Equality Scheme with Equality Action Plan 2023-2027 - Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Training and Capacity Building
(Schedule 9 4.(2) (e))
Commitment to training and capacity building
5.1 We recognise that awareness raising and training play a crucial role in the effective implementation of our Section 75 duties.
5.2 Our Chief Executive wishes to positively communicate the commitment of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to the Section 75 statutory duties, both internally and externally.
To this end we will introduce an effective communication and training programme for all staff and will ensure that our commitment to the Section 75 statutory duties is made clear in all relevant publications.
Training objectives
5.3 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will draw up a detailed training plan for its Elected Members and staff which will aim to raise awareness of the provisions of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, our Equality Scheme commitments and the particular issues likely to affect people across the range of Section 75 categories, to ensure that our Elected Members and staff fully understand their role in implementing the scheme;
and will aim to achieve the following objectives:
- to provide those staff involved in the assessment of policies (screening and EQIA) with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively
- to provide those staff who deal with complaints in relation to compliance with our Equality Scheme with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate and monitor complaints effectively
- to provide those staff involved in consultation processes with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively
- to provide those staff involved in the implementation and monitoring of the effective implementation of the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Equality Scheme with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively.
Awareness raising and training arrangements
5.4 The following arrangements are in place to ensure all our staff and Elected Members are aware of and understand our equality obligations.
- We will develop a summary of this Equality Scheme and make it available to all staff.
- We will provide access to copies of the full Equality Scheme for all staff; ensure that any queries or questions of clarification from staff are addressed effectively.
- Staff in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will receive a briefing on this Equality Scheme within three months.
- The Section 75 statutory duties form part of induction training for new staff.
- Focused training is provided for key staff within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council who are directly engaged in taking forward the implementation of our Equality Scheme commitments (for example those involved in research and data collection, policy development, service design, conducting equality impact assessments, consultation, monitoring and evaluation).
- Where appropriate, training will be provided to ensure staff are aware of the issues experienced by the range of Section 75 groups.
- When appropriate and on an ongoing basis, arrangements will be made to ensure staff are kept up to date with Section 75 developments.
5.5 Training and awareness raising programmes will, where relevant, be developed in association with the appropriate Section 75 groups and our staff.
In order to share resources and expertise, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will, where possible, work closely with other bodies and agencies in the development and delivery of training.
5.6 Our training programme is subject to the following monitoring and evaluation arrangements:
- We evaluate the extent to which all participants in this training programme have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve each of the above objectives.
- The extent to which training objectives have been met will be reported on as part of the Section 75 annual progress report, which will be sent to the Equality Commission.
- A record of the number of employees and elected members trained during the year.