4. Assessment of impacts
In accordance with the EQIA process, having gathered information on the policy and those affected by it in the draft EQIA, Belfast City Council then assessed:
- whether there is likely to be a differential impact on one or more of the equality groups;
- the extent of differential impact; and
- whether that impact is adverse.
Differential impact suggests that a particular group has been affected differently by the policy (either favourably or unfavourably), while adverse impact is an indication that the effect is less favourable and is potentially unlawful.Footnote seven
The following section summarises the assessment of impacts as set out in the draft EQIA report based on the evidence available at that time.
Draft assessment of impacts
Belfast City Council recognised that Belfast Stories had the potential to impact differently on people and groups associated with the nine Section 75 equality categories. Barriers that particular groups face to activity that is similar in nature to Belfast Stories include emotional barriers (such as anxiety or discomfort); interest barriers (not relevant, don’t know what’s available); practical barriers (cost, transport); and societal barriers (racism, ableism).
The Belfast Stories’ Equality Framework established the broad parameters to help ensure that barriers are removed and equality, diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of the project’s development. This included recommending regular screening, consultation and engagement and co-design and inclusive design processes.
Belfast Stories’ engagement plan and draft framework for gathering stories builds on this foundation. These identify groups who are less likely to access, experience or feel represented in Belfast Stories and sets down a range of actions to mitigate potential differential impact.
Central to this is the equity steering group, which brings together representatives from the nine equality groups to co-design further engagement and opportunities to promote equal opportunities and good relations. This group will also support the wider engagement plan and influence the design of the building and plans for the collection, curation and exhibition of its stories, making it accessible, welcoming and representative for all.
Other planned mitigations include:
- a concentrated period of public consultation aimed at making the building welcoming and accessible and ensuring everyone can see themselves reflected in its stories
- consultation with the council’s Equality Consultative Forum and other key organisations representing protected groups of people not engaged through any other method
- information available in written, visual and Easy Read formats and other formats on request
- a range of tailored engagement tools from online surveys and quizzes to focus groups, creative workshops and hard-hat tours
- substantial ongoing engagement including around the theme of equity
- further public consultation and equality screening
- monitoring engagement across different Section 75 groups
Conclusions
The draft EQIA report concluded that with equality, diversity and inclusion embedded in its development and extensive planned engagement including around the theme of equity, Belfast Stories has the potential to have a positive impact on equality of opportunity and good relations across all Section 75 categories.
The public consultation welcomed further evidence of any impacts on Section 75 groups, which would be collated and analysed to produce this final EQIA decision report.
Footnotes
Footnote seven: Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment, Equality Commission for NI, 2004 (pp.22-23)
