Brendan McAllister

Mr McAllister’s office in Belfast officially opened today following his appointment by David Sterling, head of the Northern Ireland civil service, last month.

The interim advocate will operate until the statutory commissioner has been appointed, in line with the final report of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.

As the primary voice for victims and survivors, he will seek to advocate on behalf of victims and survivors during the passage of legislative proposals; work with service providers to ensure the needs of victims and survivors are both known and emphasised; reach out to victims and survivors in other jurisdictions; and be a channel of communication for the sector.

On Mr McAllister’s appointment last month, Mr Sterling said: “I have no doubt that Brendan’s appointment will ensure that the views of victims and survivors will be kept front and centre in all future discussions, particularly with regard to the progression of current legislative proposals.”

Mr McAllister, a well-regarded expert in mediation, added: “I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed to this important role as a representative voice for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting with as many victims and survivors as possible, and learning more of the issues they have faced and continue to face.

“There is much work to be done and I don’t underestimate the challenges that lie ahead but I am absolutely committed to being a strong, dedicated and supportive voice for all.”