What We Do
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality and Diversity Group
In 2012 the Commission established a single Equality and Diversity Group which encompassed the work of the Women’s Development Steering Group and the Disability in Local Councils Stakeholder Group thereby building upon the success of two important equality initiatives: the Women in Local Councils initiative and the Disability in Local Councils initiative. The work of the Equality and Diversity Group also includes equality and diversity work in councils, including section 75 duties and equalities networks which promote dialogue and understanding across separate equality strands.
As nominated by Solace NI, the Equality and Diversity Group is chaired by Sharon McNicholl, Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director of Corporate Services, Belfast City Council. The Group consists of 20 members across a wide range of key stakeholders.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2024 - 2027
This Strategy sets out the background of the Group, as well as our priorities as we continue to work with our stakeholders and seek to support and assist councils to ensure equality of opportunity and good relations as an employer, a service provider and a civic leader.
Diversity Ambassadors
One of the key elements of the Equality and Diversity initiative has been the appointment of a network of Diversity Ambassadors to actively promote the equality and diversity agenda in all councils. The network of Diversity Ambassadors is made up of Elected Members and Officers.
The Commission delivered a Diversity Ambassadors programme from November 2023 to November 2024 of best practice events and information sessions/networking events for Diversity Ambassadors to learn from each other and subject experts. The overall aim is that the Diversity Ambassadors would have a clear sense of what they have to do, where they will get support and an action plan to help them focus on the actions, they believe will meet the needs of their own council and the EDI initiative.
Programme of Events
Workshop 1, 29 November 2023 – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Setting the Context
This workshop, held at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre focused on the opportunities of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiative and the role of the Diversity Ambassadors.
The Equality Commission NI delivered a presentation on Equality Laws in Local Government.
The event was attended by Diversity Ambassadors from the following Councils:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey BC
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon BC
- Ards and North Down BC
- Belfast CC
- Causeway Coast and Glens BC
- Derry City and Strabane DC
- Fermanagh and Omagh DC
- Lisburn and Castlereagh CC
- Mid and East Antrim BC
- Mid Ulster DC
- Newry, Mourne and Down DC
Workshop 2, 21 March 2024 - Delivering for the Community: EDI and Service Provision
This workshop, held at Lagan Valley Island focused on matching the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme opportunities with Council needs. This was an opportunity for Diversity Ambassadors to identify their Councils context needs and how they might champion change through the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and requests for further information.
A range of speakers discussed their organisation’s approach to delivering for the community, contributors included:
- Belfast Trust and Social Care Trust
- Inter Ethnic Forum
- Disability Action
- Northern Trust and Social Health Trust
- Rainbow Project
- Rural Community Network
- WOMEN’S Tec
The event was attended by Diversity Ambassadors from the following Councils:
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon BC
- Ards and North Down BC
- Belfast CC
- Derry City and Strabane DC
- Fermanagh and Omagh DC
- Mid and East Antrim BC
- Mid Ulster DC
- Newry, Mourne and Down DC
In addition to Diversity Ambassadors, the workshop also attracted representatives from Administration of Justice NI, Equality Commission NI and NILGA.
Workshop 3, 19 June 2024 - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Employability and Talent Management in Council and Community
The workshop, held at Omagh Leisure Complex centered on the theme of Employability and Talent Management – Addressing the Challenges.
A diverse lineup of speakers shared insights into their organisations’ strategies for enhancing employability and talent management, as well as ways to overcome related challenges.
The speakers included:
- Aisling Quinn, NI Civil Service
- Clare Moore, Irish Congress of Trade Unions
- Christine Sheridan, Belfast City Council
- Emma Lyttle, Diversity Marker
- Patrice Hardy, Equality Commission NI
- Siobhan Casey, Age NI
- Susan Walker, AllState
The event was attended by Diversity Ambassadors from the following Councils:
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon BC
- Ards and North Down BC
- Belfast CC
- Causeway Coast and Glens BC
- Derry City and Strabane DC
- Fermanagh and Omagh DC
- Mid and East Antrim BC
- Mid Ulster DC
- Newry, Mourne and Down DC
In addition to Diversity Ambassadors, the workshop also attracted a number of HR representatives from various Councils, as well as a representative from NILGA, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing employability and talent management across the region.
Workshop 4, 10 October 2024 – Best Practice Event
Information attached below.
Statutory Duty Network Group
A Regional Statutory Duty Network Group for Equality Officers consisting of representatives from the 11 Councils and the NIHE meet quarterly to share best practice and to work in partnership to implement statutory duties and to implement Disability Action Plans.
Guidance for Local Government Trans Equality
The purpose of the Guidance for Local Government Trans Equality is to provide managers and employees with practical information on workplace support. The Guidance was created with engagement of key stakeholders.