ICRIR publishes draft Code of Conduct and other key governance elements

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery expects to be legally established as an independent body later this year. This is an important step on the journey to starting to carry out information recovery work for those affected by the Troubles.

It’s essential that independence of the Commission is securely founded on principles of openness, good governance and accountability. Today we’re publishing some of the key documents in draft form which will underpin this governance. The documents are subject to debate by the Commissioners once appointed and in advance of this, we welcome comments and feedback on these drafts.

Our draft Code of Conduct

This will help all in the ICRIR to carry out work in accordance with clear values. It sets out the values we will hold ourselves accountable for and how every member of the Commission’s staff will uphold those values in their work.

Our Gifts & Hospitality policy and register

This is a vital part of our governance process, ensuring that Commission staff record any gifts and hospitality they receive. It will help us ensure that our decisions and conclusions cannot be influenced by outside parties. Commissioners will follow the same policy and where gifts or hospitality are received or given in line with the rules, this will be published on a regular basis.

Our draft Framework Document with the Northern Ireland Office

The Commission will operate independently of Government – both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive – however, a Framework Document is standard practice for arm’s length bodies and an important part of accountability. It sets out transparently where contact and financial data exchange will happen between ICRIR and the UK Government and how wider public sector obligations for good governance and use of resources will apply. The standard Framework Document has been modified to reflect the ICRIR’s operational independence

This Framework Document describes the governance and accountability framework that would apply between ICRIR, the UK Government and other parties, as relevant. It sets out how the day-to-day relationship will work in practice, including in relation to governance and financial matters. In doing this transparently, it underscores how the Commission will be independent of Government while also ensuring appropriate accountability and governance measures are in place to manage public funds. It cements the current processes by which selection of Commissioners has been undertaken at arm’s length from Ministers and it enshrines requirements for internal governance and external scrutiny to ensure continued accountability of the Commission. We’re publishing it at this stage before the Commission has agreed to it so that those we work with can ask questions or provide comments and these can be reflected by the Commission in its consideration of agreeing the final Framework Document.

Want to know more?

• Explore the governance section of our website and see how our Board and Executive Committee will lead the Commission and read our draft governance framework.
• Read more of our key establishing publications in our Documents library.
• Check out our latest news and recent media coverage.

Would you like to get involved in the Commission’s early work to define its processes and principles? Complete our latest survey or email us at our Contact page to add your name to our mailing list for updates and opportunities to be involved in focus groups and other work.