In May 2011, we published our revised Equality Scheme 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.

Our Equality Scheme lists a number of measures we need to implement to ensure that we fully meet our duties – please click here to view these measures and progress to date. We will continue to monitor these during the year.

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.

Disability Action Plan

Like other public bodies, NIPEC is required when carrying out its functions to have due regard to:

• Promote positive attitudes towards disabled people; and
• Encourage participation by disabled people in public life.

We have recently published our Disability Action Plan, following a 3 month consultation exercise - a report of the Consultation Feedback is now available. Our approved Disability Action Plan shows how we propose to fulfil the disability duties in relation to our functions.

The Disability Action Plan is also available in a variety of versions below:-

Audit of Inequalities / Equality Action Plan

To address issues arising from the Audit of Inequalities, we developed an Action Plan, which has been reviewed and updated following a 3 month consultation exercise. A report of the Consultation feedback can be viewed by clicking here. Our revised Action Plan for 2013-18 is now available.

Annual Equality Progress Report

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. Annual Progress report for 2011-12 has now been published.

Equality Screening

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 by clicking here.