SCHEDULE 1.THE COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 1. Status
This ensures that the Commissioner has an independent legal status distinct from the sponsoring Department of OFMDFM, permits the post to pass from one Commissioner to the next successor-in-office and allows the delegation of the role of Commissioner and any or all of his/her accompanying functions by the Commissioner to a member of staff within the Commission.
The Commissioner would not be regarded as a servant or agent of the Crown and would not enjoy any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown. This status would ensure that the Commissioner enjoys equal status with other statutory bodies and Commissions.