Expressions of Interest for Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group
Expressions of Interest for the Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework
In February 2023 the UK and the EU reached a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework, which was formalised through legal text in March 2023. In Windsor, the UK Government and the European Commission also issued the Political Declaration, in which they committed to establishing regular engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders to discuss the framework’s implementation.
The Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group (NIBBWG) was already engaging with the UK (and EU) on matters relating to Northern Ireland when the Windsor Framework was agreed. Consequently, the UK Government invited NIBBWG to represent the NI business community during stakeholder engagements regarding the Framework.
To provide an opportunity to update the group of organisations that share feedback, the UK Government is now inviting expressions of interest to join a new, self-standing Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework (NIBSG).
This group will participate in engagements with the UK Government to provide crucial feedback from the NI business community on the Windsor Framework and how the benefits of the new SPS Agreement with the EU will flow to NI. Additionally, the UK Government will then recommend to the European Commission to invite this group to attend joint UK-EU engagements on the implementation of the Windsor Framework, including potential visits to Brussels.
Membership Requirements
Eligibility
The Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework will gather a diverse range of stakeholders who represent a large portion of the business community in Northern Ireland.
The membership will be held by an organisation as a whole and different individuals can represent the organisation at different meetings. As a result, we do not seek expressions of interests from individuals.
Candidate organisations for membership of the NIBSG must have specific professional expertise or competence with regard to the areas covered by the Windsor Framework. The membership list will be reviewed through an EOI process every 2 years.
Existing NIBBWG members are eligible but will need to apply to join the NIBSG.
To be considered for appointment under this campaign, the organisation must:
- Represent the interest of NI businesses impacted by the Windsor Framework; or
- Have specific professional involvement or expertise relating to the Windsor Framework.
The NIBSG will have virtual participation options for engagements to allow organisations to engage without significant cost.
Membership expectation
It is expected that by applying and being selected to join the Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework, business representatives are committing to attend engagements and provide updates from the perspective of the businesses in Northern Ireland they represent.
Diversity
HMG embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. We therefore encourage applications from the widest range of qualified groups.
Data Protection
We are inviting applications from organisations rather than individuals. We will however process personal data in operating this group (e.g. to contact organisational representatives or organise meetings).
Selection Process and Next Steps
Candidate organisations must submit a cover letter (500 words maximum) to nibsg@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
In the cover letter, organisations should set out their reasons for applying to the Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework and their suitability for membership, clearly stating what area of business they represent and what insight they will bring to Windsor Framework discussions.
The deadline for receipt of applications is October 31 2025.
Candidate organisations will be contacted by November 14 2025 only if they have been selected for inclusion in the Windsor Framework Business Stakeholders Group. We anticipate that group will convene from December 1 2025.
Any queries about this process should be sent to nibsg@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Please note we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.