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NORTHERN IRELAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
OFFICERS’ SUPERANNUATION COMMITTEE
EQUALITY SCHEME
April 2001
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CONTENTS
Foreword
Assessing Compliance with s75 duties
Appendices
FOREWORD
Since 1950 NILGOSC has been
administering the pension scheme for local government employers and admitted
bodies in Northern Ireland. The quality of this service is of the highest
importance to the NILGOS Committee.
NILGOSC is fully committed to
equality of opportunity which is an important element of the quality service we
offer. This commitment includes our intention to fully comply with the
statutory obligations set out in Section 75 and Schedule 9 of the Northern
Ireland Act 1998.
NILGOSC continues to ensure
that equality issues are part of our normal business procedures. This Equality
Scheme sets out how we intend to fulfil new duties required of public
authorities to promote both equality of opportunity and good relations.
The NILGOS Committee will make
all necessary resources available to implement the Equality Scheme and will
ensure that the results of its operation will be reflected in our corporate
plan. The Committee will also monitor compliance with the Scheme on an annual
basis and review the Scheme at the end of its first cycle.
John Galbraith
Chairman
April 2001
Deane Morrice
Secretary
April 2001
1. Introduction
1.1 Section
75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 ("the Act") requires NILGOSC, in carrying
out its functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of
opportunity:
- between
persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age,
marital status or sexual orientation;
- between men
and women generally;
- between
persons with a disability and persons without;
and
- between
persons with dependants and persons without.
1.2 In
addition, without prejudice to its obligations above, NILGOSC shall, in
carrying out its functions, have regard to the desirability of promoting good
relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or
racial group.
1.3 NILGOSC
is committed to the fulfilment of its Section 75 obligations in all parts of
its organisation. All necessary resources (in terms of finance, staff and time)
will be allocated to ensure that the statutory duties are complied with and
that the Equality Scheme is compiled and implemented effectively and on time.
1.4 This equality scheme sets out how NILGOSC proposes to fulfil
the duties imposed by Section 75 and Schedule 9 of the Act and relates to all
of its functions, powers and duties. NILGOSC will ensure that there are
effective internal arrangements in place to ensure that the duties are
effectively complied with and for monitoring and reviewing progress. This
includes an action plan of which communication and training are key elements.
2. Organisational Structure
2.1 The
Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation scheme is managed by
a Committee consisting of 10 members and a Chairperson appointed by the
Department of the Environment. The
Committee meets 11 times per year and its authority to manage the scheme is set
out in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
2.2 The
Secretary, as Accounting Officer and de facto Chief Executive, is responsible
for the operational management of the organisation and for providing strategic
advice to the Committee. The Secretary
is not a member of the Committee.
2.3 NILGOSC
has three departments, led by a senior manager reporting to the Deputy
Secretary. These departments are
Pensions Administration, Pensioner Payroll and Finance.
2.4 Equality Scheme Responsibilities
2.5 NILGOSC is committed to the fulfilment of
its Section 75 obligations for all of its functions, powers and duties. Statutory responsibility rests with the
Committee. Operational responsibility
lies with the Secretary and he is responsible for the implementation of
administrative arrangements to ensure that the Section 75 duties are complied
with. All necessary resources will be
made available to meet the Section 75 obligations.
2.6 NILGOSC has specific
administrative arrangements for the operation of the scheme.
1. Equality issues within NILGOSC will be co-ordinated by David
Murphy, the Deputy Secretary, who is the first point of contact for the
Equality Commission, anyone requiring information regarding the Equality Scheme
or making a complaint about the operation of the Scheme.
Contact Details
Post: NILGOSC, Templeton House, 411 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LP.
Phone: (028) 90768025
Fax: (028) 90768790
Email: david.murphy@nilgosc.org.uk
2. The NILGOS Committee will monitor annually the actions taken under
the Scheme and will review the progress of the implementation of the Scheme at
the end of its first cycle.
3. The Secretary, as Chief Executive, is responsible to the Committee
for operating the Scheme The Secretary will chair the Senior Management Team
which will consider each of the policies exposed to screening and oversee the
impact assessment exercises. This Team will also produce the annual report to the Committee and the Equality
Commission. The Senior Management Team meets monthly.
4. The Principles and Action Plans outlined in this Scheme will be
reflected in the NILGOSC Corporate Plan. This plan is reviewed annually by the
NILGOS Committee which assesses performance and sets objectives for the
forthcoming rolling 3 year period.
5. The implementation of the Corporate Plan is monitored and managed
by the Senior Management Team which reviews progress on a quarterly basis as a
standing item. Progress made on Equality issues, including those elements
outlined in the Corporate Plan, will form part of the annual report to the
Equality Commission described at paragraph 5.2.
2.7 Complaints Procedure
2.8 The Committee has an official complaints procedure
which applies to matters relating to the Equality Scheme as well as pension
matters. NILGOSC will ensure that the
complaints procedure is accessible to all by exposing it to an impact
assessment as part of the administration of the pension scheme.
2.9 Any individual with a complaint should
contact the person with whom they have been dealing or his or her Team Manager.
This can be done in writing, by telephone or by personal visit (no appointment
necessary). If the matter is not
resolved the complaint may be made to the Deputy Secretary. However a complaint
about the Equality Scheme should be made directly to David Murphy, the Deputy
Secretary.
2.10 If the
complaint is still not resolved, an individual can make a formal complaint, in
writing, to the Secretary. The
complaint will be answered within five working days. Where this is not possible an acknowledgement will be issued
within five working days to advise of when a reply will be sent.
2.11 The
Committee can then be asked to reconsider the matter. The individual must apply, in writing, within 6 months of receipt
of the previous decision, giving the reasons for the dissatisfaction. The Committee will reconsider the complaint
and inform the individual, in writing, within 2 months, of its decision.
2.12 If an
individual wishes to make a complaint arising because they are a member of one
of the nine s75 categories, but does not wish to be identified, a complaint can
be made on their behalf by a representative.
Summary
of Complaints Procedure
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Stage 1 |
Make
complaint to person you were dealing with or his/her Team Leader |
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Stage 2 |
Make
complaint to Deputy Secretary. Complaints regarding the Equality Scheme can
be made directly to the Deputy Secretary |
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Stage 3 |
Make formal
written complaint to Secretary |
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Stage 4 |
Make
formal written complaint to the Committee |
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Contact
Details |
NILGOSC 411
Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2LP Tel. (028)
90768025 Fax (028) 90768790 |
3. NILGOSC - Its Role, Functions and Policies
3.1 NILGOSC
performs 2 principal roles:
* The administration of the Local
Government pension scheme in compliance with the Local Government Pension
Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
* To manage and maintain a fund out of
which the benefits of the scheme are met.
3.2 In
performance of the above roles NILGOSC carries out functions in the following
areas:
* The admittance of eligible employing
organisations to the Scheme
* Collection and investment of income
* Calculation and payment of Scheme
benefits
* Assessment of eligibility for Scheme
benefits under the regulations
* Provision of information to all
stakeholders.
3.3 To
support and implement the above functions and provision of services NILGOSC has
discretion within a number of policy areas:
* Administration of the Local Government
pension scheme within the framework set out in the legislation. A major element
of this policy is the method of communication with our stakeholders.
* Investment of net income
* Matters relating to employment
* Matters relating to the procurement of
goods and services.
These
four areas, which represent the entirety of the service provided by NILGOSC, will
be exposed to an impact assessment.
The
Committee has no discretion over the terms of the pension scheme as set out in
the regulations. The Department of the
Environment is responsible for the Local Government pension scheme regulations.
The Department of the Environment will cover in its Scheme the arrangements for
equality impact assessments of the pension scheme regulations. NILGOSC will
provide such information which may be required by the Department in carrying
out those equality impact assessments and will co-operate with the Department
in equality matters.
4. Consultation
4.1 Consultation with the
Equality Commission, our stakeholders and all those directly affected by our
policies whether or not they have a direct economic or personal interest is an
important element of our Equality Scheme. Our stakeholders are considered to be
our members, pensioners, deferred pensioners, employing authorities, staff,
suppliers and the Department of the Environment.
4.2 Consultation will be undertaken at the following stages:-
1. · Drafting of Equality Scheme and mechanisms to
satisfy s75 obligations
2. · Screening of policies
3. · Impact assessment
4.3 NILGOSC will consult with those listed in Appendix 1 on all
matters relating to the duties imposed by Section 75 of the Act. This includes
the formulation and revision of this Equality Scheme, the assessment of the
impact of policies, and the screening of the elements within policies.
4.4 Whatever methods are used, NILGOSC will ensure that the
consultation is meaningful. That includes the arranging of consultation which
is open, timely and inclusive. Consultation will commence as early as possible
with consideration given to the best method as shown below.
4.5 NILGOSC
will consult on screening and equality impact assessments with its members,
pensioners, employing authorities, trade unions, relevant public sector and
affected groups as necessary including those shown at Appendix
1 and all those directly affected by our policies whether or not
they have a direct economic or personal interest.
4.6 In
addition to consultation on equality impact assessments, NILGOSC will also,
from time to time, have a need to consult on strategies, reviews and other
plans. The bodies listed at Appendix 1 will be included in relevant
consultations of these kinds.
4.7 In
consulting affected groups, NILGOSC will aim to provide a period of response of
at least 8 weeks. However there may be
circumstances when this timescale is not feasible, for example, in order to
ensure continuity of the provision of services in an emergency. Such
circumstances will be monitored, reviewed, justified and reported upon in the
equality annual report.
4.8 In
consulting on any matter to which this scheme relates, NILGOSC will use any of
the following methods:-
o
· letter
o
· meetings with the public, in
groups or as individuals
o
· attitude surveys of service
users and potential service users
o
· consultative panels
o
· press releases/Public notices
o
· internet
o
direct invitation to groups
4.9 NILGOSC will work with representative groups and individuals in
order to identify how best to obtain their views. This may involve face to face
meetings, advisory groups, surveys, consultative panels, internet discussions
and other innovative ways of consulting as there will be different ways of
consulting for different groups and it will be important to establish the basis
for dialogue and engagement during the life of the Scheme.
4.10 NILGOSC considers it particularly important that sufficient,
timely and appropriate information is provided to enable all affected groups
and individuals to consider the full implications of proposals and it will take
steps to ensure this. This will include any qualitative, quantitative and other
documentation including consultants reports.
4.11 Information will be available, on request and in consultation
with the affected groups, in alternative formats (such as minority languages
and audio cassette) to ensure there are no barriers to consultation and that
any person requesting an alternative format has the same opportunity as the
other consultees. A system will be put in place to ensure that the alternative
formats are available on a timely basis. NILGOSC will consider how best to
communicate information to young people and those with learning disabilities by
consulting with representative groups.
4.12 If meetings are used as a method of consultation, consideration
will be given to facilitating the meeting to ensure full participation
including; location of meeting, time and length of the meeting, accessibility
and the provision of support facilities such as childcare, translation and
signing.
4.13 NILGOSC recognises that members of some of the specific Section
75 categories may not wish to be publicly identified as being of that category
and will take this into account when determining best methods of consultation.
5. Arrangements for Assessing Compliance with Section 75 Duties
5.1 NILGOSC
will assess over a 5 year period how each of its policies and the policy areas
can contribute to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the promotion of
good relations within the terms of Section 75 of the Act. This will be done through equality impact
assessments and the timetable at paragraph 8.1 will be followed. Each equality
impact assessment for functions or policies will include a section on the
promotion of good relations. The
organisations indicated at Appendix 1 in relation to each policy will be
consulted on these equality impact assessments. The Community Relations Council will also be consulted
specifically in relation to the section in each policy statement which deals
with good relations.
5.2 NILGOSC
will also prepare an annual review of the progress made in implementing the
Scheme and the steps which it has taken during the year to promote equality of
opportunity and Good Relations. This
will be sent to the Equality Commission to assist it in compiling the
Commission's Annual Report. The statement will also be published in the
Committee’s annual financial statements.
5.3 NILGOSC
will liaise with a view to ensuring such progress is maintained with the
Equality Commission and the Community Relations Council. It will respond constructively to proposals
from those bodies relating to its compliance with the Section 75
obligations.
5.4 NILGOSC will monitor complaints that it
has not fulfilled its statutory obligations.
It is committed to give a substantive response to complaints within one
month although, as per the Complaints
Procedure at paragraph 2.7, in most circumstances a response will be
provided within five days. When a
complainant claims to have been directly affected by a failure of NILGOSC to
comply with this scheme, he/she will be informed of the procedure for bringing
such a complaint to the Equality Commission.
5.5 NILGOSC will review this scheme within
five years of its submission to the Equality Commission. This review will include an assessment of
how NILGOSC has complied with its Section 75 obligations and how equality of
opportunity and good relations have been advanced in relation to the policy
areas. NILGOSC will consult with those
bodies listed at Appendix 1 before submission of the review to the Equality
Commission. The outcome of the review will be made public.
6. Assessing the Impact of Policies on the Promotion of Equality of Opportunity
6.1 In fulfilling its statutory obligations,
NILGOSC will expose each of its four policies to an impact assessment These
four policies are:-.
§
·Administration of the
Local Government Pension Scheme and Compensation for Premature Retirement,
including communication.
§
·Investment
of Contributions
§
·Matters
relating to the procurement of goods and services
§
· Matters relating to employment
6.2 The terms ‘policy’, ‘policy area’ and
‘functions’ are used loosely to describe all that NILGOSC does (encompassing
strategies, protocols, procedures, guidelines, codes of practice across the
organisation including service delivery, employment and procurement).
7. Screening of Policies
7.1 ‘Screening’ is term used by Equality
professionals to mean the initial review of policy using consultation and
supporting data to determine if there is a likelihood that there is a higher or
lower participation by a particular group.
7.2 The functions performed by NILGOSC are
limited in scope compared to many public sector organisations. Therefore, at
this stage, NILGOSC intends to expose all functions to an impact assessment
process involving consultation. No policy has been ‘screened-out’ of the
equality impact assessment exercise.
7.3 Any new policy will be exposed to a screening
process. At this stage no new policies are anticipated. However if a new policy
was adopted the screening process would determine:-
§
Is there any evidence,
or other reason to believe, that there is higher or lower participation or
uptake by different groups?
§
Is there any evidence
that different groups have different needs, experiences, issues and priorities
in relation to the particular policy issue?
§
Is there an opportunity
to better promote equality of opportunity or better community relations by
altering the policy or working with others in government or the wider
Community?
§
Have consultations with
relevant groups, organisations or individuals indicated that particular
policies create problems which are specific to them?
7.4 In order to assess which new policies have
the potential to affect equality of opportunity, NILGOSC will consult with
those listed in Appendix 1 to determine if any of the nine Section 75
categories are disproportionately affected. Consultation will be by the means
outlined in section 4.
7.4 A report
on the screening process will be included in the report on the impact
assessments which follow. This report will show those new policies which were
subject to impact assessment and also note those policies which were screened
but not exposed to an impact assessment. The results of the screening process
and impact assessment procedure and findings will be reported to the Equality
Commission as part of the annual reporting mechanism.
8. Timetable of Impact Assessment
8.1 NILGOSC
will submit all policies for impact assessment:-
2001/2002
Administration of the Local
Government Pension Scheme and Compensation for Premature Retirement, including
communication.
2002/2003
Investment of Contributions
Matters relating to the procurement of goods and services
2003/2004
Matters relating to employment
8.2 The above areas for assessment represent
the entirety of the service provided by NILGOSC and therefore no up front
screening of policies is required. The areas have been prioritised on the basis
of the importance and significance in providing the service to our stakeholders
and the date that these policies were last reviewed. Consultation on the
prioritisation was undertaken as part of the consultation on the draft Scheme.
9. Equality Impact Assessments
9.1 NILGOSC intends to carry out equality
impact assessments to seek to identify, within each relevant Section 75
category, the impact of policies adopted, or proposed to be adopted, on the
promotion of equality of opportunity.
9.2 NILGOSC will undertake impact assessments
in line with Annex 1 of the Equality Commission’s guidelines (shown in summary
at Appendix 2) Consultation will be as set
out in section 4.
9.3 In making any decision to a policy adopted
or proposed to be adopted, NILGOSC will take into account any Equality Impact
Assessment and consultation carried out in relation to that policy.
10. Monitoring
10.1 Knowledge of the uptake of services provided
by NILGOSC and the impact of its policies on the different groups within the
Section 75 categories will be of assistance in assessing progress towards
equality of opportunity. Within one
year of approval of this scheme, NILGOSC will assess the extent of existing
monitoring and the scope for extending it.
In addition to the value of any further information required for
assessing progress towards equality of opportunity, this review will take into
account the following factors:
* resource implications
* readiness of the public to supply
information
* availability of proxy measures (eg
postcode analysis)
10.2 The purpose of the review will be to ensure that a mechanism is
in place to monitor the impact of each policy on the relevant groups. The
mechanism will be reviewed on an annual basis and reported as part of the
annual statement on the progress of the implementation of the Scheme.
10.3 In the first year of the Scheme NILGOSC will seek to set up a
representative panel of Members and Pensioners. Within the overall panel we
hope, through the co-operation of the panel members, to identify focus groups
to represent the 9 categories detailed in the Act. This panel will be used to
assess the impact of policies designed to achieve equality of opportunity on
each group together with consultation as described in section 4.
10.4 In some cases an equality impact assessment
or the monitoring described above may identify a differential adverse impact on
particular groups within the Section 75 categories. In such cases the policy will be revised.. If no alternative
policy is feasible, steps will be taken, wherever possible, to mitigate such
anticipated adverse impact. NILGOSC
may, in these circumstances, commission special monitoring to confirm the extent
of the adverse impact and/or the success of any mitigating measures. Information collected in this special
monitoring would be taken into account in any future review of the policy.
11. Publication of Assessments
11.1 NILGOSC will
publish by the most appropriate method to those listed in Appendix I and any
other organisation representing some or all of the stakeholders, the outcome of
any equality impact assessment and of any monitoring undertaken in relation to
Section 10 above. The appropriate
method of publication will be determined following consultation with the
affected groups. NILGOSC will consider how best to
communicate information to young people and those with learning disabilities by
consulting with representative groups.
11.2 This
material will also be available in printed form by contacting NILGOSC at
Templeton House, 411 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LP, telephone number 028
90768025. Alternative formats will be available on request. NILGOSC may inform the general public about
the availability of this material through press releases. It will also inform bodies listed at
Appendix 1 when this material is available.
11.3 The results
of impact assessments will be posted on the NILGOSC website which is
http://www.nilgosc.org.uk/equality.htm.
11.4 The report on the impact assessment will include:-
·
The aim of the
policy being assessed
·
Details of
consideration given to measures to mitigate any adverse impact
·
Details of
consideration given to alternative policies which might better achieve equality
of opportunity
12. Training and Communication
12.1 NILGOSC is a small organisation employing 28 (Full Time
Equivalent) fully trained specialist staff. NILGOSC is committed to the
on-going training of the workforce and has in place a mechanism for identifying
training needs and planning training over the medium term. Training required as
part of the Section 75 duties will be reflected in the organisation’s training
plan and will be fully resourced.
12.2 NILGOSC will ensure that all staff receive
training on the Section 75 obligations, the requirements of this equality
scheme and the arrangements for equality impact assessment, appropriate to
their grade and responsibilities. This training will be developed over the five
years and will reflect issues raised during impact assessments.
12.3 NILGOSC will ensure that the staff carrying
out the implementation of the Scheme and Section 75 duties, complaint handling,
consultation, screening, impact assessments and monitoring, who are already
trained, receive update training and any further training recommended as a
result of consultation with the groups.
12.4 NILGOSC will provide copies of this scheme to all staff.
12.5 All
staff will be required to attend a conference provided by senior staff,
Equality professionals and representatives of the 9 groups in order to make
them familiar with the Equality Scheme and how it will impact upon the service
which NILGOSC provides. This training will also encompass requirements of the
Human Rights Act. This conference will take place in 2001. New staff joining
NILGOSC after this date receive Equality awareness training as part of the
routine induction process. All training will be evaluated and further awareness
training will be delivered over the five year period following consultation
with the groups.
12.6 Specifically,
NILGOSC will make use of the training services provided by Disability Action
and the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities in order to make staff
aware of the needs of the groups these umbrella organisations represent.
12.7 Supervisory
staff will receive more detailed training as regard the Equality Scheme by way
of a workshop, both as to how if affects staff and the operations of NILGOSC.
This training will be provided by the officer responsible for the Equality
Scheme. This workshop will take place in 2001.
12.8 The Chairman and Secretary of NILGOSC have
demonstrated their commitment to the statutory duties by signing-off the Scheme
and making a personal statement contained in the foreword. In addition to the
distribution of the Equality Scheme, this personal commitment will be
publicised by way of the public notices placed regarding the scheme and in
Scheme covering letters.
13. Public Access to Information and Services
13.1 NILGOSC
is committed to effective communication with its stakeholders. It recognises, however, that there is a risk
that some stakeholders will not enjoy equality of opportunity in accessing
information provided by NILGOSC.
There
are three particular risk areas:
§
people
with sensory and learning disabilities may have particular difficulties with
information in print;
§
members
of ethnic minority groups, whose first language is not English, may have
difficulties with information provided only in English;
§
some
local newspapers are read predominantly by members of only one community.
13.2 In
disseminating information through the local press, NILGOSC will ensure that
press statements and public advertisements are accessible to both main
communities.
13.3 NILGOSC will, within the first year
following commencement of this scheme, undertake an impact assessment of its
arrangements for providing information in non-written English formats. The assessment will take account of the
likely demand for information in other formats across its direct services and
key policies and the resource implications.
13.4 NILGOSC intends that all of its services are
fully accessible to all parts of the community. Equality impact assessments will highlight any factors which
indirectly discriminate by making a particular service less accessible to
particular groups.
14. Publication of the Scheme
14.1 Following
submission to the Equality Commission, this scheme will be available on request
from the NILGOSC office at Templeton House, 411 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4
2LP.
14.2 Following approval of the scheme by the Equality Commission,
NILGOSC will issue a press statement and place a notice in the press as to how
to obtain a copy of the scheme.
When the local press is utilised, copy will be submitted to the Belfast
Telegraph, Irish News and the News Letter. In consultation with the Northern
Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities and the Coalition on Sexual Orientation
the local ethnic and gay press respectively will be used if appropriate.
14.3 A copy of the full scheme
will be sent to all initial consultees as well as those who will be consulted
in future as detailed in Appendix I.
14.4 A summary of the Scheme
will also be prepared. Its availability will be publicised in the annual
Member’s Report and Pensioners News. The Summary will be available from the
address above. As stated in 14.2 a copy of the full scheme will also be
available.
14.5 A copy of the full scheme
will be posted on the NILGOSC website which is
http://www.nilgosc.org.uk/equality.htm
14.6 Alternative versions of
the Scheme are available on request. As
with consultation NILGOSC will consider how best to
communicate information to young people and those with learning disabilities.
15. Promotion of Good Relations
15.1 NILGOSC is committed to promote good relations as required by the
Act between persons of different religious beliefs, political opinions or
racial groups. In order to demonstrate this commitment NILGOSC will:-
§
Prepare
a Good Relations policy for staff and stakeholders
§
Publish
the policy to stakeholders (including staff)
Key to the
policy will be the following elements:-
§
Statement
of principle and support of senior management
§
Separate
arrangements for staff and other stakeholders
§
Commitment
to promotion of equality by methods which ensure positive effects on Good
Relations
§
Opportunities
for staff to discuss culturally diverse issues
As part of the policy drafting a staff survey will be undertaken to
identify additional issues which the policy may need to address. In the
meantime NILGOSC will continue to ‘mainstream’ Good Relations issues by
reinforcing and reflecting the diverse society in Northern Ireland. The various
actions described above are reflected in the action plan below.
16. Action Plan and Timetable
16.1 The
following timetable summarises the measures which NILGOSC proposes to take
during five years following the commencement of the scheme and the period of
the Scheme’s preparation:
Preparation Period to July 2000
April 2000 Draft scheme
approved by NILGOSC Committee
May 2000 Consult with list
of stakeholders comprising all employing authorities, Equality Commission and
CRC, representatives of 9 section 75 categories including staff.
July 2000 Amend scheme
and seek NILGOSC Committee approval.
Submit scheme to Commissioners.
Year 1 July 2000 - June 2001
Set up representative member and pensioner consultation
panels.
Undertaking of a staff survey on Good Relations
Preparation of a Good Relations policy for staff and stakeholders
Publishing the Good Relations Policy.
Review by Committee of action taken during year to promote equality of
opportunity.
Preparation of an
annual statement on the steps taken to promote equality of opportunity and
progress of implementation of the Scheme which will be sent to the Equality
Commission and publicised with our financial statements.
Awareness training of staff as regards the Equality Scheme, the Human
Rights Act and Good Relations
Publicising the
scheme including circulation of Scheme to all original consultees.
Review of the mechanism
for monitoring the participation of each group in the services provided under
the four policies and the publication of the findings in the annual statement.
Year 2 July 2001 - June 2002
Impact assessment of the administration of the Local Government
Pension Scheme and the Premature Retirement Scheme.
Review
by Committee of action taken during year to promote equality of opportunity.
Preparation of an
annual statement on the steps taken to promote equality of opportunity and
progress of implementation of the Scheme which will be sent to the Equality
Commission and publicised with our financial statements.
Review
of the extent of existing monitoring arrangements.
Assessment
of the methods of providing information to stakeholders.
Year 3 July 2002 - June 2003
Impact
assessment of the policies for the investment of contributions and the
procurement of goods and services.
Review
by Committee of action taken during year to promote equality of opportunity.
Review
of the extent of existing monitoring arrangements.
Preparation of an
annual statement on the steps taken to promote equality of opportunity and
progress of implementation of the Scheme which will be sent to the Equality
Commission and publicised with our financial statements.
Year 4 July 2003 - June 2004
Impact
assessment of employee policies.
Review
by Committee of action taken during year to promote equality of opportunity.
Review
of the extent of existing monitoring arrangements.
Preparation of an
annual statement on the steps taken to promote equality of opportunity and
progress of implementation of the Scheme which will be sent to the Equality
Commission and publicised with our financial statements.
Year 5 July 2004 - June 2005
Impact assessment of new policies.
Review
by Committee of action taken during year to promote equality of opportunity.
Review of the Scheme which will be submitted to the Equality Commission
and publicised to our stakeholders.
Review of the extent of existing monitoring arrangements.
Review of the Good Relations Policy.
Preparation of an
annual statement on the steps taken to promote equality of opportunity and
progress of implementation of the Scheme which will be sent to the Equality
Commission and publicised with our financial statements.
Appendix 1
List of Bodies to be Consulted
NILGOSC has compiled the
following list of consultees for all matters with a special emphasis on those who
are affected by the pension scheme policies.
This list was subject to
consultation in 2000 and amended as a result.
We will consult directly with
Members and Pensioners by way of a Members Panel and a Pensioners Panel. These
panels will consist of a representative sample of Members and Pensioners. We
expect this form of consultation to be the most effective in ensuring that all
members, including those categorised by Schedule 9 of the Act, have equality of
opportunity for pension scheme matters.
The list below is not
exhaustive and may be amended in the light of experience.
List of Organisations/Groups to
Consult
Equality Commission
Community Relations Council
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
(NI Committee)
ChildCare NI
Help the Aged
Disability Action
NIPSA
Staff
Members of the Scheme and
Pensioners
NI Council for
Ethnic Minorities
Coalition on Sexual Orientation
Royal National Institute for Deaf People
Agricultural Research Inst of NI
Antrim BC
Aquinas Diocesan
Grammar School
Ards BC
Ards Citizens' Advice
Bureau
Armagh City
& D C
Armagh College
of FE
Armagh
Observatory
Arts Council of
NI
Association of
Local Authorities
Ballymena
Academy
Ballymena BC
Ballymoney BC
Ballynafeigh H A
Ltd
Banbridge DC
Bangor Grammar
School
Baptist HA Ltd
Belfast Education
and Library Board
Belfast CC
Belfast
Charitable Society
Belfast
Community H A
Belfast High
School
Belfast Instit
of FE
Belfast Print
Workshop
Belfast Royal
Academy
Belfast Visitor
& Convention Bureau
BIH HA Ltd
Bloomfield
Collegiate School
Braidside Integrated
Primary And Nursery School
Bridge
Integrated Ps
Campbell College
Carrickfergus BC
Castlereagh BC
Castlereagh
College of FE
Causeway Instit
of FE
Cedar Integ.
P.S.
Choice HA
Limited
Christian
Brothers Grammar School – Omagh
Citybus Ltd
Clothing And Industrial
Training Services
Coleraine
Academical Institution
Coleraine BC
Coleraine
Harbour Commissioners
Connswater
Housing Association
Construction
Industry Training Board
Convent Grammar
School Enniskillen
Convent Grammar
School Strabane
Cookstown DC
Council For
Catholic Maintained Schools
Council For The
Curriculum, Examination And Assessment
Countryside
Recreation
Covenanter
Residential Assoc Ltd
Craigavon &
Distric H A
Craigavon BC
Dalriada School
Derry CC
Derry Investment
Initiative
Derry Theatre Trust
Derry Visitor
And Convention Bureau
Dominican
College
Donacloney HA
Ltd
Down &
Connor HA Ltd
Down DC
Down District
Citizens' Advice Bureau
Drumragh
Integrated College
Dungannon DC
East Antrim
Instit of FE
East Down Instit
of FE
East Tyrone College
of Fe
Engineering
Training Council (NI) Ltd
Enniskillen
Integrated P S
Enterprise
Ulster
Erne Integrated
College
Fermanagh
College of Fe
Fermanagh DC
Filor HA Ltd
Fire Authority
For NI
Flax H A Ltd
Fold H A
Fold Housing
Trust
Foyle And
L'derry College
Friends School
Gosford Housing
Association
Grove H A Ltd
Habinteg H A
(Ulster) Ltd
Hazelwood
College
Hazelwood
Integrated Ps
Hearth H A Ltd
Hunterhouse
College
Integrated
College Dgn
Jordanstown
Schools
Lagan College
Laganside
Corporation
Larne BC
Larne Grammar
School
Limavady BC
Limavady College
of Fe
Linen Hall
Library
Lisburn BC
Lisburn Instit
of FE
Lisnevin
Management Board
Livestock &
Meat Commission For NI
Local Government
Staff Commission
Loreto College
Loreto Convent
Grammar School Omagh
Lumen Christi
College
Magherafelt DC
Malone College
Malone H A Ltd
Methodist
College
Mill Strand
Integrated Ps
Mourne Heritage
Trust
Moyle DC
N I Federation
of Housing Associations
North Eastern
Education and Library Board
New Bridge Int.
College
Newington H A
(1975) Ltd
Newry &
Mourne DC
Newry / Kilkeel
College of FE
Newtownabbey BC
NI Association
of Citizens' Advice Bureaux
NI Community
Relations Council
NI Co-Ownership
H A Ltd
NI Council For
Integrated Education.
NI Fishery
Harbour Authority
NI Hospice
NI Hotel &
Catering College
NI Railway
Company Ltd
NI Tourist Board
NI Transport
Holding Company
Northern Ireland
Housing Executive
NILGOSC
North & West
Housing Ltd
North Coast Int.
FE
North Down BC
North East
Instit of FE
North West
Instit of FE
Oakgrove Int.
P.S
Oakgrove
Integrated College
Oaklee H A
Omagh College of
Fe
Omagh DC
Ormeau Baths
Gallery
Our Lady &
St Pat's College
Our Lady's
Grammar School
Planetarium
Armagh
Presbyterian H A
(NI) Ltd
Probation Bd For
NI
Rainey Endowed
School
Rathgael
Juvenile Justice Services
Rathmore Grammar
School
Royal Belfast
Academical Institution
Royal College of
Nursing For NI
Royal School
Armagh
Royal School
Dungannon
Rural
Development Council For NI
Rural H A
Sacred Heart
Grammar School
South Eastern
Education and Library Board
Southern
Education and Library Board
Shimna
Integrated College
Slemish Integ
College
Sports Council
For NI
St Columb's
College
St Dominic's
High School Belfast
St Joseph's
Adolescent Centre
St Joseph's Gs
St Louis Grammar
School
St Macnissi's
College
St Malachy's
College
St Mary's
Christian Brothers Grammar School
St Mary's
College of Education
St Mary's
Grammar School
St Matthew's H A
Ltd
St Michael's
College
St Pat's Boys
Academy
St Pat's Girls
Academy Dgn
St Pat's Grammar
School Downpatrick
St Pat's
Training School & Glenmona Resource Centre
Staff Commission
for Education And Library Boards
Strabane DC
Stranmillis
College
Strathearn
School
Students H A
Co-Op Ltd
Sullivan Upper
School
The Law Society
For NI
Thornhill College
Ulidia H A Ltd
Ulsterbus
Limited
United Dairy
Farmers
University of
Ulster
Upper Bann
Instit of FE
Victoria College
Wallace High
School
Western
Education and Library Board
Woodvale &
Shankill H A Ltd
Youth Council
For NI
Youthnet
NI Human Rights
Commission
Department of
the Environment
NI Anti-Poverty
Network
Gingerbread NI
Committee on the
Administration of Justice
West Belfast
Economic Forum
NI Association
for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders
Appendix 2
Methodology for an Equality Impact Assessment
When undertaking impact
assessments, NILGOSC will follow the process set out below. The results of all
these steps, as well as an explanation of the policy under review, the elements
of the policy subject to screening and the results of the screening will be
included in the report on the impact assessment.
1. Available data
NILGOSC
will examine any quantitative and qualitative data it already has, for example,
age information.
2. Comparative data
NILGOSC
will examine any available comparative data, for example, from other schemes in
NI and the UK and other organisations providing similar services. Where resources are available, NILGOSC may
commission appropriate data.
3. Consultation
NILGOSC
will consult with those listed at Appendix 1 and will make available any
relevant documents, materials and public submissions.
4. Impact assessments
NILGOSC will examine the following questions in relation
to the policy/service.
* Is there direct discrimination?
* Is
there an adverse impact in terms of the rights, resources, participation or
values and norms?
* If not unlawful, is the difference
justified (eg affirmative action)?
* Is there equality of opportunity?
5. Alternatives
NILGOSC will consider what
alternatives are available to better achieve equality of opportunity.
6. Mitigation of adverse
impact
NILGOSC
will consider how it might mitigate the adverse impact and promote equality of
opportunity.
7. Decision by NILGOSC
A decision will only be taken as regards either the adoption of a new
policy, or the acceptance of an existing policy, following the 6 steps listed
above.
8. Publication of Results of Equality Impact Assessment
A
report on the results of the impact assessment will be made available (as per
section 11) and distributed to those consulted, the Equality Commission and
published on the NILGOSC website.
9. Monitoring for adverse
impact in the future
NILGOSC
will monitor its direct services and key policies for adverse impact in the
future by the method set out in section 10.
Appendix
3
Compilation of the Equality Scheme - Consultation Process
1. NILGOSC has based its Equality
Scheme on the initial and finalised guidance produced by the Equality
Commission, and has supplemented the guidance to reflect current practice
within NILGOSC that complies with the Northern Ireland Act. The NILGOS
Committee approved the draft Scheme in April 2000 which was circulated to the
consultees shown in Annex A. The draft scheme was accompanied by an explanatory
letter and a request for comments. This letter referred to the availability of
alternative formats. The deadline for consultation was originally 7th
June 2000 but this was subsequently extended to 14th July 2000
following advice from the Equality Commission.
2. Consultation as regards
screening of policies (if required) and impact assessments is with the list of
consultees set out in Appendix 1. Consultation as regards the content of the
Equality Scheme was deliberately wider to obtain comments on the proposed
method of future consultation.
3. Comments were received from
those organisations shown in Annex A. They can be categorised as shown by the headings
below. A summary of the main points and the action taken is also shown. A
complete audit trail is available for inspection at NILGOSC.
3.1 Generalised Comments
3.1.1 A number of respondents made
general comments not specific to the NILGOSC scheme. These were considered in
detail to identify any issues which would apply to NILGOSC. Many responses were
designed for local authorities who consult with the wider general public
however useful information was extracted and reflected in our own Scheme.
3.1.2 The Community Relations
Council provided information recommending a Good Relations strategy. This has
been included in the NILGOSC Scheme.
3.1.3 The Youth Council for Northern
Ireland recommended Youth proofing our policies. This will be taken forward as
part of the impact assessments and the communication/ consultation process.
3.1.4 The West Belfast Economic Forum
made recommendations significantly on use of the Irish Language and economic
opportunity. Alternative formats of the Scheme and all other consultation
information will be available. As part of the impact assessment of policies
NILGOSC will examine the format of Scheme information.
3.1.5 Down District Council was
concerned that the scheme use bureaucratic language which we hope to solve by
publishing a summary scheme. It also was concerned that the consultation period
was too short, hence it has been increased to eight weeks.
3.1.6 The Coalition of Sexual
Orientation made a number of generalised points. An important issue identified
was that members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered community may not
wish to be identified as such. This will be taken account of as part of
consultation and the complaints process.
3.2 Specific Comments on the Scheme
3.2.1 The Equality Commission, DOE,
Down District Council, NIPSA, ICTU and Derry City Council made specific
recommendations. Many recommendations, especially regarding the format of
consultation and the availability of information have been accepted and
reflected in the scheme.
3.2.2 Comments were made regarding
the extent of the list of consultees. The copy of the draft scheme circulated
to the list of consultees ( as at Annex A) did not include a note of this wider
list of consultees and therefore the respondents were not aware of the initial
consultation process. Those who responded on the issue of the consultee list at
Appendix 1 did not comment that that list would not represent those included in
the nine categories. Comments simply made the point that the extent of
consultation did not reflect, word for word, the text of the Commission
Guidance. The Scheme has been amended for matters relating to employment and
procurement. NILGOSC believe that the list shown at Appendix 1 will ensure
inclusion for all of the 9 categories.
3.2.3 A number of respondents
recommended that the consultation period be increased from 4 to 8 weeks, that
the scheme should have an introductory statement, that commitment to the
necessary resources should be stated and that training should be for all staff.
The Scheme has been amended accordingly.
3.3 Compliance with Guidance
3.3.1 A number of respondents simply
made the point that, in their view, the Scheme complied with the available
guidance.
3.4 Matters for Inclusion in Future Impact Assessments
3.4.1 A number of responses,
including those from NILGOSC staff, referred to matters to be included as part
of the screening and impact assessment procedures. These have been noted and
will be included.
List of Consultees
Agricultural
Research Instit of NI
Antrim BC
Aquinas Diocesan
Grammar School
Ards BC
Ards Citizens'
Advice Bureau
Armagh City
& D C
Armagh College
of FE
Armagh
Observatory
Arts Council of
NI
Association of
Local Authorities
Ballymena
Academy
Ballymena BC
Ballymoney BC
Ballynafeigh H A
Ltd
Banbridge DC
Bangor Grammar
School
Baptist HA Ltd
Belfast
Education and Library Board
Belfast City
Council
Belfast
Charitable Society
Belfast
Community H A
Belfast High
School
Belfast Instit
of FE
Belfast Print
Workshop
Belfast Royal
Academy
Belfast Visitor
& Convention Bureau
BIH HA Ltd
Bloomfield
Collegiate School
Braidside
Integrated Primary And Nursery School
Bridge
Integrated Ps
Campbell College
Carrickfergus BC
Castlereagh BC
Castlereagh College
of FE
Causeway Instit
of FE
Cedar Integ.
P.S.
Choice HA
Limited
Christian
Brothers Grammar School – Omagh
Citybus Ltd
Clothing And
Industrial Training Services
Coleraine
Academical Institution
Coleraine BC
Coleraine
Harbour Commissioners
Connswater
Housing Association
Construction
Industry Training Board
Convent Grammar
School Enniskillen
Convent Grammar
School Strabane
Cookstown DC
Council For
Catholic Maintained Schools
Council For The
Curriculum, Examination And Assessment
Countryside
Recreation
Covenanter
Residential Assoc Ltd
Craigavon &
Distric H A
Craigavon BC
Dalriada School
Derry CC
Derry Investment
Initiative
Derry Theatre
Trust
Derry Visitor
And Convention Bureau
Dominican
College
Donacloney HA
Ltd
Down &
Connor HA Ltd
Down DC
Down District
Citizens' Advice Bureau
Drumragh
Integrated College
Dungannon DC
East Antrim
Instit of FE
East Down Instit
of FE
East Tyrone
College of Fe
Engineering
Training Council (NI) Ltd
Enniskillen
Integrated P S
Enterprise
Ulster
Erne Integrated
College
Fermanagh
College of Fe
Fermanagh DC
Filor HA Ltd
Fire Authority
For NI
Flax H A Ltd
Fold H A
Fold Housing
Trust
Foyle And
L'derry College
Friends School
Gosford Housing
Association
Grove H A Ltd
Habinteg H A
(Ulster) Ltd
Hazelwood
College
Hazelwood Integrated
Ps
Hearth H A Ltd
Hunterhouse
College
Integrated
College Dgn
Jordanstown
Schools
Lagan College
Laganside
Corporation
Larne BC
Larne Grammar
School
Limavady BC
Limavady College
of Fe
Linen Hall
Library
Lisburn BC
Lisburn Instit
of FE
Lisnevin
Management Board
Livestock &
Meat Commission For NI
Local Government
Staff Commission
Loreto College
Loreto Convent
Grammar School Omagh
Lumen Christi
College
Magherafelt DC
Malone College
Malone H A Ltd
Methodist
College
Mill Strand Integrated
Ps
Mourne Heritage
Trust
Moyle DC
N I Federation
of H A
North Eastern
Education and Library Board
New Bridge Int.
College
Newington H A
(1975) Ltd
Newry &
Mourne DC
Newry / Kilkeel
College of FE
Newtownabbey BC
NI Association of
Citizens' Advice Bureaux
NI Community
Relations Council
NI Co-Ownership
H A Ltd
NI Council For
Integrated Educ
NI Fishery
Harbour Authority
NI Hospice
NI Hotel &
Catering College
NI Railway
Company Ltd
NI Tourist Board
NI Transport
Holding Company
NI Housing
Executive
NILGOSC
North & West
Housing Ltd
North Coast Int.
CollegeFE
North Down BC
North East
Instit of FE
North West
Instit of FE
Oakgrove Int.
P.S
Oakgrove
Integrated College
Oaklee H A
Omagh College of
Fe
Omagh DC
Ormeau Baths
Gallery
Our Lady & St
Pat's College
Our Lady's
Grammar School
Planetarium
Armagh
Presbyterian H A
(NI) Ltd
Probation Bd For
NI
Rainey Endowed
School
Rathgael
Juvenile Justice Services
Rathmore Grammar
School
Royal Belfast
Academical Institution
Royal College of
Nursing For NI
Royal School
Armagh
Royal School
Dungannon
Rural
Development Council For NI
Rural H A
Sacred Heart
Grammar School
South Eastern
Education and Library Board
Southern
Education and Library Board
Shimna
Integrated College
Slemish Integ
College
Sports Council
For NI
St Columb's
College
St Dominic's
High School Belfast
St Joseph's
Adolescent Centre
St Joseph's Gs
St Louis Grammar
School
St Macnissi's
College
St Malachy's
College
St Mary's
Christian Brothers Grammar School
St Mary's
College of Education
St Mary's
Grammar School
St Matthew's H A
Ltd
St Michael's
College
St Pat's Boys
Academy
St Pat's Girls
Academy Dgn
St Pat's Grammar
School Downpatrick
St Pat's
Training School & Glenmona Resource Centre
Staff Commission
For Education And Library Boards
Strabane DC
Stranmillis
College
Strathearn
School
Students H A
Co-Op Ltd
Sullivan Upper
School
The Law Society
For NI
Thornhill
College
Ulidia H A Ltd
Ulsterbus
Limited
United Dairy
Farmers
University of
Ulster
Upper Bann Instit
of FE
Victoria College
Wallace High
School
Western
Education and Library Board
Woodvale &
Shankill H A Ltd
Youth Council
For NI
Youthnet
Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland
Community
Relations Council
NI Committee of
ICTU
NIPSA
NI Human Rights Commission
DOE
NI Council for
Ethnic Minorities
Child Care NI
Help the Aged,
NI
Coalition on
Sexual Orientation
Disability
Action
NI Anti-Poverty
Network
Gingerbread NI
Committee on the
Administration of Justice
West Belfast
Economic Forum
Staff of NILGOSC
NIACRO
Public
advertisement
Comments and Acknowledgements
Received From
Agricultural Research Institute
of NI
Ballymena BC
Banbridge DC
BELB
Belfast Royal Academy
Castlereagh College of Further
Education
Translink
CCMS
Covenanter Residential
Association
Craigavon BC
Derry CC
Down District Council
Enterprise Ulster
LMC
North Eastern Education and
Library Board
Newry & Mourne DC
NI Council for Intergrated
Education
NI Fishery Harbour Authority
NI Tourist Board
Omagh College of Further
Education
South Eastern Education and
Library Board
Southern Education and Library
Board
United Dairy Farmers
Youth Council for NI
Woodvale and Shankill HA Ltd
Equality Commission
Community Relations Council
Department of the Environment
West Belfast Economic Forum
NILGOSC Staff
NI Association for the Care and
Resettlement of Offenders
NI Public Sector Alliance
NI Council for Ethnic
Minorities
NI Committee of ICTU
Coalition on Sexual Orientation
Committee on the Administration
of Justice
Royal National Institute for
Deaf People
Construction Industry Training Board
Belfast City Council