

In–year target(s):

(a) Secure accreditation from the International Coordinating Committee at the United Nations allowing full participation in the networks of national institutions and international human rights systems by October 2006

(b) Agree Memoranda of Understanding with the Commission for Equality and Human Rights in Great Britain and the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission when operational

18 6. To maintain an effective partnership with the Irish Human Rights Commission and secure sufficient resources to ensure the effective operation of the Joint Committee of Representatives of the two Human Rights Commissions on the island of Ireland.

In–year target(s):

(a) Hold four Joint Committee meetings during 2006–07

(b) Establish, by May 2006, a structure of sub–committees of the Joint Committee to take forward joint working

(c) Establish, by June 2006, the resources required to support Joint Committee work and, if appropriate, submit a bid for funding to both governments

7. To build on and develop international networks among national human rights institutions and international NGOs.

In–year target(s):

(a) Participate in the Council of Europe, United Nations and British Council networks of national human rights institutions

(b) Identify and follow–up networking opportunities among NHRIs and international NGOs as they occur

(c) Build bilateral co–operation with other NHRIs, and participate in technical co–operation and training initiatives through the European Group of NHRIs, the Office of the High Commissioner and other bodies, where opportunities arise

(d) Increase engagement with the international human rights systems and their reform processes, including the European Court of Human Rights and the revised United Nations structures

8. To ensure that effective Memoranda of Understanding operate with relevant bodies in Northern Ireland and that the relationship with the sponsor department is monitored and regularly reviewed.

19 In–year target(s):

(a) Review, by September 2006, current Memoranda of Understanding with the Equality Commission, Police Ombudsman, the Courts Service and Legal Services Commission and revise as appropriate to ensure effective working arrangements

(b) Develop and implement new Memoranda of Understanding with the Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People, the Criminal Justice Inspectorate and the Prisons Ombudsman by September 2006

9. To secure sufficient resources, and manage them effectively, to achieve the Commission’s mandate.

In–year target(s):

(a) Publish the Strategic Plan for 2006–09 by June 2006

(b) Contribute to the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review to secure sufficient resources for the Commission until 2010 within the timetable set by the government

(d) Put in place a comprehensive corporate risk management arrangements by May 2006

(e) Put in place anti–fraud and whistleblowing policies by May 2006

(f) Put in place a comprehensive assets register by May 2006

(g) Agree terms of reference for a revised structure of committees by June 2006 and review the effectiveness of each Committee by December 2006

(h) Ensure that the financial accounts for 2005–06 are submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General by July 2006 and, once certified, published with the Annual Report

(i) Put in place, by September 2006, an action plan for the achievement of the Investors in People Standard

20 (j) Undertake a skills analysis of staff and Commissioners by September 2006

(k) Complete work to refurbish the Commission’s offices by September 2006

(l) Review and document office systems by October 2006

(m) Agree revised pay arrangements by October 2006.

(n) Develop and undertake a staff attitude survey by January 2007

(o) Put in place a revised staff handbook by March 2007

(p) Ensure through internal and external audit activities that sound financial control systems are in place

10. To enhance the ICT capacity of the Commission in order to promote its work effectively.

In–year target(s):

(a) Redesign and relaunch the Commission’s website by May 2006

(b) Explore the feasibility of a corporate intranet system by January 2007 and, where appropriate, make recommendations for implementation

11. To maximise the use of the Commission’s information resources, including the reference library.

In–year target(s):

(a) Complete the computerised catalogue of the library’s holdings by November 2006

(b) Agree a strategy for the future development of the library by November 2006

21 12. To comply with all statutory requirements placed on a public body.

In–year target(s):

(a) Review, by October 2006, the recruitment and selection policy and procedures to ensure compliance with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

(b) Review outstanding equality commitments and put in place a revised Equality Scheme by March 2007

(d) Process requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 within 15 working days of receipt

(e) Pay 100% of valid invoices within 30 days of receipt

(f) Ensure that equality and other statistical returns are made on time

13. To review and implement a programme for interns and volunteers.

In–year target(s):

(a) Develop and implement an intern policy by June 2006

(b) Provide places for six internships during 2006–07

22 BUDGET 2006–07

EMPLOYMENT COSTS Staff £625,000 Commissioners £175,000 Total £800,000

RUNNING COSTS Rent £105,000 Rates £40,000 Electricity/Gas £17,000 Phone/fax/alarm £10,000 Cleaning £1,000 Postage £15,000 Travel & Hospitality £50,000 Insurance £6,000 Stationery £20,000 Professional Fees £30,000 Interns expenses £2,000 IT £20,000 Office Furniture/Equipment £10,000 Equipment Rental £4,000 Premises Expenses £95,000 Consultancy services £10,000 Recruitment costs £15,000 Training and development £15,000 Total £465,000

PROGRAMME COSTS Legal services, including casework £60,000 Education/training materials £15,000 External events £60,000 Investigations £15,000 Media monitoring/PR £10,000 Publications produced £40,000 Publications purchased £10,000 £210,000

TOTAL £1,475,000

ORGANISATION CHART Appendix 1

Chief Commissioner

Commissioners (9)

Chief Executive

Head of Corporate Head of Legal Services Head of Information, Services Policy & Research Education & Development

Investigations Research Education Information Development Workers Workers Caseworkers Worker Worker Worker

Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Housekeeper (Personnel) (Finance) (Legal) (Commissioners) (Reception) (Information)

Appendix 2

COMMISSIONERS

Chief Commissioner

Monica McWilliams Monica McWilliams was appointed full–time Chief Commissioner for Human Rights in Northern Ireland in June 2005. Previously, she was Professor of Women’s Studies and Social Policy at the University of Ulster and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland from 1996 to 2003. She was the co–founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. She was elected to the Multi–Party Peace Negotiations which led to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Monica has published two books on domestic violence in Northern Ireland. She has received honorary degrees from Lesley College, Massachusetts and Mount Mary College, Milwaukee and is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Michigan.

Commissioners

There are nine other Commissioners who work part–time for the Commission (approximately one day per week). They are:

Jonathan Bell Jonathan Bell is a graduate of Queen’s University with a BA (Hons) Psychology (1991) and Master of Social Work (1996). He also holds a Diploma in Social Work – CCETSW 1996. Jonathan was a councillor for Craigavon Borough Council during 1997–2005 and was elected to Ards Borough Council in 2005. He is a member of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, a Director of the Local Government International Bureau and professionally practices as Senior Practitioner in an adolescent social work team.

Thomas Duncan Thomas Duncan was Headmaster of the Royal School Armagh between 1988 and 2002 and Deputy Headmaster of Dalriada School, Ballymoney from 1974 until 1988 where he also acted as Head of Science. His main qualifications include MA (NUU) – Education Administration, DASE (NUU) – Education Administration and BSc (Hons) (QUB) – Chemistry.

25 He has fulfilled a number of public roles which include acting as the Chairman of Armagh Together, Armagh Marketing Initiative, Armagh District Scout Council, the Northern Ireland Boarding Schools Partnership and Armagh Rotary Club. He is also a member of the Armagh Diocesan Board of Education, Secretary of the Friends of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and Executive Officer of the 1608 Royal Schools, which celebrate their 400th Anniversary in 2008.

His interests include travelling, golf, theatre and sport.

Christine Eames Lady Eames was formerly World President of the Mothers' Union from 1995 to 2000. She is a law graduate with an MPhil in Medical Ethics and currently chairs the Human Rights Committee of the Mental Health Review Team, on behalf of the Commission. A Central Trustee of Christian Aid in Ireland and worldwide, Christine has an active interest in cross community work and young people.

Lady Eames was appointed as a part–time member to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in December 2001. She was awarded an OBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours List for services to the community in Northern Ireland.

Colin Harvey Colin Harvey is Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Human Rights Centre, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. From 2000 to 2004 he was Professor of Constitutional and Human Rights Law, School of Law, University of Leeds and Co–Convener of the Human Rights Research Unit. He was also a member of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council from 2002 to 2006. Colin is also on the Advisory Board of the British Institute of Human Rights and the Steering Group of the UK section of the International Association of Constitutional Law. He was Refugee Co–ordinator for Amnesty International (Irish Section) 1998 to 2000 and a member of the Executive of the Committee on the Administration of Justice 1999 to 2000.

He is on the editorial board of Human Rights Law Review and The Journal of Civil Liberties and is the Case Editor for the International Journal of Refugee Law. He has published extensively in academic and more popular formats, on issues of human rights law and politics. His publications include: Seeking Asylum in the UK: Problems and Prospects (2000), Human Rights in the Community: Rights as Agents for Change (2005) (with Ursula Fraser), Sanctuary in Ireland: Perspectives on Asylum Law and Policy (2004), Human Rights, Equality and Democratic Renewal in Northern Ireland (2001), ‘The Right to Seek Asylum in the European Union’ (2004) European Human Rights Law Review 17–36; ‘Framing Refugee Protection in the New World Disorder’ (2001) Cornell International Law Journal 257–320 (with Professor James Hethaway).

26 Alan Henry Alan Henry was Head of Human Resources, Royal Mail from 1988 to 2003.

He is currently a Civil Service Commissioner, an Independent Assessor for the Office of Public Appointments and an Assessor for the National Patient Safety Authority. He is also a lay panellist for the Office of Industrial Tribunals.

Alan was formerly a Lay Schools Inspector for the Department of Education and a Commissioner of the Equality Commission.

Alan is also a principal in a human resources consultancy practice.

Ann Hope Until recently (2005) Ann Hope was Advisory Services Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions where she had responsibility for gender equality and for progressing work on Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, Single Equality legislation and the proposed Bill of Rights.

Her background is in adult and community education and prior to working with Congress, Ann worked as a tutor organiser with the Workers’ Educational Association where she taught trade union studies and women’s studies. An active trade unionist all her working life, Ann has held many positions in the trade union movement at Branch, Regional and National levels and was President of Belfast and District Council of Trade Unions.

She has served on a number of public bodies including the Board of Prison Visitors for Maghaberry Prison, the Health and Safety Agency, the Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland, of which she was Deputy Chair, and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Currently she serves on the Board of the Women’s National Commission, the government’s official independent advisory body on women and is a Governor of the Pensions Policy Institute. She was a founder member of Democratic Dialogue and was its chair for five years. She was a member of the former Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition.

She holds a Masters in Education, a BA in History and Politics and a Diploma in Trade Union Studies.

Kevin McLaughlin Kevin McLaughlin is a freelance trainer and consultant on disability issues. He currently sits as a user/community representative on the Mid-Ulster Local Health and Social Care Group. Kevin is also a member of the Ofcom Consumer Panel and, when sitting, the Civic Forum.

A graduate of the University of Ulster and Queen’s University, Belfast, he also holds an MA in Disability Studies from the University of Leeds.

27 Kevin was appointed as a part–time member of the NIHRC in December 2001.

Eamonn O’Neill Eamonn O’Neill was a school teacher for 30 years in St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan and Vice Principal for the last ten of those years. An elected councillor to Down Council from 1977 to the present, he has held all the major positions in the council.

Eamonn was a long time member of the Northern Ireland Housing Council and was appointed to the Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive from 1995 to 1998, and reappointed to the Board from November 2005. He was also a member and past chairman on two occasions of the East Border Region from May 1977 until May 2005. He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly and appointed chairman of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure 1998 to 2003. Eamonn also serves as a member of the Eastern Health and Social Services Council.

Eamonn has been the chairman and vice chairman of the Down District Policing Partnership from 2002 to the present and was Northern Ireland chairman and then national chairman of the Association of Public Services Excellence in 2003. In addition, he founded and has chaired the local regeneration group Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd from 1991 to the present.

Geraldine Rice Since 1995, Geraldine Rice has been a self–employed trainer and consultant to the hospitality industry, and a trainer in food hygiene for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Geraldine was elected as an Alliance Party councillor in 1989 and is still serving in that capacity as Alderman and most recently as Deputy Mayor for Castlereagh Borough Council. Having been a board member of Clanmil Housing Association since 1998 and elected chair in 2004, she has served as chair of the finance committee and a Director of Clanmil Properties and Clanmil Ireland (both of these positions are voluntary). She has also been a member of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. Geraldine currently serves as a board member of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and is a member of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.

Her qualifications include Member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science MBICSc, registered trainer with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Accredited Trainers Certificate with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, ECDLC Certificate in Computer Skills, OCR Certificate in Counselling Skills and a University of Ulster Certificate in Counselling.

28 Appendix 3 STAFF

Chief Executive Paddy Sloan Head of Information, Peter O’Neill Education & Development Head of Legal Services, Ciarán Ó Maoláin Policy & Research Head of Corporate Services Don Leeson

Information Worker Nadia Downing

Education Worker Rebecca Dudley

Development Worker Miriam Titterton

Caseworkers Angela Stevens

Virginia McVea

Petra Sheils

Investigations Workers Nazia Latif

Linda Moore

Research Workers Agnieszka Martynowicz

Administrative Officers Roisin Carlin

Rebecca Eaton

Louise Furber

Lorraine Hamill

Brenda Madden

Bernadette Rooney

Housekeeper Vacant

Also: Denise Magill (on career break) Caroline Nolan (on maternity leave) Edel Teague (on secondment to CCMS)

29 Appendix 4

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Extract from the Northern Ireland Act 1998

Functions of the Commission

69. (1) The Commission shall keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights.

(2) The Commission shall, before the end of the period of two years beginning with the commencement of this section, make to the Secretary of State such recommendations as it thinks fit for improving –

(a) its effectiveness;

(b) the adequacy and effectiveness of the functions conferred on it by this Part; and

(3) The Commission shall advise the Secretary of State and the Executive Committee of the Assembly of legislative and other measures which ought to be taken to protect human rights –

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a general or specific request for advice; and

(b) on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate.

(4) The Commission shall advise the Assembly whether a Bill is compatible with human rights –

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a request for advice; and

(b) on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate.

30 (5) The Commission may –

(a) give assistance to individuals in accordance with section 70; and

(b) bring proceedings involving law or practice relating to the protection of human rights.

(6) The Commission shall promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland; and for this purpose it may undertake, commission or provide financial or other assistance for-

(a) research; and

(b) educational activities.

(7) The Secretary of State shall request the Commission to provide advice of the kind referred to in paragraph 4 of the Human Rights section of the Belfast Agreement.

(8) For the purpose of exercising its functions under this section the Commission may conduct such investigations as it considers necessary or expedient.

(9) The Commission may decide to publish its advice and the outcome of its research and investigations.

(10) The Commission shall do all that it can to ensure the establishment of the committee referred to in paragraph 10 of that section of that Agreement.

(11) In this section –

(a) a reference to the Assembly includes a reference to a committee of the Assembly;

(b) “human rights” includes the Convention rights.

31 Assistance by the Commission

70. (1) This section applies to–

(a) proceedings involving law or practice relating to the protection of human rights which a person in Northern Ireland has commenced, or wishes to commence; or

(b) proceedings in the course of which such a person relies, or wishes to rely, on such law or practice.

(2) Where the person applies to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for assistance in relation to proceedings to which this section applies, the Commission may grant the application on any of the following grounds–

(a) that the case raises a question of principle;

(b) that it would be unreasonable to expect the person to deal with the case without assistance because of its complexity, or because of the person's position in relation to another person involved, or for some other reason;

(3) Where the Commission grants an application under subsection (2) it may–

(a) provide, or arrange for the provision of, legal advice;

(b) arrange for the provision of legal representation;

(4) Arrangements made by the Commission for the provision of assistance to a person may include provision for recovery of expenses from the person in certain circumstances.