SR Subject Headings

SR Subject Headings

All Statutory Rules contain at least one subject heading to categorise the instrument by its area of legislative impact. An instrument may cover more than one subject and in this case all applicable subject headings are included. Sometimes an instrument will also make use of a subheading to provide a further level of detail.

When an Instrument is submitted for registration, it will be checked to ensure that any subject headings used are valid.

Verifying Subject Headings

You can find out whether your intended subject heading has been used before by visiting the legislation.gov.uk website and using the Browse Legislation. Simply choose the type of instrument applicable for your jurisdiction. Scroll down the screen and on the left-hand side of the screen there is an option to look for Legislation by Subject Heading. Select the first letter of the subject heading from the alphabetical list displayed and then in the Refine Results box highlight the words “Start Typing” and start entering the subject heading you are looking for. The website will return a list of matching options below the input box. To access these click on the heading displayed that matches your requirement and then select View Refined Results.

Approval for New Subject Headings

If the subject heading you want to use is not found then you should refer to the Index to Statutory Rules and Orders 2004 edition for headings to be used for Statutory Rules. In the case of uncertainty or if a new heading is required please email statutory.rulesni@ofmdfmni.gov.uk with a draft of the instrument, giving your suggested subject heading/s and any relevant background. SPO can then provide advice on the appropriate subject heading to use or, if necessary, approve a new subject heading.