The Commission is a National Human Rights Institution with A status accreditation from the UN and non-departmental public body. We receive grant-in-aid from the UK government through the NI Office and report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for NI.
There are seven Commissioners appointed by the Secretary of State. As far as practicable, Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in NI.
Our role is to protect and promote the human rights of everyone in NI. We help people understand what their human rights are and what they can do if their rights are violated or abused.
The Commission functions include:
- providing advice on legislation introduced in the NI Assembly and on policy proposals made by Ministers. We also provide advice to the UK government and Parliament.
- conducting investigations. To do so, we may enter places of detention, and can compel individuals and agencies to give oral testimony or to produce documents.
- promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights. To do so, we may undertake or support research and educational activities.
- providing legal advice and initiating strategic legal cases.
monitoring the implementation of international human rights treaties.
Why the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
The Commission promotes the fundamental human right to participate in public life and is committed to increasing the diversity of representation throughout Northern Ireland. It is committed to the aims and objective of the Boardroom Apprentice, and in particular the realisation of equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups such as women, young people, and minority ethnic communities.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
At the moment meetings are being held virtually via Microsoft Teams but when we return to face to face meetings they will all be held in our office at 4th Floor, Alfred House, 19-21 Alfred Street, Belfast, BT2 8ED
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Board and Committee meetings are held quarterly. Meetings take place during the day from 0930 – 1400
Monthly Board meetings from 10am-1.30pm
Quarterly Audit and Risk Management Committee Meetings from 10am-1.00pm
Date of Board Meetings (September 2022 – August 2023)
Dates to be confirmed but most likely:
Monday 26 September 2022
Monday 31 October 2022
Monday 28 November 2022
Monday 12 December 2022
Dates for 2023 yet to be arranged but most likely:
Monday 31 January 2023
Monday 27 February 2023
Monday 27 March 2023
Monday 24 April 2023
Monday 22 May 2023 or Tuesday 30 May 2023
Monday 26 June 2023
NO MEETING IN JULY
Monday 21 August 2023 or Tuesday 29 August 2023
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (September 2022 – August 2023)
Audit and Risk Management meetings are held quarterly and dates are yet to be arranged. Meetings will be held in the following months:
September 2022
December 2022
March 2023
June 2023
