Department of Education: Consultation – Revised Equality Scheme and Audit of Inequalities/Action Plan

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions relating, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard to the desirability of promoting good relations across a range of categories outlined in the Act.

Public Authorities are also required to produce an Equality Scheme which explains how they intend to fulfil these duties.  The Department of Education’s current scheme was produced in 2001 and we have drafted a revised scheme based on updated guidance from the Equality Commission.

The Department has also drawn up an Audit of Inequalities to inform an Action Plan detailing measures which the Department intends to take over the next five years to promote equality of opportunity and good relations.  

The Department of Education invites your comments on the following documents:

The Revised Equality Scheme  (PDF 724KB)

The Revised Equality Scheme Consultation Document (Word 415KB)

The Irish Version of the Revised Equality Scheme (PDF 849KB)

The Audit of Inequalities and Action Plan (PDF 1425KB)

The Audit of Inequalities and Action Plan Consultation Document (Word 408KB)

This consultation has been extended and will now run until 30 November 2011.

Public meetings will be held at the following venues at the indicated dates and times:

Millennium Forum, Londonderry - Wednesday 28th September 11.00am to 1pm

Grosvenor House, Belfast - Friday 30th September 11.00am to 1pm

South West College, Dungannon Campus - Wednesday 5th October 11.00am to 1 pm

Any comments, or requests for documents, can be addressed to the Equality Team:

By email: equality@deni.gov.uk

By telephone: 028 91279835   

By Textphone 18001 028 91279279

By writing to:

Please let us know if you require the documents in any other format.