Structure of the AOB The structure of the AOB corresponds only partially to the classic structure of a public agency as it is headed by three members. Each Three areas of competence year, a different member becomes the new chair. At the beginning of each term of office, the members of the AOB agree on the allocation of duties within the scope of which the members’ areas of competence are defined. In order to be able to carry out the tasks in their respective areas of competence, each member is assigned staff. The individual areas of competence are operationally managed by a Chief of Cabinet. The AOB had a total of 90 employees in 2012. The administration assists the areas of competence. In addition to the customary duties for an organisational unit of this kind (budget, pub- Support by the administration lic services law, IT, secretarial pool), an administration office has been set up, which is competent for the preparation of all decisions by the AOB and which provides the necessary technical and organisational support. The information service and the secretariats of the members of the AOB are the points of contact for citizens. An OPCAT-Secretariat has been newly established; it will provide administrative support for the Commissions. Duties involving international issues and communications have been centralised in one organisational unit. Since 2009, the General Secre- International issues and communications tariat of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) has been part of this unit. The IOI is an independent, unpolitical, international organisation that promotes the worldwide sharing of information and experience between ombudsman institutions. The new Act on the Implementation of the OPCAT provided for the establishment of a Human Rights Advisory Council as an advisory body to the AOB. It advises the members of the AOB in determining Human Rights Advisory Council as an advisory body general investigative focal points and prior to issuing determinations of maladministration and recommendations. The chairperson of the new Human Rights Advisory Council and her deputy were appointed by the AOB. The 32 members and substitute members were delegated on the basis of parity by non-governmental organisations and Federal Ministries; the Laender all together delegate one representative and one substitute member. In order to handle the new competences relative to human rights, the AOB has formed six Commissions with a total of 48 members Six Commissions conduct visits for whom this work will be a secondary job. The Chairpersons and 11