Equality Impact Assessments

What is an Equality Impact Assessment?

An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) is a thorough and systematic analysis of a policy. Its purpose is to improve the work of the council by making sure we promote equality and do not discriminate.

The assessment makes reference to the nine equality categories as defined by Section 75: The EQIA determines if the policy has any negative impact on any of the nine categories and an alternative to the policy to achieve the promotion of equality of opportunity.

Our Equality Impact Assessments

 In fulfilment of our obligations, we have conducted the following Equality Impact Assessments:

Access to Buildings EQIA

This document looks at physical access to council owned and managed buildings, together with facilities contained within these buildings. It reviews opening hours, closure days and signage to and within each building and associated facilities.

Access to Buildings consultation responses

This report indicates the responses received during the consultation process.

Culture and Arts EQIA

This document refers to the Culture and Arts funding policy under which the council has made grants to organisations for arts and cultural activities.

Flying of Union Flag EQIA


Grant Aid for Community Organisations

The Grant Aid Policy was adopted in June 1999 and was intended to apply for three years. It was extended for a further year to allow a detailed review to be completed. The review resulted in a revised policy which was approved in June 2003.

The EQIA focuses on the operation of the policy over the first three years. Appendix B illustrates a map of Belfast and deprived areas. Appendix C illustrates a map of Belfast and Community and Playcentres areas as well as grant aid provision over a three year period. Appendix D indicates the responses received during the consultation process.

Human Resources EQIA

This document addresses model equal opportunities, sexual harassment policy and community outreach policy.

Human Resources EQIA - final report

This document addresses procedures on recruitment, placing of job advertisements, renewal expenses policy, premature retirement, sexual harassment policy and community outreach policy.

Leisure services EQIA

This document addresses procedures on recruitment, placing of job advertisements, renewal expenses policy, premature retirement, sexual harassment policy and community outreach policy.

Formal Leisure Centre Consultation Matrix

This report indicates the responses received during the consultation process.

Leisure Centre Mitigation Plan July 2004

This report highlights the councils plans to mitigate for adverse impacts on the Section 75 groups.

Pricing Policy for Belfast City Council

This document relates mainly to the following facilities: leisure and community centres, outdoor leisure, Belfast City Hall, Ulster Hall / Group Theatre, Waterfront Hall, Belfast Zoo, Belfast Castle, Malone House, cemeteries and the crematorium. The council's management/leasing agreements concerning certain sporting and community facilities are also included in this assessment.

EQIA Stage 7s

As part of their EQIA process, we are obliged to conduct a monitoring report in respect of the completed EQIAs. This report provides a monitoring update of all completed EQIAs.