Section 75 and Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (’the Act’) places duties on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity and good relations.

 

The Council’s Equality Scheme (PDF, 355K) is a statement of the Council’s commitment to fulfilling these statutory obligations. It also outlines a plan for ensuring that consideration of equality issues is central to the whole range of policy decision-making within the Council.

 

The Council’s scheme was approved by the Equality Commission in June 2001. The Council screened its policies to determine the need for impact assessment. The report of the screening process may be accessed below.

 

Annual Progress Report for the year ended 31st March 2012

The Council’s Annual Progress Report has been submitted to the Equality Commission and may be accessed below.

Download Final Progress Report 11-12 (562.Kb)

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Timetable for Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs)

 

Year 1: 2001/2002

• Development of Newtownabbey Website

  Postponed from year 1. Out to consultation in Spring 2003. Finalized December 2003.

   

• Bank Holiday Arrangements for Leisure Centres

  Postponed from year 1. Out to consultation in Spring 2003. Finalized December 2003.

   

• Cemetery Rules

  Postponed from year 1. Out to consultation in Spring 2003. Finalized December 2003.

   

• Bye Laws

  Postponed pending reviews of bye laws.

   

• Street Naming

  Postponed from year 1. Out to consultation in Spring 2003. Finalized June 2003.

   

• Mechanism for nomination to Local Strategy Partnership

  Completed in November 2002.

   

• Alcohol Free Zones

  Postponed due to review of the bye law by the Department of Social Development.

 

 

Only the EQIA on nomination to Local Strategy Partnership was conducted in Year 1 due to the difficulties experienced, and the other EQIAs were postponed to year 2. The Equality Commission is aware of this situation.

 

Year 2: 2002/2003

• Flying of Flags

  Out to consultation in Spring 2003. Finalised June 2003.

   

• Grant Aid Policy

  Out to Consultation in June 2004.

   

• Code of Conduct for Local Government Officers

  Postponed pending review by Local Government Staff Commission. Finalised December 2004.

   

• Standing Orders

  Out to Consultation in June 2004. Finalised January 2005.

   

• Timing of Meetings

  Out to Consultation in June 2004. Finalised January 2005.

   

 

Year 3: 2003/2004

• Corporate Uniform

  The need for EQIA was reconsidered and it was the opinion of the Equality Sub Committee that it was not required. There is flexibility within the policy to meet different needs such as maternity, religious requirements etc.

   

• Constitution of sub or advisory groups and the selection of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Standing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs

  Out to Consultation in June 2004. Finalised January 2005

   

• Access to Council Facilities (to include charges/pricing policy, conditions of hire, physical access, opening hours)

  Out to Consultation in June 2004. Finalised December 2004

   

• Recruitment and Selection Policy

  Out to Consultation in June 2004. Finalised December 2004

 

Year 4: 2004/2005

• Managing Attendance Policy

  Policy reviewed & screened out.

 

Annual Progress Report for the year ended 31st March 2011

The Council’s Annual Progress Report has been submitted to the Equality Commission and may be accessed below.

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Five Year Review

Paragraph 8(3) of Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 states:

 

“A public authority shall, before the end of the period of five years beginning with the submission of its current scheme, or the latest review of that scheme under this sub-paragraph, whichever is the later, review that scheme and inform the Commission of the outcome of the review.”

 

The immediate purpose of the five year review is to allow public authorities through a process of self assessment to review their approved schemes. This review was submitted to the Equality Commission in June 2006.

 

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We would like to assist you to make a comment on our policies and are willing to facilitate meetings on request and to arrange these meetings at venues and times to accommodate the needs of those participating. We will positively respond to requests for further detail or clarification on any policy or procedure.

 

Should you require any further assistance do not hesitate to contact:

 

Mrs Helen McBride

Corporate Improvement Manager

Newtownabbey Borough Council

Mossley Mill Newtownabbey

BT36 5QA

 

Tel: (028) 9034 0038

Fax: (028) 9034 0062

e-mail: hmcbride@newtownabbey.gov.uk

 

A textphone is also available on: 028 9034 0109 We look forward to receiving your views and/or meeting with you to discuss the issues.