To ensure accountability, the Commissioner is required to report back annually to the appointing authority, that is to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, on how he/she is carrying out the role of Commissioner and on the use of the financial resources at his/her disposal. This report should contain details of the steps taken by the Commissioner that year to comply with his or her duties, to make older people aware of his/her functions, the location of the office and how older people can communicate with the Commissioner. OFMDFM is required to lay a copy of the annual report before the Assembly and to send a copy of the annual report to the Secretary of State for NI.
SCHEDULE 1.THE COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 12. Annual report