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. Ema took up office on the 2 September 2024.
Working independently and impartially Ema will undertake a range of statutory functions and responsibilities. The remit of these duties extends across all government Departments, bodies and organisations, both statutory and non-statutory, and relates to all sectors e.g. Health and Social Care, Education, Justice, and Employment.
Through strategic oversight and scrutiny Ema will seek to identify where services and practice are working, and where they are not, as well as identifying ‘blind spots’ and gaps. Ema has a clear focus on adding value and driving forward change that is tangible and meaningful for the whole autistic community and those who support them.
Ema has extensive experience as a qualified solicitor in both private practice and public service of over 15 years. Alongside her own family’s experience, Ema spent the years prior to her appointment providing unpaid assistance to families and carers facing difficulties accessing support in the areas of Social Security, Education, and Employment, and is deeply committed to the role.
The functions and role of the Independent Autism Reviewer
Legislation
The Autism (Amendment) Act (NI) 2022 included the duty to appoint an independent Autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland.
Specifically in relation to the role, the 2022 Act inserted Sections 3C and 3D into the Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Section 3C details the duty to appoint an Autism Reviewer, and Section 3D details the functions of the role.
Section 3C establishes a duty on the Department of Health to appoint an autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland. The legislation states that the autism Reviewer is not subject to the direction or control of the Department or any other Northern Ireland Department.
Statutory Functions
Section 3D sets out the statutory functions of the Reviewer. These 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.
Scrutiny role
In line with the intention of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Autism Reviewer will operate as a ‘scrutiny mechanism’.
The delivery of the statutory responsibilities and functions of the role will be through targeted examination of decisions across all government Departments and agencies in respect of autism.
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.