Equality

Our Equality Scheme specifies how we plan to meet our duties under Section 75 (NI Act 1998). Our revised Equality Scheme was published in May 2011, following a 12-week period of consultation on this and an Audit of Inequalities. In partnership with the BSO Equality Unit, we have developed an Easy Read version of our scheme and a Summary scheme for our staff. For our response to comments received during the consultation period, please click here. A 5 year review of our Equality Scheme was undertaken in 2016 and again in 2021. The 2021 report was forwarded to the NI Equality Commission. In our Equality Scheme we committed to undertaking an audit of our information systems to identify the extent of current monitoring of section 75 information and take action to address any gaps. Click here to see the outcome of our audit.

Each year we review and report on progress on the implementation of the statutory duties under Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 and progress on the implementation of the positive duties under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Order (DDO) 2006.  Our Annual Progress Report for 2023-24 has now been published.

We have reviewed and developed new Equality and Disability Plans for 2023 to 2028.  In developing these, we consulted publicly on our new plans over a three month period and produced a report on this process, which includes comments and feedback received and our response to these.  We also equality screened our plans.  Accessible versions of our plans are currently being prepared and will be added here soon.

In 2012-13, the regional Accessible Formats Steering Group consulted on a draft Policy for the provision of information and practical guidance for staff working in health, social care and public safety.  Based on the feedback received, a final policy template was issued by the Steering Group. We have adapted this template to reflect our role and functions and outlined how we will endeavour to meet out commitment to improving access to our information. Click here to view our policy.

Screening is the process by which the impact of policies on different groups of people (ie. the nine categories under Section 75) is initially reviewed. The Equality Commission states that for each policy, the following criteria must be considered:-

• What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories? (minor/major/none)
• Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the Section 75 equality categories?
• To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of a different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? (minor/major/none)
• Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of a different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
• NIPEC’s screenings are published on the BSO website.