About Us

The Commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British Tradition is a new public office created under the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

The Commissioner’s role is designed to recognise, support and enhance understanding of the Ulster-Scots and Ulster-British Tradition within Northern Ireland.

The organisation is currently in its set-up phase. While the statutory functions of the Commissioner will only commence once the relevant Commencement Order is made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, preparatory work is under way to establish the office, develop corporate systems and prepare for the full exercise of duties under the Act. This is expected to be a two-phase process with Aims and Functions followed by Complaint handling powers.

Our Purpose

Once commenced, the Commissioner’s responsibilities set out in the Identity & Language Act 2022 will include:

  • Enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British Tradition
  • Promote awareness of Ulster-Scots services provided by public authorities to the public in Northern Ireland
  • Provide or publish advice, support and guidance to public authorities in relation to develop and encourage the relevant language, arts and literature (including in relation to facilitating the use of Ulster-Scots in the provision of public services in Northern Ireland) and the effect and implementation of the key international human rights instruments
  • Investigate complaints from members of the public into whether a public body has shown due regard to the published guidance

This work will require strong, positive and sustained community engagement to support understanding of the heritage, culture, language and language associated with the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British identities.

Current status

As the office continues to establish:

  • Further provisions of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 were commenced on 28 January 2026 allowing initial work to begin on the development of best practice standards.
  • Progress is currently limited by the need to secure budget and recruit staff to undertake this work.
  • Subject to this, development will progress in the coming months, with public consultation expected to follow thereafter.

How to Contact

The statutory role of the Commissioner is to enhance and promote the awareness of language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British Traditions.

If you have a general enquiry during the set-up period, you can contact the establishment team:

Email: contact@cusubt.org.uk