The Independent Autism Reviewer
Following a public appointment process, Ema Cubitt was formally appointed by the Health Minister in August 2024 as the first Independent Autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland. She took up office on 2 September 2024.
Working independently and impartially, Ema carries out statutory functions that extend across all government departments, statutory bodies, and non-statutory organisations.
The Reviewer’s remit spans every sector that shapes the lives of autistic people and their families. This includes Health and Social Care, Education, Justice, and Employment, as well as housing, transport, leisure, culture, and community and civic participation. It is a whole-life, whole-person, and whole-society role that applies across Northern Ireland.
Through strategic oversight and scrutiny, Ema identifies where services and practices are working well, as well as identifying ‘blind spots’ and gaps. She focuses on adding value and driving forward change that is tangible and meaningful for autistic people and those who support them.
Ema also contributes to public discourse, engages proactively with the media, and participates in key events to ensure that autism is understood as a societal priority and that autistic voices are heard in decision-making spaces.
Ema brings over 15 years of experience as a qualified solicitor in both private practice and public service. Alongside her professional expertise, she has personal and family experience of autism and has spent many years providing unpaid support to families and carers facing barriers in Social Security, Education, and Employment. This combination of expertise underpins her determination to fulfil the role with independence, integrity, and impact.
The functions and role of the Independent Autism Reviewer
Legislation
The Autism (Amendment) Act (NI) 2022 created the statutory duty to appoint an Independent Autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland. The Act amended the Autism Act (NI) 2011 by inserting two new sections:
- Section 3C - which places a duty on the Department of Health to appoint a Reviewer, and makes clear that the Reviewer is not subject to the direction or control of the Department or any other Northern Ireland Department.
- Section 3D - which sets out the functions of the role.
Statutory Functions
Under Section 3D of the Autism Act the Reviewer's functions are:
- to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Autism Strategy;
- to assess the efficacy of the funding arrangements in respect of autism;
- to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the law and practice relating to autism;
- to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of services provided for persons with autism, their families and carers;
- to commission independent research on best international practice in relation to autism;
- to advise the Northern Ireland Assembly, as required, on matters relating to autism; and
- any other function which the Department may confer.
In practice, these statutory functions mean that the Reviewer provides independent oversight, challenge, and advice to ensure that law, policy, funding, and services meet the needs and rights of autistic people across Northern Ireland.
Scrutiny role
In line with the intention of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Reviewer operates as an independent scrutiny mechanism.
The Reviewer fulfils her statutory responsibilities through targeted examination of decisions, policies, and practices across all government departments and agencies in respect of autism. The purpose of this scrutiny is to ensure accountability, transparency, and meaningful impact for autistic people and their families.
As a scrutiny mechanism the Independent Autism Reviewer will;
- Challenge constructively as a “critical friend”;
- Include and amplify autistic voices;
- Maintain independence; and
- Drive ‘forward thinking’.
Underpinning Principles
The overall work of the Reviewer will be underpinned by the following principles:
Independence
Impartiality and freedom from undue influence allowing for honest examination, respectful challenge and evidence-based recommendations that serve the public interest.
Transparency
Apply the principles of openness, visibility, and accessibility. Wherever possible, the purpose of scrutiny, processes, and recommendations will be clearly communicated to support understanding, build trust and enhance public confidence.
Accountability
Bringing accountability to the system in relation to the delivery, implementation and development of care, services, support, law and practice. The Reviewer will scrutinise, monitor and report on how organisations and bodies, both statutory and non-statutory, fulfil their responsibilities and obligations in relation to autism.
Inclusion and Equity
Scrutiny will be inclusive and fair, ensuring a wide range of lived experiences are heard and valued. It will actively amplify the voices of autistic people, their families and carers, working to ensure that care, services, support, and policies are not only accessible, but also equitable, responsive, and informed by those they affect.
Constructive Challenge
Scrutiny will be robust, proportionate and grounded in evidence. It will ask the difficult questions and provide constructive challenge to those responsible for delivering meaningful improvement.
Learning and Improvement
Scrutiny will act not only as a tool for accountability but also as a catalyst for positive change. By generating insight and identifying opportunities for improvement, it will encourage systems to respond, strengthen practice, and evolve.
Collaboration
Foster and work on the basis of system-wide collaborative approaches to the delivery, implementation and development of care, services, support, law and practice to autistic people, their families, carers, and wider communities.