Equality

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. 

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 2024-25 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 can be viewed here.

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?
• “The Equality Unit at the Business Services Organisation provides a range of equality services to NIPEC, including publishing our Equality and Human Rights Screening documentation. You can access this here: https://bso.hscni.net/directorates/people-and-place/equality-and-human-rights/equality-screening/”