A new online complaints form has been launched by the Assembly Commissioner for Standards Dr Melissa McCullough.
The launch is part of a programme of work to update the complaints procedure and raise the awareness of the work of the commissioner.
The online form is designed to be a confidential, easier, and more accessible way to lodge a complaint over concerns about the conduct of an assembly member or minister.
The commissioner directly receives all complaints once they have been submitted.
Since March this year the commissioner's role was extended to consider complaints linked to breaches of the ministerial codes of conduct.
If the commissioner finds that a complaint is admissible a report is then sent to Assembly Committee on Standards and Privileges, whose members agree on the next course of action.
Dr McCullough said that since taking up her role last year "it is apparent to me that there is a distinct need to increase public trust in the assembly and politics in general.
"That is why we need to continually promote and ensure the highest standards in public life as a central way to build trust,” she said.
“It is my belief that this new online presence launched today will help to promote the high standards that the Northern Irish public want to see in the Assembly and their elected officials.
"The new complaints handling software will enable more streamlined case handling and enhanced reporting that will ultimately benefit complainants, the assembly and society as a whole.”
