EQUALITY COMMISSION FOR NORTHERN IRELAND ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2014 IN EQUALITY HOUSE, BELFAST Present Michael Wardlow Jane Morrice Stella Burnside Fidelma Carolan Anna Carragher Kit Chivers Patricia Feeney Milton Kerr Liam Maskey Lyn McBriar Stephen McIlveen Dermot Nesbitt Murray Watt MINUTES Chief Commissioner Deputy Chief Commissioner Apologies Norman Trotter In attendance Evelyn Collins Keith Brown Eileen Lavery Jacqui McKee Lisa King Darren McKinstry Louise Conlon Simon Hookham Roisin Mallon Chief Executive Head of Corporate Services Head of Advice and Compliance and legal Director, Advice and Compliance (part) Director, Advice and Compliance Director, Policy and Research Manager, Secretariat Manager, Policy and Research (part) Manager, Policy and Research (part) 1.0 MINUTES 1
The Minutes of the one hundred and fifteenth meeting held on 24 September 2014 were signed as a true and accurate record. 2.0 Matters Arising Pg 2: Proposed dates for the social media training had been circulated and a date would be confirmed shortly. 3.0 Policy Issues Fair Employment Monitoring Report (2013) No.24 EC/14/09/2 The Research Manager provided an overview of the key findings from the Fair Employment Monitoring Report (2013) No 24. He noted plans for publication of the Summary Report in electronic format and via dedicated webpages, supported by hard copy summaries. Commissioners welcomed the Report and raised queries and comments including on the inclusion of an indication of the long term trend in overall monitored employment beyond the now default year of 2001; the use of statistical techniques to test significance; trends in the non-monitored workforce and in applications and appointments; the ability of monitoring returns to capture those employed on zero hours contracts and those from an ethnic minority background. There was also a query on progress to develop a policy statement on Key Inequalities in Employment, further to the related research which the Commission had previously considered. The Director of Policy and Research responded to the queries, noting he would undertake to include reference to the longer term trend in overall monitored employment, and confirmed that the statement on KI in employment was currently being drafted and that the Commission would have the opportunity to consider it at a future meeting. Commissioners noted the Monitoring Report and the plans for publication. Stephen Mcllveen declared an interest in the next item and left the meeting. Use of Petitions of Concern: Discussion paper EC/14/09/3 2
The Policy Manager presented this paper which provided an update on the Assembly & Executive Review Committee s review of Petitions of Concern. The paper also proposed a policy position in relation to this issue and suggested next steps to be taken. Commissioners welcomed this paper. It was suggested that the use of a limited number of examples should be removed from the paper. A Commissioner pointed out some textual inconsistencies and it was agreed that there was a need to standardise the language throughout the text. Commissioners noted the importance of monitoring the use of Petitions of Concern in the Assembly. There was a suggestion that it might be useful to write to the Speaker s office on this matter. Commissioners approved the proposed policy position and the next steps. Good Relations: next steps EC/14/09/4 The Chief Executive presented this paper which followed on from the Commissioners discussion held on 24 September 2014 regarding how the Commission might move ahead in the area of good relations. The paper proposed a number of actions within the Commission s existing vires and the proposals which had resource implications would be dealt with through timetabling of the actions. Commissioners welcomed the clarity around actions and timings following the earlier discussions. Discussion focused on the action proposed in relation to Councils and on good practice. Commissioners approved the actions proposed and looked forward to discussing further papers on Key Messages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities at the next meeting. 4.0 Business Reporting 3
Finance Report: 1 April 30 Sept 2014 EC/14/09/5 The Head of Corporate Services presented this report which provided information on the financial position as at 30 September 2014. The report indicated that 50% of the overall cash available had been utilised. Particular attention was drawn to the budget information contained in appendix 7 and the sickness absence information contained in appendix 5 of the paper. The Chief Executive reported that she was scheduled to meet the Accounting Officer at OFMDFM the following day to discuss budget matters. There was a discussion on the need to be particularly cognizant of the impact of ongoing budget reductions when planning next year s Business Plan activities. Commissioners noted the sickness absence figures and asked what action had been taken to address this matter. The Head of Corporate Services updated on action being taken. There was a query on whether budget reductions had put additional pressure on staff and impacted on sickness levels. It was explained there were a small number of staff on long term sick leave which had a significant impact on the figures. Staff were being fully appraised of the financial situation with the Chief Executive regularly updating staff through meetings and monthly core briefs. Commissioners requested further information on the rationale for identifying areas of budget reduction to date. The Head of Corporate Services provided information on this. The Chief Executive added that she was very keen that the Commission s service delivery was not compromised but noted that difficult decisions had to be taken given the severity of the budget reductions. Postponed projects and current staffing gaps would have to be examined in the context of next year s Business Plan. Commissioners noted the report. 4
Business Plan Progress Report: 1 April 30 September 2014 EC/14/09/6 The Chief Executive presented this report which detailed progress being made against the objectives in this year s Business Plan. Commissioners noted the report. Communications Report: July 30 September 2014 EC/14/09/7 The Manager Secretariat presented the Communications Report for three months to 30 September 2014. The increase in twitter followers was noted, with the comment that it was a great channel for the Commission to utilise. 5. Other Matters for Commission Decision Corporate Plan 2015-2018/Business Plan 2015-2016 EC/14/09/8 The Chief Executive presented this paper which, given the current financial and governance environment, asked Commissioners to consider extending the current Corporate Plan for a further year, following its strategic priorities which remain relevant. A request to this end had also been made to OFMDFM. If the approach is approved, the Business Plan for 2015 16 can be drafted accordingly. Commissioner agreed this approach, subject to confirmation by OFMDFM. Following a query, the Chief Executive provided an update on discussions with NI Office officials in relation to the appointment of new Commissioners next year. Commissioners would be updated as these discussions progressed. 6. Chief Commissioner s Business EC/14/09/9 The Chief Commissioner briefly reported on his engagements since the last meeting. 5
7. Chief Executive s Report EC/14/09/10 The Chief Executive drew attention to her previously circulated report. Commissioners noted the Report. 8. Matters for Information Commissioners noted the following responses. - Response to OFMDFM consultation on the Draft Racial Equality Strategy - Response to the OFMDFM Assembly Committee s Inquiry into Building a United Community EC/14/09/11 EC/14/09/12 9. Any Other Business A Commissioner asked about the process being taken to prepare a response to the Department of Justice consultation on amending the Criminal Law on Abortion in relation to Foetal Abnormality and Sexual Crime. It was confirmed that a response was currently being prepared and Commissioners would have the opportunity to consider this response prior to the consultation deadline. 10. Date of next meeting: One hundred and Seventeenth Commission Meeting on Wednesday, 26 November 2014, at 1.30 pm in Equality House. The meeting closed at 4.40pm Signed Date 6