|
Equality Scheme for the
Eastern Health and Social Services Council
10 Timetable for setting
priorities
|
After consulting on and considering all our policies
we will decide which need a full impact assessment.
This decision may be made with the other three health
and social services councils. Our proposed timetable
for carrying out impact assessments is shown in appendix
8. We may change the timetable after consultation
or as a result of policy changes brought about by
other organisations, for example, the board or the
DHSSPS.
|
11 Methods of carrying
out impact assessments
|
In identifying policies which will be subject to
equality impact assessment, the Council has considered
existing policies, both written and unwritten, and
looked forward to new policies which will be proposed
during the term of the scheme. We have considered
the impact of each policy on equality of opportunity
in terms of the nine categories listed in Section
75 of the Act. We will conduct equality impact assessments
in accordance with Annex 1 of the Equality Commission's
Guide to Statutory Duties. We will also do the following
when carrying out impact assessment.
- We will examine the information we currently collect
to make sure we have enough accurate information
to make decisions. If more data is required we will
consult the groups affected by the duty to assist
us in this process.
- We will examine any similar information that is
available from elsewhere in the UK, the Republic
of Ireland or the EC. We will approach organisations
which provide similar services.
- We will consult the organisations listed in appendix
10 and make any relevant documents available.
- We will ask the following questions about each
particular policy.
~ Is there direct discrimination?
~ Does the policy have a negative effect on people's
rights, resources, access or values?
~ If the policy is not unlawful, is any unfairness
justified?
~ Are there equal opportunities?
- We will consider whether any alternative policies
are available.
- We will consider how we could justify any negative
effect and promote equal opportunities.
- We will state how we intend to monitor negative
effects which may arise in the future.
- We will publish the results of all impact assessments.
These steps may alter or be added to over time.
|
12 Future
Consultation
| a |
In consulting on any matter
to which this scheme relates, the Council will work
with representative groups and individuals of the Section
75 categories 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.
There will be different means of consultation for different
groups and it will be important to establish the basis
for dialogue and engagement during the life of the scheme.
|
| b |
In addition to the points
listed in Section 15 of this scheme we will ensure that
barriers to proper consultation will be removed by ensuring
that language is as clear as possible. In addition the
scheme will be available on request in large print,
in Braille, audio cassette, in Irish and Chinese. Presentations
on this scheme, if requested, will be made in an appropriate
format to representatives of people with learning disabilities,
minority community language speakers, those whose hearing
is impaired, young people and Travellers. The Council
will draw on the outcome of a number of conferences
to give specific attention to and look for innovate
models for engaging young people and people with learning
disabilities. |
| c |
We will consult the public,
consumer organisations, charities and the voluntary
and community sectors on all screening exercises and
impact assessments. This consultation will be timely,
open and inclusive and in accordance with the Equality
Commission's Guiding Principles. Resources will be made
available for individuals and groups to ensure that
they can take an active part in any consultation exercises.
In addition we will give consideration to time of day,
accessibility of venues, use of language and interpreters
and need for childcare and transport. |
| d |
A list of those to be
included in consultation on matters relevant to the
Council's equality duties is listed in Appendix 10.
The list is not exhaustive and may be amended in the
light of experience, but will include the Equality Commission,
the Community Relations Council, voluntary, community
and trade union groups and organisations representing
the various categories included in Section 75 and those
with a legitimate interest in the matter, whether or
not they have a direct economic or personal interest.
This approach will apply in respect of all consultations.
|
| e |
We will allow three months
for consultation and will begin consultation as early
as possible. However, there may be times when this is
not possible because the public authority responsible
for changing or introducing a policy has restricted
its consultation period. The Council will monitor and
keep under review such conditions and report on them
in its annual review report, which will be provided
to the Equality Commission. |
| f |
Information will be made
available to ensure meaningful consultation. This will
include quantitative and qualitative data, which the
Council holds or has collated, and other documents such
as consultants' reports. |
| g |
Specific training will
be arranged for Council staff engaged in consultation
exercises to ensure that those facilitating consultation
have the necessary skills to communicate effectively.
Training will be developed in consultation with the
affected groups. |
| h |
The Council will draw,
in particular, on the outcome of the conference organised
by OFMDFM on practical issues in carrying out future
consultations in the context of Section 75 obligations.
This included inputs from representatives of groups,
which have traditionally been marginalised. It also
addressed the special difficulties in consulting children
on policy issues in which they have an interest. In
developing new approaches in this area, the Council
will also draw on advice from the Equality Commission
and lessons from other jurisdictions. |
| i |
In organising consultation
meetings the Council will aim to ensure full participation
taking account of the needs and customs of different
groups. In particular, the Council will consider the
time of day, the appropriateness of the venue, whether
it can be accessed by those with disabilities, how the
meeting is run, the use of appropriate language, whether
a signer is necessary and the provision of childcare.
|
|
