 In June 2011, she became patron of the Irish Refugee Council.In November 2011, she was appointed Chairperson of the "Campaign for Children"

She has received honorary doctorates from the University of Ulster, the National University of Ireland, the University of Dublin, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.In February 2013, McGuinness accepted the Honorary Presidency of Trinity College, Dublin's Free Legal Advice Centre.