Consultation on the Draft Unacceptable Behaviours Policy

Overview

Prior to the end of the last Assembly mandate, a working group comprising of members of the Committee on Standards and Privileges and members of the Assembly Commission developed a draft policy and accompanying procedures for dealing with complaints of inappropriate/unacceptable behaviour involving anyone working for or within the Assembly, including MLAs, Members' staff, Party staff and Assembly Commission employees. 

The draft policy envisages a range of procedural and process improvements which will underpin fairness and take acount of the sensitive nature of compaints under this policy.

Having consulted within their parties, the members of the working group agreed a report on the draft policy and this was published by the previous Committee shortly before the end of the mandate. At its meeting on 12 June 2024, the current Committee agreed to progress the public consultation on the draft policy.

Furthermore, the draft policy anticipates the appointment of independent lay members to the Committee. While the current Committee does not see a case for the appointment of lay members to the Committee, it has agreed that it will further consider the matter, including in light of the consultation responses.

Why your views matter

We want to hear your views on the Northern Ireland Assembly's draft Unacceptable Behaviours Policy. We are asking for your views on a number of areas, and your answers will help us finalise the Policy.