Good Relations and Social Change

The Delivering Social Change framework was set up by the Northern Ireland Executive to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

The Executive Office is committed to building a society in which racial equality and diversity is supported, understood, valued, and respected; and where people of minority ethnic backgrounds have a sense of belonging which is acknowledged and valued by people from all backgrounds.

Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires that all public authorities who are designated under the Act must set out in an Equality Scheme how it proposes to fulfill the duties imposed by Section 75 of the Act.

The selection of short articles below provides details on the work groups have delivered over recent years.

Mental Health focus of YEHA’s Planned Interventions Programme

The Strategy was approved by Ministers and published in December 2015, establishing a framework for action by Government departments (and others):

The Racial Equality Indicators Report monitors the progress of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 on four key outcome areas: equality of service provision; elimination of prejudice, racism and hate crime; increased participation, representation, and belonging; and cultural diversity is celebrated.

The Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 contained a commitment to establish a network of Racial Equality Champions across all NI Executive departments. This was something the minority ethnic sector expressed a strong desire for, during the Strategy’s public consultation exercise.

The Racial Equality Subgroup is an independent body representing minority ethnic communities. The Subgroup acts as a strong voice to Government on issues specifically affecting minority ethnic people, migrants, and race relations, and to keep our actions informed and relevant. The group is chaired by a member of the group independent from Government.

A Roma Thematic Group was established, as part of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025, to address the unique issues faced by the Roma community.

A Travellers Thematic Group was established as part of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025.

The Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 review – a key action within the Executive’s Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 – intends to strengthen Northern Ireland’s race legislation. The review aims to offer at least the same level of protection, if not better, than other jurisdictions across these islands.

Recognising that public bodies need robust information to monitor inequalities, develop evidence-based policy and plan service delivery, the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 committed to examining where ethnic monitoring should be introduced and consulting on proposals for implementation.

The Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) provides support for voluntary and community organisations working with minority ethnic people and groups. The fund aims to assist minority ethnic and local community organisations to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.