The Human Rights (HR) Act 1998, which came into effect on 2 October 2000, makes the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) part of the law in the United Kingdom. The HR Act 1998 now allows individuals and organisations to go to a court or tribunal to seek a remedy if they believe that the rights conferred on them by the European Convention have been violated by a public authority. Every public authority, including the Policing Board, must comply with the HR Act (and therefore the ECHR).
As a public authority the Policing Board needs to be aware of the effects of this legislation on its work. There are a number of scenarios where we could find ourselves directly affected. For example, we might be responsible for drawing up legislation, or legislative proposals; our job might have a direct impact on the rights of individuals; or our advice to Members is to be acted on. In each of these cases, we need to ensure that decisions/actions are compatible with the legislation. To that end, the Policing Board will comply with HR legislation by:
Providing ‘Human Rights Awareness’ training for all Members and Staff within the Policing Board. More specific/specialist training will be provided where and when required.
- Providing new Members and Staff with a Human Rights (HR) overview during their ‘induction’ briefings.
- Encouraging regular consideration of all of the legislation that the Policing Board operates under to confirm HR compliance.
- Requiring completion of a HR compliance checklist when developing policies, practices and procedures within the Policing Board.
- Providing access to legal advice when required.
Keeping abreast of developments in HR by regular reference to the HR Commission’s website. In addition, by contact with colleagues in Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Civil Service Departments.