The Victims and Survivors Forum was established in 2012 and is part of the infrastructure detailed in the Victims and Survivors Strategy.
The Victims and Survivors Forum was established in 2012 and is part of the infrastructure detailed in the Victims and Survivors Strategy.
The Victims Order (NI) 2006 (Para. 6. 6) states that:
“The Commissioner shall make arrangements for a forum for consultation and discussion with victims and survivors."
The Strategy for Victims and Survivors 2009-2019 states that it is essential that:
“the views of victims and survivors are based at the very heart of the agenda."
In order to achieve this the Commissioner convenes a Forum that is representative of victims and survivors experience for the purpose of consultation and discussion.
The Strategy also identifies the key work areas of the Forum which include:
(a) A comprehensive needs assessment to inform the development of services (linked to the provision of long-term funding and support services for victims/survivors);
(b) Dealing with the ‘past’; and
(c) Building for the future.
The Victims and Survivors Forum has currently 20 members who meet regularly. Their profiles can be viewed here.
In September 2015, Judith Thompson was appointed as Commissioner for Victims and Survivors and reviewed the appointment process for the Forum and requested a process that was open, accessible and transparent and that would allow the Forum to be operated in a safe, competent and ethical manner.
In order to engage effectively with victims and survivors, the Commission sought to appoint a panel of victims or survivors in order to:
A call for Expressions of Interest was publicly launched and opened in April 2016. The Commission sought individuals who:
Met the definition of a victim as detailed in the Victims Order (NI) 2006:
Could demonstrate the core competencies of the role:
The Commission consulted with the current Forum members and stakeholders and identified the core competencies of an effective Forum member in the following areas:
Met the requirements of the role:
Once the panel was appointed, the Commissioner identified the gaps in the current Forum membership and sought panel members who matched the gaps identified to attain a representative Forum as far as practically possible.
In order for the Commissioner to convene a Forum that is broadly representative of victims and survivors lived experience, demographics such as community background, gender, age, geographic location, origin of harm and the definition of a victim as detailed in the Victims Order (NI) 2006 to include those psychologically and physically injured, bereaved and carers.
To view Forum minutes please click here.
To view advice from the Forum to the Commission please click here.