FOI 36-25: Information in regards to Assembly Commission staff membership of sectarian fraternal societies

Information Standards Freedom of Information Response

24 June 2025

Our Ref: FoI 36-25

Freedom of Information Act 2000

I am writing to confirm that the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission (Assembly Commission) has processed your request dated 4 June 2025 in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). In your request, you asked the following-

"1. Does the Assembly permit Assembly Commission staff to hold membership of sectarian fraternal societies, including but not limited to the Loyal Orange Institution or the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth?

2. Does the Assembly require any such staff to declare their membership of such organisations?"

Our response

Question 1

The Assembly Commission has a Standards of Conduct policy which provides guidance on the general principles and rules of conduct expected from all Assembly Commission employees from appointment onwards. Employees of the Assembly Commission must be, and be seen to be, honest and impartial in the exercise of their duties. Assembly Commission employees can take part in political and public activity as long as it does not compromise, or might be seen to compromise, their impartial service to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Question 2

The Assembly Commission asks employees to carefully consider whether their connection with an organisation may appear to conflict with their duty to be impartial and declare any interests to the Human Resources Office. Assembly Commission employees who are office holders or members of an organisation which has dealings with the Northern Ireland Assembly must consult with the Human Resources Office who will advise on whether there is an actual or perceived conflict of interest and on the action required.

Further Information

You have the right to request an internal review of this decision by the Assembly Commission. If you wish to request such a review, please write to me at the above address. If, after that review, you are dissatisfied with the way in which the Assembly Commission has handled your request for information, you may complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Your request for information and our response may be published in the disclosure log maintained by the Assembly Commission under a publication scheme agreed with the ICO. The request and our response will be anonymised.

Yours faithfully

INFORMATION STANDARDS