NHSSB Equality

1.0 Introduction
2.0 The Board and its Statutory Framework
3.0 Proposed Organisational Arrangements
4.0 Arrangements for Assessing Compliance and Consultation
5.0 Policy Screening and Assessment
6.0 Impact Assessments
7.0 Obtaining Further Information

Annex 1: Summary Timetable
Annex 2: Consultation List
Annex 3: Summary of Consultation Responses
Annex 4: NHSSB Organisational Chart

Foreword

This is the Board's first Equality Scheme in keeping with the requirements of Section 75 of, and Schedule 9, to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 ("the Act"). The Act places new duties on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity and good relations in carrying out their functions. This includes the preparation of an Equality Scheme for submission to the Equality Commission by 30 June 2000.

The Board considers its Equality Scheme an important opportunity to further its commitment to promoting equality in all aspects of its work. Listening to the public we serve is central to the Board's work. As part of the development of the Equality Scheme the Board consulted widely and this document has been amended to reflect, as far as possible, views expressed by a wide range of interests and organisations.

Sections 2 to 7 set out the main elements of the Board's Equality Scheme, as amended by the Board at its meeting of 15 June 2000. Annex 3 outlines in more detail the consultation process, the issues that emerged and how the Board has responded to these.

Further information on this Equality Scheme and the Board's arrangements for promoting equality of opportunity and good relations can be obtained by contacting:

Mr Edmond McClean
Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning,
Northern Health and Social Services Board,
County Hall,
Ballymena,
BT42 1QB.

Tel: (028) 2565 3333
Fax: (028) 2566 2311
Textphone: (028) 2566 2618.

The Scheme is available on disk, in large print, and can be made available on audiocassette or in minority languages for those who are not fluent in English.

Michael Wood Stuart MacDonnell
Chairperson Chief Executive

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Equality Scheme

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires the Board, in carrying out its functions, powers and duties, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:

• between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation;
• between men and women generally;
• between persons with a disability and persons without; and,
• between persons with dependants and persons without.

In addition, without prejudice to its obligations above, the Board will in carrying out its functions, have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

1.2 Board Equality Scheme

Schedule 9 to the Act requires the Board to set out in an Equality Scheme how it proposes to fulfil the requirements imposed by Section 75 and Schedule 9 when carrying out all its functions, powers and duties. Details of actions proposed under this Scheme are set out in Annex 1. The preparation of this Scheme follows extensive co-operation with the other three Boards in the Province, local Trusts and the Northern Health and Social Services Council.

1.3 Good relations

As well as promoting equality, the Northern Ireland Act also addresses the promotion of good relations. In its work the Board will seek to identify positive approaches and opportunities for promoting good relations. In commissioning health and social care services and as an employer, the Board will respect the diversity and human rights of patients, clients, carers and staff.

1.4 Statement of Undertaking

The Board is committed to the allocation of the necessary resources (in terms of people, time and money) to ensure that the statutory duties are complied with and that the Equality Scheme can be drawn up and implemented effectively and on time.

1.5 Internal arrangements

The Board will put in place effective internal arrangements to ensure that the duties are effectively complied with and to monitor and review progress.

1.6 Communication and Training

The Board is also fully committed to the development and delivery of a planned programme of communication and training on the Equality Scheme to promote section 75.

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2.0 The Board and its statutory Framework

2.1 Statutory Context

The Northern Health and Social Services Board is the second largest of the four Boards established under Articles 16 and 17 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. Nearly one-quarter of the population of Northern Ireland, approximately 420,000 people, live within the Board's area which covers the following District and Borough Council areas: Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey.

When established, the Board's role was both to plan and provide directly health and personal social services to meet the needs of residents in its area. The Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 modified the role of the Boards. Departmental Guidance issued on 22 March 1991 reflected this, stating that Boards would "concentrate on the establishment of key objectives to meet the health and social needs of their populations, and the development of policies and priorities to meet those objectives. Boards will discharge responsibilities on behalf of the Department, as its agents, and within the strategic framework set by Government and available resources."

2.2 Board Responsibilities

The Board carries out its responsibilities through:

• assessing our population's health and social care needs;
• developing strategies to meet those needs;
• setting and monitoring quality and performance standards;
• carrying out reviews of service areas;
• resource allocation and financial management;
• procurement of services;
• consultation and co-operation with interested parties;
• discharging its duties as an employer;
• staff resource management;
• the registration and inspection of children's, nursing and residential homes;
• surveillance, monitoring and control of infectious diseases;
• monitoring of statutory duties delegated to Trusts;
• handling complaints by way of independent review, and,
• administering nationally negotiated contracts for general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists and opticians, all collectively known as independent contractors.

2.3 HSS Trust Responsibilities

Under the 1991 Order, responsibility for the operational management of health and social care services passed to Trusts. In the Northern Board area these are Causeway Health and Social Services Trust, Homefirst Community Trust and United Hospitals Trust. The Board, through service agreements, also secures care services from Trusts located in other Board areas.

2.4 Board Accountability

The Board is accountable to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and comprises a Chairperson and six Non-Executive Members appointed by the Minister. Executive Members of the Board are the Chief Executive, Director of Public Health Medicine, Director of Social Services, Director of Nursing and Consumer Services and Director of Finance.

As a public body, the Board has an obligation to ensure:

• compliance with statute and subordinate legislation;
• compliance with all directions given by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety;
• that the commissioning and delivery of services reflects the principles of accountability, probity and equity; and,
• that in recruiting, remunerating, developing and managing staff it follows the same principles.

2.5 Organisational Structure

In organising its business, the Board operates a range of Directorates and

Departments as follows:

• General Management, including the Chief Executive's office,
• Board Secretariat and the Department of Public Relations;
• Public Health Medicine Directorate;
• Social Services Directorate;
• Nursing and Consumer Services Directorate;
• Dental Services Directorate;
• Pharmaceutical Services Directorate;
• Finance Directorate;
• Family Practitioner Services Directorate;
• Strategic Planning and Commissioning Directorate;
• Service Performance and Development Directorate; and,
• Department of Information Services/ IT.

The Board is also responsible for maintaining a Registration and Inspection Unit.

Homefirst Community Trust provides the Board's personnel and recruitment functions.

Annex 4 sets out an organisational chart of Northern Board structures.

2.6 Promoting Equality and Good Relations In Commissioning Care

The Board recognises the special place which Health and Social Services occupy in our society. They are provided right across the region, in urban as well as rural settings, and often in difficult circumstances. They have retained a reputation for being provided impartially by a variety of professionals acting in concert and in response to need.

In discharging its functions and duties, the Board takes account of differing needs, for example, of people with a mental illness or a physical or learning disability, children in need or at risk, people with cancer or cardiovascular disease or those who may be marginalised. The Board also endeavours to strike a balance between promoting positive health, preventing disease or impairment, treating illness when it presents and returning people to their best possible state of well-being or providing palliative care when this is required and strives to do this in a fair and impartial manner, for example, through:

• targeting health and social care services on those most vulnerable or in need;
• moving increasingly towards securing care based on effectiveness and outcomes;
• promoting greater equity of access to care;
• ensuring that decisions are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of local people and communities; and,
• encouraging community development and promoting health and well-being.

Due account is taken of statutory obligations, Departmental policies and priorities and the finite public funds at the Board's disposal. The Board not only addresses the distribution of any additional resources from government, but also seeks to secure quality improvements in ongoing services and promotes the alternative use of existing resources where they can be used to better effect.

Commissioning care services is therefore a complex process, which calls for knowledge of people's needs and aspirations. In its work the Board routinely consults, by various means, with many different parties including service users, carers, elected representatives, Borough and District Councils, voluntary and community groups, the Northern Health and Social Services Council, Trusts, family doctors and professional organisations.

The Board's objective with this Equality Scheme is to ensure that its policies and decisions take full account of its obligations to promote equality of opportunity and good relations.

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3.0 Proposed Organisational Arrangements

3.1 Organisational Arrangements

The statutory responsibility for the effective implementation of the Equality Scheme and compliance with the duties lies with the Board. All Board Members acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that satisfactory arrangements are in place to discharge the Board's obligations in relation to the provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The following organisational and accountability arrangements have been put in place for this purpose.

The Chief Executive will be accountable to the Board for the development, implementation and review of the Scheme, in accordance with the legislation and good practice. The Chief Executive will also put in place such arrangements as are necessary to enable him/her to advise the Board on a regular basis of progress in relation to the Scheme. To facilitate this, objectives and targets relating to the statutory duties will be built into the corporate plan of the Board and its strategic and operational planning. Annual performance objectives will be agreed with Directors in respect of the statutory duties. The objectives and targets will be the subject of an annual appraisal and performance review. Progress on meeting these objectives will be monitored and reported upon at Senior Management Team on a quarterly basis and to the Board.

In discharging these duties the Chief Executive will delegate to:

• all Directors/Department Heads, the duty to facilitate impact assessments where necessary on existing and new policies in areas for which they are responsible. Directors will also ensure that Senior Managers, for whom they are responsible, are appropriately trained in the requirements of Section 75 and Schedule 9, and that assessment of compliance with Section 75 and Schedule 9 duties is a mainstream element of Directorate work.
• the Director of Nursing and Consumer Services the handling of complaints arising from failure to comply with this Equality Scheme.
• the Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning, responsibility for the administration of the Board's duties (excluding complaints) under Section 75 and Schedule 9 at a corporate level, and to be the contact person on matters to do with equality of opportunity and good relations. This officer or his/her nominee will also represent the Board in any inter-agency structures to co-ordinate the implementation of Section 75 and Schedule 9 obligations. The Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning reports to, and is accountable to, the Chief Executive and the Board. He will have the primary responsibility for the implementation, monitoring and review of the Scheme.

The Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning will agree with the Chief Executive a process for agreeing the policies to be subjected to impact assessment and an appropriate methodology for impact assessment, in consultation with other Directors as appropriate.

The Board will formally delegate authority for undertaking the above role to the Chief Executive who will, through the Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning, keep the Board informed of progress in promoting equality of opportunity and good relations through:

• the development of an annual corporate plan;
• providing quarterly reports to the Board; and,
• ensuring that the Board's Annual Report contains a report of the Board's progress in meeting the objectives and targets set in relation to the statutory duties.

An Equality Assurance Unit has been established to provide internal advice and support to the Board in discharging its section 75 and Schedule 9 duties. This will comprise an Equality Assurance Manager (Senior Manager grade) and administrative support. The unit has been engaged in the drawing up of the Equality Scheme. One of its prime functions will be the ongoing monitoring and reviewing of the implementation of the Scheme. This will be done in conjunction with the Equality Steering Group. The Equality Assurance Unit will report directly to the Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning, who, in turn, will be accountable to the Equality Steering Group.

Point of contact: The Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning has primary responsibility for the implementation of the Equality obligations. The post is currently held by Mr Edmond McClean, Room 138, County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1QB. In the event that there is any change to the current incumbent or location of the post, the Board will inform the Equality Commission and the consultees listed at annex 2.

In keeping with the spirit of promoting equality of opportunity and good relations, the work of Board Directorates will be the prime focus for mainstreaming. The Unit will work closely with the various Board Directorates, for example, on impact assessments, to provide advice and assistance on good practice, and when required will work in conjunction with staff in other agencies on issues of common priority. The Unit will also advise the Chief Executive and Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning on the appropriateness of policy and decision-making processes in the context of Section 75 and Schedule 9 duties.

3.2 Equality Steering Group

An Equality Steering Group, accountable to the Board, has been established by the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team to co-ordinate and take forward the mainstreaming of equality and good relations in all aspects of the Board's work. This Group has representatives from each of the Board's Directorates and Departments and its work will include taking forward the screening of existing policies. It meets every six weeks to monitor and review the implementation of the section 75 obligations and reports progress, through the Equality Unit, to the Board and Chief Executive.

3.3 Reviewing Organisational Arrangements

The Board will continue to keep under review the appropriateness of the organisational arrangements for delivery of its duties under Section 75 and Schedule 9, and amend these as necessary.

3.4 Promoting Equality and Good Relations through Co-operation

The Board will continue to work with United Hospitals, Causeway HSS and Homefirst Community Trusts on promoting equality of opportunity and good relations and will form a Best Practice Forum to exchange learning and best practice.
The Forum will also engage, as appropriate, with organisations with an interest in equality of opportunity and good relations. The Forum will meet at regular intervals during the five year cycle.

As in the development of this Equality Scheme, the Board will also continue to work closely with other Boards and the Department to exchange learning and best practice.

3.5 Training

The Board will draw up a detailed training plan for its entire staff over the five year period to which this Scheme refers, which will aim to achieve the following objectives:

• to raise awareness of current anti-discrimination legislation in Northern Ireland, including the provisions of sections 75 and 76 of, and Schedule 9 to, the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This will include an explanation of the duties and their implications for all employees;
• to provide those employees involved in the screening of policies with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively;
• to provide those employees involved in the equality impact assessment of policies with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively;
• to provide those employees who deal with complaints in relation to the implementation of the Board's Scheme, with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate and monitor complaints effectively;
• to provide those employees involved in the consultation processes with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively;
• to provide those employees involved in the implementation and monitoring of the effective implementation of the Board's Equality Scheme with the necessary skills and knowledge to do this work effectively; and,
• to 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.

Planning is underway for a comprehensive programme of staff training on the Board's statutory duties and the aims and objectives identified above will be built into the training programme detailed below. All staff will receive training on Section 75 and Schedule 9 obligations, including the requirements of this Equality Scheme, appropriate to their grade and responsibilities, as follows:

• Within eighteen months of the approval of this Scheme training will be provided for all staff in the areas identified above, based on a training needs assessment;
• Within the same timescale, further training will be initiated for staff who will be involved in the impact assessment process, monitoring, or who will provide advice to Directors and other managers in the process of scrutinising new policies for relevance to the Equality Scheme;
• A programme to make all staff aware of the implications of the legislation will be devised and implemented within 18 months of approval of the Scheme, while new staff will be informed of the requirements of Section 75 and this Equality Scheme in their induction training;
• Training will also be provided for Non-Executive Board Members; and
• The Board will identify those groups of specialist staff or those in management positions for whom more focused training would be required and will develop its training plan in association with representatives of the section 75 groups.

These training initiatives will be developed by Homefirst Training Services and the Social Services Training Unit, the main providers of specialised training for Board staff. In commissioning these training arrangements, the Board will ensure the maximum level of co-ordination with other Boards and Trusts.

Staff will be asked to evaluate the training provided to assess the extent to which staff fully understand their role in implementing the duties. The extent to which these objectives have been achieved will be reported on and included in the annual review to the Commission.

3.6 Information for Staff

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Board wish to positively communicate the commitment of the Board to the statutory duties (both internally and externally). The Board will therefore ensure:

• that a summary of the Equality Scheme is provided for all staff who will also have access to a copy of the full Scheme;
  that the Board's commitment to the statutory duties are made clear in Board publications (such as the Annual Report); and,
• that any queries or questions of clarification from staff are addressed effectively.

3.7 Board's Annual Report

The Board's annual report will contain a report on the Board's progress in meeting the objectives and targets set in relation to the statutory duties.

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4.0 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ASSESSING COMPLIANCE AND CONSULTATION

4.1 Implementation Monitoring

Details of the Board's proposed action timetable for implementing its Equality Scheme are set out in Annex 1, which will form part of the corporate work programme. The Board will also conduct an annual review of progress made in implementing this Equality Scheme and in complying with its statutory duty. This will be a year by year assessment of the progress made and the limitations experienced concerning the implementation of the arrangements specified in the Equality Scheme and in complying with the duties. It will include progress on the good relations duty. The Board will issue a copy of its annual review report to those bodies listed in annex 2 and will place it on its website. A press release will be issued to advise that it is available. This annual review report will be sent to the Equality Commission to assist it in compiling its own Annual Report. The Board will also liaise with the Equality Commission with respect to implementation of the Board's Equality Scheme and to ensure that progress outlined in the review of progress will be maintained.

The Board will review this Scheme within five years of its submission to the Equality Commission. This review will include an assessment of how the Board has complied with its Section 75 obligations and how equality of opportunity and good relations have been advanced in relation to the main policy areas. This assessment may include input from independent consultants.

4.2 Consultation on Equality Scheme

The Board has taken account of Equality Commission and Community

Relations Council guidance on issues relevant to the fulfillment of the Section 75 obligations.

In developing and implementing its Equality Scheme, the Board recognises the central position of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in determining policy and guidelines for all bodies within HPSS. In taking forward its Equality Scheme and to avoid duplication of effort and the inefficient use of resources, the Board will continue to work closely with the Department in relation to those functions, duties and policies which the Department has developed or has responsibility under Section 75 of the Act.

The Board has also liaised with the following bodies that were also required to submit their own Equality Schemes:

• Northern Health and Social Services Council;
• Various Government Departments;
• Other Health and Social Services Boards;
• Health and Social Services Trusts;
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive; and,
• Education and Library Boards within the Board's area.

The Board has consulted, during April to early June 2000, with a wide range of interests and organisations. Annexes 2 and 3 set out in more detail the list of those with whom the Board has consulted, the substance of comments received and the Board's response to those comments.

This general consultation list will be subject to periodic review to reflect organisations wishing to be added to or removed from the list.

The Board may also place public advertisements to notify organisations which may not be on the list of its intention to consult on the Equality Scheme or on other matters.

4.3 Consultation

The Board recognises the importance of proper consultation and in carrying out its equality duties will endeavour to conduct consultations in a timely, open and inclusive way and in accordance with the Equality Commission's guiding principles.

The Board wishes to consult any organisation or group which, or any individual who, has a legitimate, particular interest in its work and/or the likely impact of the policies on the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations.

A list of those to be included in consultation on matters relevant to the Board's Equality duties, including Equality Impact Assessments and on the scheme itself, is at annex 2. The list is not exhaustive and may be amended in light of experience. Groups or individuals wishing to be included on the list should contact the Board indicating the areas in which they are interested.

4.4 Normal timescale and exceptions

The Board will aim to provide a period of response of at least eight weeks and to begin consultation as early as possible. Certain unforeseeable situations may arise where urgent action is necessary in order to protect patient, client, public and staff safety or rights and advance consultation may not be feasible in such circumstances. The Board will monitor and keep under review such occurrences and report on them in its annual review report, which will be provided to the Equality Commission. The Board is however looking at ways of ensuring more effective dialogue outside periods of formal consultation and particularly during the formulation of policy.

4.5 Procedure

In consulting on any matter to which this Scheme relates, the Board will work with representative groups and individuals of the section 75 categories in order to identify how best to obtain their views. This may involve face-to-face meetings, advisory groups, surveys, consultative panels, internet discussions, citizens juries and other innovative ways of consulting as there will be different means of consultation for different groups and it will be important to establish the basis for dialogue and engagement during the life of the Scheme.

It is intended that barriers to proper consultation should be removed by ensuring that language is as clear as possible. The Board has made its draft Scheme available on request on disk, in large print, on audiocassette or in minority languages for those who are not fluent in English. Similar arrangements have been made for publishing this Scheme and for consulting on future impact assessments.

The Board will draw, in particular, on the outcome of the conference organised by Office of the First Minister Deputy First Minister on practical issues in carrying out future consultations in the context of section 75 obligations. This included inputs from representatives of groups that have traditionally been marginalised. It also addressed the special difficulties in consulting with children and those with learning disabilities on policy issues in which they have an interest. In developing new approaches in this area, the Board will also draw on advice from the Equality Commission and lessons from other jurisdictions.

Information will be made available in consultation with the affected groups to ensure the highest level of inclusivity in any policy decision-making.

The Board considers it particularly important that sufficient, timely and appropriate information is provided to enable all affected groups and individuals to consider the full implications of proposals, and it will take steps to ensure this.

Information will be made available to ensure meaningful consultation. This will include quantitative and qualitative data that the Board holds or has collated, and other documents such as consultants' reports. This approach will apply in respect of all consultations.

Specific training will be arranged for Board staff engaged in consultation exercises to ensure that those facilitating consultations have the necessary skills to communicate effectively. This training will be developed in consultation with the affected groups.

In organising consultation meetings the Board will aim to ensure full participation taking account of the needs and customs of different groups. In particular, the Board will consider the time of day, the appropriateness of the venue, whether it can be accessed by those with disabilities, how the meeting is to be run, the use of appropriate language, whether a signer is necessary, and the provision of childcare.

Those listed in annex 2 have been consulted on the Board's draft Equality Scheme.

4.6 Complaints Process

The Board will monitor complaints that it has not fulfilled its statutory obligations under Section 75 of the Act and will seek to resolve such complaints directly. Complaints will be handled in keeping with existing complaints processes under the management of the Director of Nursing and Consumer Services. The Board will aim to acknowledge such complaints within 2 working days of receipt and give a substantive response to complaints within 20 working days. When a complainant claims to have been directly affected by a failure of the Board to comply with this Scheme, every effort will be made to resolve the matter directly. However, he/she will also be informed of the procedure for bringing such a complaint to the Equality Commission.

The Director of Nursing and Consumer Services is Miss Elizabeth McNair. She may be contacted at County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1QB, telephone (028) 2565 3333, fax (028) 2565 2311, textphone (028) 2566 2618 and e-mail on elizabeth.mcnair@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk.

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5.0 POLICY SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

5.1 Screening of Policies

The Board is engaged in a two-stage consultation exercise in common with the rest of the Health and Personal Social Services to screen its policies. The Board will issue an initial consultation paper, which will identify all its policies and seek views on whether all the policies have been identified and how they affect each of the nine categories in terms of equality of opportunity. Consideration will be given to the relevance of policies to equality of opportunity, in terms of the nine categories listed at Section 75 of the Act, against the following criteria:

• is there any evidence of higher or lower participation or uptake by different groups?
• is there any evidence that different groups have different needs, experiences, issues and priorities in relation to the particular policy area?
• is there an opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations by altering policy or working with others in government or the community at large?
• have consultations in the past with relevant representatives, organisations or individuals within groups indicated that particular policies create problems that are specific to them?

The paper will also ask consultees to consider the priority that should be given to impact assessments that are considered necessary. Where the answer to any of the above questions is positive, consideration will be given to whether to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment. Prioritisation for impact assessment will also have regard to the three factors outlined in the Equality Commission's Guidance

• social need;
• effect on peoples daily lives; and,
• effect on economic, social and human rights.

The aim of the consultation is to engage fully with the relevant groups in explaining, discussing and eliciting views.
The second stage of the process would involve consultation on the conclusions reached by the HPSS family as a whole, taking into account the comments, views and wishes of the representative organisations obtained at the first stage of the process. In conjunction with the Department, other Boards, Trusts, Agencies and Councils, we are issuing a paper for consultation detailing our conclusions on the equality implications of the policy areas addressed in stage one and proposing an impact assessment timetable that would reflect the issues raised in stage one.

Both consultation stages will require 8-week consultation. The timetable envisaged for the two stage consultation process is as follows:-

• issue first consultation paper in November 2000:
• receive replies by early February 2001;
• issues second stage consultation paper in April 2001;
• receive replies by mid June 2001; and,
• submit proposals to Equality Commission by end June 2001.

As the Board has not concluded its policy screening exercise prior to 30 June 2000, a detailed report on the completed screening exercise will be set out in its annual report to the Equality Commission. The screening report will detail those policies which will be subject to impact assessment and will specify a timetable for undertaking equality impact assessments and will also detail those policies proposed by consultees as appropriate for impact assessment which have not been included and an explanation as to why. The Board will consult with relevant interest groups, as well as the Equality Commission, other public bodies, voluntary, community, trade union and other groups with a legitimate interest in the matter. Annex 2 details those with whom we will consult.

The Board will consult on the prioritisation criteria applied in relation to impact assessments as part of the screening process and will evidence this in its annual report to the Commission. The Board will review the use of the particular prioritisation criteria.

All policies will be screened and for illustration purposes only the main areas which policies focus on are outlined below:

• Promoting Health and Social Well-being;
• Acute and non-acute hospital services: this includes inpatient, outpatient and day patient, medical, surgical and diagnostic services, including regional specialist services;
• Services for people with learning disabilities: this includes community health and social care services such as respite care, day care, residential and nursing care as well as specialist hospital care;
• Services for people aged 65 years and over: this includes community health and social care services including domiciliary care, respite care, day care, residential and nursing care as well as hospital care and dementia care;
• Services for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairment: this includes community health and social care services including domiciliary care, respite care, day care, residential and nursing care as well as hospital care;
• Services for people with mental illnesses and mental health problems: this includes community health and social services, drug and alcohol addiction services as well as psychiatric hospital care services;
• Services for children and families: this includes maternity services, family and child care services, child health services and child and adolescent psychiatry services;
• Resource allocation and procurement of services;
• Statutory and regulatory functions as outlined in section 2;
• Human resource management; and,
• Handling of Complaints.

5.2 Screening New Policies

All new policies will be subject to the same procedure of screening, consultation and where necessary impact assessments as existing policies are subject.

Policy documents not requiring impact assessment will contain a statement setting out the rationale for this decision. Proposed monitoring arrangements in order to ascertain any subsequent adverse impact on equality of opportunity or good relations will also be included.

5.3 Other Authorities' policies

The Board's policies may be subject to guidance offered by bodies beyond its authority and must take account of this in commissioning and securing services. Such bodies may not be within the scope of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

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6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

6.1 Consideration of Impact Assessments

Impact assessments will include relevant quantitative and qualitative information, and will indicate the aims of the policy to which the assessment relates and details of any consideration given to measures to mitigate any adverse impact including alternative policies considered.

6.2 Structure of Impact Assessments

The Board undertakes that, in making any decision with respect to a policy adopted or proposed to be adopted, account shall be taken of any impact assessment and consultation carried out in relation to the policy.

6.3 Consultation on Impact Assessments

The Board will consult on all equality impact assessments and will comply fully with the requirements of annex 1 of the guidelines and future guidance to be issued by the Equality Commission in relation to conducting impact assessments. Consultation will be carried out with relevant interest groups as well as the Equality Commission, other public bodies, voluntary, community, trade union and other groups with a legitimate interest in the matter concerned, whether or not they have a direct economic or personal interest in the matter concerned. Consultation will be conducted in accordance with the Guiding Principles set out by the Equality Commission.

The Board will provide a period for response of at least two months for consultation.

6.4 Information to Support Impact Assessment

The Board will seek to co-operate with other Boards, the Department and Trusts to assess the extent to which available information systems may be developed to facilitate assessment of the impact of policies on all nine categories. The Board will seek to avoid infringing the provisions of the Data Protection Act and will be cognisant of the need for confidentiality in the relationship between the patient, client or carer and those providing care.

6.5 Mitigating Possible Adverse Impact

In some cases an equality impact assessment may identify an apparent differential adverse impact on particular groups within the Section 75 categories. Assuming that no alternative policy is feasible, steps will be taken, wherever possible, to mitigate any such adverse impact. The Board may, in these circumstances, commission special monitoring to confirm the extent of the adverse impact and/or the success of any mitigating measures. Information collected in this special monitoring would be taken into account in any future review of the policy. Monitoring potential adverse impact will also be a key criterion in identifying service review, audit and needs assessment topics.

6.6 Publication of Impact Assessment and Monitoring

The Board will make available the outcome of any equality impact assessment. It will also directly inform relevant bodies listed in its consultation list when this material is available. The Board will take a broad view regarding which organisations may potentially be interested in a given policy area.

The Board recognises that the implications of a policy for equality of opportunity may change over time. When each impact assessment is carried out, the Board will determine how future monitoring of the policy shall be conducted to find out its effect on relevant groups.

The Board will make publicly available the impact assessment and monitoring information on its internet site (http://www.nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk), in printed form and in accessible formats (i.e. Braille, disk, audio cassette and minority languages). Consideration will also be given to how best to communicate this information to young people and those with learning disabilities. The Board will inform the general public about the availability of this material through press releases, including publications and media associated with the section 75 categories. The Board will also directly inform those bodies and individuals with whom it has consulted when this material is available.

Published documentation on an equality impact assessment will include:

• the aims of the policy to which the assessment relates;
• relevant quantitative and qualitative data and other relevant information;
• details of any consideration given to mitigate any adverse impact of the policy on the promotion of equality of opportunity; and,
• details of any consideration given to alternative policies which might better achieve the promotion of equality of opportunity.

The Board commits itself to taking into account how best to communicate with young people and people with learning disabilities and will seek guidance as to how best to honour this pledge.

Knowledge of the impact of the services provided by the Board and its policies on different groups within the section 75 categories is essential to ensuring equality of opportunity and to redressing any shortcomings. A system will be established to monitor the impact of policies in order to identify their effects on the relevant groups.

If monitoring shows that a policy results in greater adverse impact than predicted, or if opportunities arise which would allow for greater equality of opportunity to be promoted, the Board will ensure that the policy is revised. The monitoring findings will be reviewed annually and widely and openly published. A summary of the action taken to monitor policies will be included in the Board's Annual Report to the Equality Commission.

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7.0 OBTAINING FURTHER INFORMATION

7.1 Access to Information

The Board is committed to effective communication with the public. It recognises, however, that some people within our community have particular needs in terms of accessing information, for example:

• people with visual impairments, who may have particular difficulties with information in print;
• people with learning disabilities;
• young people and older people; and,
• members of minority ethnic groups whose first language is not English.

In disseminating information through the press, the Board will ensure that press statements and public advertisements are carried in such a way as to ensure equality of access to information by different religious communities and political groups.

In providing services to the public, the Board will work with Trusts and other providers of health and personal social services to ensure that no section of the community is deterred from making use of services or facilities in keeping with the requirements of Section 75 of the Act. All public offices and facilities within the Board will maintain a welcoming and harmonious working environment. The Board will adhere to the relevant provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

7.2 Reviewing Information Arrangements

The Board will, within the first year following approval of this Scheme, undertake a review of its arrangements for providing information in Braille, large print, audio cassette, signed video cassette and minority ethnic language formats. The review will take account of the likely demand for information in such formats across its main policy areas and resource implications.

The Board will commit itself to outlining existing systems as they operate at the current time. In addition, the Board will inform the Equality Commission of the changes made following the review. The Board will consult with representative groups as it carries out this assessment and will consult on the findings and recommendations of the assessment prior to implementation. The Board will ensure that systems are in place to ensure that information is available in accessible formats in a timely fashion.

7.3 Obtaining Copies of the Scheme

Following approval of the scheme by the Equality Commission, a further version (revised if necessary) will be available at the same locations and website address. The Board will issue a press statement and consider placing prominent advertisements in the press when the Scheme is approved by the Equality Commission.

Following acceptance of the scheme by the Equality Commission and approval by the Board, a final version of this Scheme will be circulated to all bodies listed in Annex 2 and to any other individuals and organisations who may request a copy.
The Board will ensure that systems are in place to ensure that the Scheme is available in a timely fashion in print form and accessible formats (i.e. Braille, disk, audio cassette and minority languages) free on request from the Board. Specific consideration will also be given as to how best to communicate the Scheme to young people and those with learning disabilities. The Board intends to develop and improve the arrangements it makes to communicate with these groups of people and in doing so it will seek the help of representatives of the groups concerned. It will also feed into any regional workshops dealing with this issue.

The Scheme can also be accessed on the Board's Internet website at:
http://www.nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk

7.4 Contacting the Board

Anyone wishing to have further information on this Scheme and the Board's approach to promoting equality and good relations should contact:

Edmond McClean, Director of Strategic Planning and Commissioning

and regarding complaints:

Liz McNair, Director of Nursing and Consumer Services

at the following contact points:

Tel: (028) 2565 3333 Fax: (028) 2566 2311 Textphone: (028) 2566 2618 or by e-mail on edmond.mcclean@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk and elizabeth.mcnair@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk.

General information on the Board and its work can be obtained by

contacting the Patient/Client Information Line: 0345 626428.

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ANNEX 1: SUMMARY TIMETABLE

The following timetable summarises the actions which the Board proposes to take following approval of this Scheme.

Year 1 July 2000 - June 2001

• Consultation on new Consumer Involvement and Consultation Strategy
• Review publication formats and accessibility
• Establish policy screening processes
• Complete initial screening of policies and consultation
• Initiate review of information needs
• Initiate phased impact assessments on selected policy areas
• Review of monitoring arrangements
• Review of arrangements for providing information to the public
• Training needs assessment and development of training programmes
• Training for staff and Non-Executive Board Members
• Preparation of annual action plan
• Preparation of Board's annual report
• Annual Review of progress to the Equality Commission

Year 2 July 2001 - June 2002

• Further screening of policies, where appropriate
• Impact assessments on selected policy areas
• Training for staff and Non-Executive Board Members
• Preparation of annual action plan
• Preparation of Board's annual report
• Annual Review of progress to the Equality Commission

Year 3 July 2002 - June 2003

• Further screening of policies, where appropriate
• Impact assessments on selected policy areas
• Training for staff and Non-Executive Board Members, as appropriate
• Preparation of annual action plan
• Preparation of Board's annual report
• Annual Review of progress to the Equality Commission

Year 4 July 2003 - June 2004

• Further screening of policies, where appropriate
• Impact assessments on selected policy areas
• Training for staff and Non-Executive Board Members, as appropriate
• Preparation of annual action plan
• Preparation of Board's annual report
• Annual Review of progress to the Equality Commission

5 July 2004 - June 2005

• Further screening of policies, where appropriate
• Impact assessments on selected policy areas
• Training for staff and Non-Executive Board Members, as appropriate
• Preparation of annual action plan
• Preparation of Board's annual report
• Annual Review of progress to the Commission
• Review of Equality Scheme and report to the Commission

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ANNEX 2: CONSULTATION LIST

This sets out a combined consultation list for the Northern Health and Social Services Board, Homefirst Community Trust, Causeway Health and Social Services Trust and United Hospitals.

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ANNEX 3: SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Click here to Download the Summary of Consultation Responses (as .pdf, see downloads for reader)

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Annex 4 : NHSSB Organisational Chart

Click here to view the Directorate Structure / Senior Management Team

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