What is an Equality Scheme and why do we need one?
These schemes are approved by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
An equality scheme outlines the public authority’s arrangements for:
- assessing its compliance with the duties under Section 75
- assessing and consulting on the likely impact of policies on the promotion of equality of opportunity
- monitoring any adverse impact of policies on the promotion of equality of opportunity
- publishing the results of such assessments
- training staff
- ensuring and assessing public access to information and services provided by the public authority
Each government department is designated as a public authority under Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and has its own approved equality scheme.
The Executive Office's Equality Scheme
Schedule 9 (para 8.3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires all public authorities to review their equality scheme after five years.
The Executive Office recently updated the department’s scheme further to its obligations under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.”
Annual Report to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
All public authorities are required to report annually to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on the progress made towards implementing their statutory duties.
The Executive Office Disability Action Plan
The Department remains committed to the fulfilment of the two disability duties, as set out in Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, across the Department’s functions.
Policies screened and EQIAs
In fulfilling its obligations under Section 75 the Department is required to equality screen all of its policies and services under consideration to determine whether they should be subject to a full equality impact assessment (EQIA).
The Department is also committed to publishing a Screening Report containing details of all Policies screened in the quarter.
2023/24
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 1 – Nil return
- Equality Screening Report Quarter 2 –
| Policy | Policy Aim | Brief Description | Screening Outcome (including any mitigation or alternative policies) |
| The decision not to specify schools under The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (NI) 2022 | The (School Teachers Act (NI) 2022 removed the exception for teachers from the FETO Order 1998. This decision relates to the smooth implementation of the Act. | This decision relates to the fair employment monitoring requirements. The decision not to specify schools aims to allow FETO’s existing obligations that relate to registration apply to schools in the same way it applies to other employers. | Screened out |
The decision not to specify schools under The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (NI) 2022 Screening Template.
- Equality Screening Report Quarter 3 –
| Policy | Policy Aim | Brief Description | Screening Outcome (including any mitigation or alternative policies) |
| Victims and Survivors Strategy | The main aim of the strategy is to have a trauma informed society which addresses the needs of victims and survivors. | The new strategy will ensure the right trauma informed and victim centred services are in place to empower and support victims and survivors and contribute to building a shared and peaceful future. It will also set out the specific issues affecting victims and survivors which require particular focus. | Screened out. |
Equality Screening- Victims and Survivors Strategy
2022/23
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 1 – Nil return
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 2 – Nil return
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 3
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 4
2021/22
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 1 – Nil return
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 2 – Nil return
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 3
- Equality Screening Report: Quarter 4 – Nil return
Equality Screening Reports 2017/2021