Published in December 2021
Contents
- Title or policy or decision to be screened
- Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
- Aims and objectives of policy or decision to be screened
- Who will the policy or decision impact?
- Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
- Outline consultation process planned or achieved
- Available evidence
- What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories?
- Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people in Section 75 equality categories?
- To what extent is the policy likely to impact good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
- Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
- Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
- Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
- Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
- Monitoring arrangements
Overview of screening template
The council has a statutory duty to screen. This includes our strategies, plans, policies, legislative developments; and new ways of working such as the introduction, change or end of an existing service, grant funding arrangement or facility. This screening template is designed to help departments consider the likely equality impacts of their proposed decisions on different groups of customers, service users, staff and visitors.
Before carrying out an equality screening exercise it is important that you have received the necessary training first. To find out about the training needed or any other queries on screening, contact the Equality and Diversity Officer Lorraine Dennis on extension 6027 or or Lisa McKee on extension 6310 by email [email protected]
The accompanying screening guidance note provides straightforward advice on how to carry out equality screening exercises. Detailed information about the Section 75 equality duties and what they mean in practice is available on the Equality Commission’s website [Footnote 1].
The screening template has four sections to complete. These are:
- Section A provides details about the policy or decision that is being screened
- Section B gives information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts on all equality groups
- Section C has four key questions in relation to obligations under the Disability Discrimination Order
- Section D is the formal record of the screening decision
Section A
Details about the policy or decision to be screened
1. Title of policy or decision to be screened
Outline business case for new visitor destination – Belfast Stories (formerly known as Belfast Destination hub)
2. Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
(Explain is this a new, revised or existing policy? Are there financial, legislative or procurement implications?)
Belfast Destination Hub (currently known as Belfast Stories), is a new, major tourism-led attraction in Belfast planned to open in 2028. The Belfast Stories attraction which has three main offerings: Visitor Attraction, Belfast Film Centre and Digital Skills Centre and Social Spaces, is a major opportunity to build a city centre for the future, whilst supporting inclusive economic growth.
This project has the express intention of;
- attracting out of state visitors into our unique city
- strengthening the gateway to the region
- providing local people and domestic visitors with further reasons to visit the city by offering a destination from day into evening, seven days a week.
It is intended for the concept to have three main components:
- Belfast Stories – Visitor experience
- Belfast Film Centre – State of the art, multi-screened cultural cinema and centre for Northern Ireland screen industries.
- Social Spaces – To eat, drink, shop, meet, network and relax
The project is expected to be funded the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) alongside Belfast City Council.
The requirement for screening is derived from the recommendations in the Equality Framework which was completed in October 2021 by Gilmartin Consulting. Recommendations from the framework have identified that in order to fully ensure EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) principles, and commitments to inclusive design and co-design, good relations, participation and partnership working are followed, there is a requirement to undertake an EQIA process, which is anticipated as an outcome of the screening process.
3. Aims and objectives of the policy or decision to be screened
(What is the policy trying to achieve?)
The Equality Framework has recommended screening and subsequent EQIA assessment of three distinct elements of the project:
- Concept
- Belfast Stories
- Consultation and Engagement Plan
It is recognised that the project’s vision will not be achieved without the elements of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at its core, and supported by a co-design and inclusive process throughout all stages of the project.
Funded by the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) and Belfast City Council, Belfast Stories is a flagship project with these objectives;
- Draw more tourists to Belfast and encourage them to stay longer in the city and make repeat visits to increase the performance of Belfast’s and NI’s tourist economy to a level comparable with similarly-sized UK and European regional cities;
- Be a cultural driver for tourists and locals alike – reflecting and promoting Belfast’s unique history, culture, personality and heritage to the people of Belfast, Northern Ireland, RoI, GB and international visitors;
- Provide a spacious, animated, accessible and welcoming place, open to all, which help to orientate visitors within Belfast, the City Region and Northern Ireland;
- Celebrate Northern Ireland’s screen industry success and ensure that the screen industry, digital screen education and screen culture are accessible to everyone in Northern Ireland; and
- Contribute to and catalyse physical regeneration, aesthetic improvement and the cultural vibrancy of Belfast city centre for the benefit of tourists, local visitors and the people who live, work and study in the city.
4. Who will the policy or decision impact?
Consider the internal and external impacts (both actual or potential) and explain.
People | Actual or potential impact |
---|---|
Staff | Yes |
Service users | Yes |
Other public sector organisations | Yes |
Voluntary, community groups and trade unions | Yes |
Others, specify | Yes |
5. Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
The project has a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, sponsors, partners and other associated linkages as listed:
- Northern Ireland Government Departments
- adjoining and regional councils through the BRCD PMO
- tourism sector partners
- arts and cultural partners
- community and VCSE groups and organisations citywide;
- education and health bodies
Stakeholder organisations
- Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI)
- BBC
- Belfast Central Library
- Belfast City Council
- Belfast International Festival
- Belfast Healthy Cities
- Cathedral Quarter Trust
- Department for Communities (DfC)
- Queen’s Film Theatre
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Strategic Investment Board
- The MAC
- Titanic Belfast
- Titanic Foundation Limited
- Department for the Economy (DfE)
- Libraries NI
- Linenhall Library
- Museum of the Troubles (proposers)
- National Museums NI
- Newseum (proposers)
- NI Screen and screen industry partners
- Architecture and Heritage Ormeau Baths
- PRONI
- Tour operators (in conjunction with TNI)
- Tour guides
- Tourism NI
- Tourism Ireland
- BID1
- Cathedral Quarter BID
- Ulster Museum
- Ulster University
- Visit Belfast
- Community groups and organisations citywide
Strategic groups
- Destination Hub Stakeholder Oversight Board
- BCC Party Group Leaders
- BCC Corporate Management Team
- BCC City Regeneration and Growth Committee
- BCC Strategic Policy and Growth Committee
- Belfast Strategic Issues Group
- Digital and Innovation Commissioner
- NI Tourism Alliance
- Tourism NI Senior Management Team
- Resilience Commissioner
- BCC Employability and Skills Team
- BCC Equality and Good Relations Team
Section B
Information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts for equality and good relations
6. Outline consultation process planned or achieved
Belfast City Council has been leading city and stakeholder engagement on ambitions for cultural tourism led regeneration in Belfast city centre since 2011, alongside considering gaps in culture and media provision.
Arising from the Belfast Agenda 2015, a significant tourism-led destination in a city centre location became a dominant focus for economic regeneration. Proposals for a Destination Hub were included in the Belfast Agenda 2015 and recently as part of the new 10-year cultural strategy for the city. Importantly this strategy focused on civic and sectoral engagement culminating in a shared ambition for the future of culture and tourism. A full equality impact and rural needs assessment was also carried out in this strategy including dedicated Section 75 workshops in addition to other forms of consultation. In 2017, a conceptual framework included plans for co-locating the film centre, a landmark tourism attraction, complementary digital skills, cultural centre, leisure and public realm facilities, formed the basis of what has now become Belfast Stories.
Engagement on Belfast Stories has been ongoing over the last 12 months with over 50 stakeholder organisations engaged in over 160 meetings and presentations. Regular partner and stakeholder engagement has been ongoing, coupled with socialising the concept of the project via information sharing amongst wider stakeholders from sectors such as business, education, health, arts and culture, political reps, heritage, sustainability and communities.
A consultation and engagement plan has been developed. The focus is to inform communities, area partnership groups and community organisations of the Belfast Stories plan, we have already informed:
- Eastside Partnership
- South Belfast Partnership Board
- West Belfast Partnership Board
- Greater Shankill Partnership
- Carrick Hill Residents' Association
- Markets Development Association.
Further community engagement is planned.These groups and organisations have been invited to receive a presentation:
- Sailortown Regeneration Group
- Sandy Row Community Forum
- Lower Oldpark Community Association
- Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum
- Greater Falls Neighbourhood Partnership
- Inner North Neighbourhood Partnership
- Ashton Community Trust
The next stage of engagement will follow the launch of Belfast Stories after the announcement of the The Belfast Region City Deal funding.
The Tourism Plan Consultation started in November 2021 and include Belfast Stories as one of the catalyst projects within the plan, therefore pre-consultation engagement on Belfast Stories will be included in the consultation of the wider Tourism Plan.
A public consultation process will commence in early 2022 and will include the ‘Belfast Stories’ concept that will underpin future phases of project development. A considerable amount of market research, stakeholder consultation and audience engagement has been undertaken, which has informed concept development.
During development of the outline business case (OBC), engagement has continued with the key stakeholders. This has been affected, and continues to be affected, by COVID-19.
7. Available evidence
What evidence or information (both qualitative and quantitative) have you gathered to inform this policy? Set out all evidence to help inform your screening assessment. It is important to record information gathered from a variety of sources such as:
- monitoring information
- complaints
- research surveys
- consultation exercises from other public authorities
Evidence gathered
Most of the data is generic to Belfast or comes from 2011 Census figures. It is anticipated that upon release of 2021 Census information, it will be possible to gather more relevant data.
Section 75 category | Details of evidence, information and engagement |
---|---|
All categories |
Continuous Household Survey for 2020-2021 identifies that:
|
Religious belief |
In Northern Ireland and in Belfast, research indicates that the majority of culture and arts activity is all or mainly cross-community. The 2011 census shows that in Belfast:
In 2022, the results from the Census 2021 will be published which will provide more accurate picture of religious structure in Belfast and Northern Ireland. |
Political opinion |
In Northern Ireland and in Belfast, research indicates that the majority of culture and arts activity is all or mainly cross-community. The 2011 census shows that in Belfast:
In 2022, the results from the Census 2021 will be published which will provide more accurate picture of religious structure in Belfast and Northern Ireland. |
Racial group |
According to Census 2011, 96.69 per cent of the population of Belfast are white. The main minority ethnic groups in Belfast are Chinese (0.71 per cent), Indian (0.70 per cent), Other Asian (0.61 per cent), Mixed (0.48 per cent), Black African (0.32 per cent), Irish Traveller (0.08 per cent) and Pakistani (0.08 per cent). In addition, migrant workers from the A2 and A8 European Union Accession countries represented 2.1 per cent of population. However, it is widely recognised whilst the Census data is the most accurate dataset available on ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland, it is still likely to be an underestimation of the numbers of ethnic minority population. The culture and arts scene is diverse, and minority ethnic communities in general are well represented. The level of activity specifically targeting minority ethnic communities is considered to correlate with the population share of Belfast, while other activities aim to be inclusive regardless of ethnic background. It is worth noting that ACNI state that many people responding to their survey choose not to report ethnicity or disability. Research indicates that people from minority ethnic groups can face multiple social, economic and cultural barriers to arts engagement. These barriers to participation may include communications and language; perceived irrelevance of arts to own culture; money; lack of transport; and lack of time and timings of events. |
Age |
The population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 74.4 per cent to 498,500 people from mid-2014 to mid-2039, with the result that one in four people (24.7 per cent) will be in this age category. Population estimates by broad age bands in 2020 are shown in Table 1. Population proportions from mid-1995 to mid-2020 are shown in Figure 1. |
Marital status |
The 2011 census figures are used in relation to marital status. A relatively high percentage of Belfast residents are single at 45.32 per cent compared with the Northern Ireland average of 36.14 per cent. There are fewer married people aged 16 years and over compared with the NI average of 45.56 per cent. Belfast has the second highest proportion of lone parent households (12 per cent). Lone parents are considered at greater risk of economic disadvantage than other household types with an estimated 39 per cent of people living in a lone parent household, living in relative poverty. Affordable childcare is an important consideration for low income groups trying to get back into employment, particularly lone parents requiring childcare. |
Sexual orientation |
There are currently no or limited statistics that monitor the sexual orientation of the population in Northern Ireland. Therefore, there is little background or contextual data is available on lesbian, gay and bisexual people. However, in 2014 the Integrated Household Survey (ONS), as part of its sexual identity project, indicated that in Northern Ireland 1.6 per cent of respondents identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, while 0.3 per cent identified their sexual orientation as “other”, 4.0 per cent did not know or refused to answer while 1.2 per cent did not respond to the question. A commonly used estimate of LGBT people in the UK, accepted by Stonewall UK, is approximately five to seven per cent of the population. Given the lack of monitoring of this equality group in official statistics, there is little information available on the economic opportunities of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Northern Ireland. |
Men and women generally |
The usually resident population in Belfast is broadly 50/50 men and women as shown in Table 2. The labour market in Northern Ireland, as elsewhere, continues to be segregated by gender as outlined in Table 3. The Equality Commission’s analysis of LFS data over the period 2012 to 2016, which considered the Census 2011 and NISRA’s 2015 population estimates, found that, at all-time points between 2012 and 2016, women were underrepresented in employment compared to men. In addition, those women who were not in employment between 2006 and 2016 were most often economically inactive. Economic activity by sex is outlined in Table 4. |
Disability |
There is a persistent employment gap between people with and without disabilities, with those with a disability much less likely to be employed. Belfast’s disability-related benefit claimant level is above the Northern Ireland average of 13.9 per cent. In Belfast, 16.6 per cent of all residents are in receipt of at least one disability-related benefit. According to surveys, the employment rate among those with a disability remains low, at around one third, in comparison with 79 per cent for those without. Employment among those with mental ill-health or learning difficulties is especially low (estimated at around one in five). The Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability (2007) has set a Northern Ireland target of 50 per cent to be in full-time employment. In Northern Ireland, 20.3 per cent of people and 23.5 per cent in Belfast have a long-term health problem or disability that limits their daily activities or the work they can do. According to DCAL (now Department for Communities), adults with a disability were less likely than those who do not have a disability to play sports, attend the arts, museums and libraries. In Belfast, there is a difference between the level of activity primarily targeting disabled people and their population share. While the majority of activity aims to be inclusive of people with and people without disabilities, attendance and participation rates in Belfast are not known. Census 2011 figures show that almost one quarter (23 per cent) of Belfast residents have a long-term health problem or disability which affects their day to day activities. This is a higher proportion than the Northern Ireland average (20.1 per cent). Over one-third of Belfast residents reported that they had a long-term condition (defined as a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months). The most common conditions were mobility or dexterity difficulty (39 per cent of all those affected), pain or discomfort (34 per cent), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (31 per cent) and emotional, psychological or mental health condition (23 per cent).A total of 40,177 usual residents in Northern Ireland were reported to have a “learning difficulty, an intellectual difficulty, or a social or behavioural difficulty” which had lasted, or was expected to last, at least 12 months. This figure accounts for 2.22 per cent of the resident population. A total of 40,177 usual residents in Northern Ireland were reported to have a “learning difficulty, an intellectual difficulty, or a social or behavioural difficulty” which had lasted, or was expected to last, at least 12 months. This figure accounts for 2.22 per cent of the resident population. According to the 2011 Census:
According to the Department for Communities, there are approximately 3,500 BSL users and 1,500 ISL users living in Northern Ireland. Census 2011 does not provide statistics including Sign Language users living in Belfast. Table 5 has information on blindness (or partial sight loss) and other communication difficulty. Belfast has a higher percentage of residents with blindness and sight loss and communication difficulty. |
Dependants |
A “dependent child” is defined as a child aged under one year old to 15 years old or aged between 16 and 18, a full-time student and living in a family with their parents or grandparents (Census 2011). In Northern Ireland and Belfast, the proportion of households (including lone parent households) with dependent children has declined since 1981 as shown in Table 6. In summary, lone parents with dependants experience barriers to their participation in employment, with a lower employment rate and a higher economic inactivity rate, particularly for women who constitute the majority of lone parents. Many of the same barriers to the participation of women in the Northern Ireland labour market are applicable to lone parent women. Similarly, those who are carers and provide unpaid care to dependants that are not children are likely to face similar issues in employment to those with childcare responsibilities. There is limited evidence of differential impacts on people with and without dependants. In 2017-2018, DfC research indicated that 91 per cent of those with dependants engaged with culture compared to 83 per cent of those without. However, it is recognised that those with family commitments or caring responsibilities may be a barrier to participation or attendance. |
Table 1 Population estimates in 2020 by broad age bands
Population information on age | Belfast local government district | Northern Ireland |
---|---|---|
Total population in 2020 | 288,306 | 1,895,510 |
Children (aged under one year old to 15 years old) | 56,079 | 395,816 |
Young working age (between 16 and 39 years old) | 103,739 | 571,756 |
Older working age (between 40 and 64 years old) | 85,296 | 607,989 |
Older (65 years old and older) | 43,192 | 319,949 |
Population change percentage (2010 to 2020) | 2.8 per cent | 5.0 per cent |
Figure 1 Age structure of population in Northern Ireland from mid-1995 to mid-2020
Table 2 Male and female population in 2016 for Belfast and Northern Ireland
Population information on men and women | Belfast local government district | Northern Ireland |
---|---|---|
Male | 48.4 per cent | 49.15 per cent |
Female | 51.6 per cent | 50.85 per cent |
Table 3 Employment in 2016 by sex and people aged 16 to 64 for Belfast local government district
Numbers in Belfast | Employment rates | ||
---|---|---|---|
Male | Female | All people | Male ( per cent) |
76,000 | 70,000 | 146,000 | 66.4 |
Table 4 Economic inactivity by sex and people aged 16 to 64 in Northern Ireland
Dates | Numbers in Northern Ireland | Inactivity rates | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Male | Female | All people | Male ( per cent) | |
January to March 2018 | 138,000 | 187,000 | 325,000 | 23.9 per cent |
January to March 2019 | 132,000 | 177,000 | 309,000 | 22.8 per cent |
Table 5 People with blindness, partial sight loss or a communication difficulty in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Population information | Belfast | Northern Ireland | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Number of people | Percentage | Number of people | Percentage | |
People with blindness or partial sight loss | 6,729 | 2.02 per cent | 30,862 | 1.70 per cent |
People with a communication difficulty | 6,460 | 1.93 per cent | 29,871 | 1.65 per cent |
Table 6 Percentage of households with dependent children in Northern Ireland
Percentage of households in 1981, 2011 and 2016 with dependent children | Northern Ireland | ||
---|---|---|---|
Percentage of households in 1981 with dependent children | 45.98 per cent | ||
Percentage of households in 2011 with dependent children | 33.85 per cent | ||
Percentage of households in 2016 with dependent children | 29.61 per cent |
8. What is the likely impact (indicate if the policy impact is positive or negative) on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories? What is the level of impact?
Section 75 category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
---|---|---|
Religious belief |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. |
Major positive |
Political opinion |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. |
Major positive |
Racial group |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. It will be very important to address the needs of ethnic minorities both local (Belfast, City Region and Northern Ireland) and future visitors. The language barrier will specifically needed to be addressed. |
Major positive |
Age |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. The future users and visitors both local and international will cover all the ages. This will need to be taken into account in both design of the building and content. Addressing accessibility will be critical from both physical and content perspective. |
Major positive |
Marital status |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. It is unlikely that the delivery of this project will impact adversely on people with different marital status. |
Minor positive |
Sexual orientation |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. It will be particularly important to follow co-design principles when developing the content of this project. Inclusivity of all section 75 categories will be the key. |
Minor positive |
Men and women generally |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. It is unlikely that the delivery of this project will impact adversely on people of different genders. However, inclusivity principles will need to be adopted especially in content design and future staff. |
Minor positive |
Disability |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. It will be particularly important to follow co-design principles when developing both design of the building and its content. Inclusivity of people with all aspects of disability will be very important. |
Minor positive |
Dependants |
There is nothing inherent in the principles underpinning the concept of the Belfast Stories to indicate an adverse impact on one or more of the Section 75 groups. Instead, the concept will follow inclusivity principles for all residents and visitors, irrespective of their religious belief. In order to deliver on this project, recommendations from the Equality Framework will need to be adopted with the principles of inclusive design applied at each project stage. A co-design approach is recommended as well as the integration and consideration of inclusive design principles. |
Minor positive |
9. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the Section 75 equalities categories?
Section 75 category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide reasons |
---|---|---|
Religious belief | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Political opinion | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Racial group | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Age | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Marital status | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Sexual orientation | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
Men and women generally |
The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right.
|
This is not applicable |
Disability |
The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The future visitor attraction and its governing body will be required to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or, if this is not possible, to make reasonable adjustments. This programme needs to incorporate to include disabled people, such as the use of captioning and audio description. The council’s Inclusive Events Guide is being included in contracts to promote inclusive and accessible events for all. |
This is not applicable |
Dependants | The project’s aim is to transform the tourism industry in Belfast City Region while ensuring inclusive growth. As part of the Equality Framework, all significant stages in this project will require engagement with Section 75 groups and equality impact assessment or screening in their own right. The concept of Belfast Stories part of the project has a great potential to better promote equality of opportunity among people of different religious belief if co-design principles are fully adopted. |
This is not applicable |
10. To what extent is the policy likely to impact (positive or negatively) on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? What is the level of impact?
Good relations category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
---|---|---|
Religious belief |
The Belfast Stories aspects of this project needs to ensure equal representation of residents and visitors of different religious beliefs. However, only further equality processes and co-design aspects of this project can identify synergies and develop solutions for good relations. |
Major |
Political opinion | ||
Racial group |
11. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Good relations category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide details |
---|---|---|
Religious belief |
The Belfast Stories aspects of this project will ensure equal representation of residents and visitors of different religious beliefs. However, only further equality processes and co-design aspects of this project can identify synergies and develop solutions for good relations. |
This is not applicable |
Political opinion | This is not applicable | |
Racial group | This is not applicable |
Section C
Belfast City Council also has legislative obligations to meet under the Disability Discrimination Order. Questions 12 and 13 relate to these areas.
Consideration of Disability Duties
12. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
Explain your assessment in full
The future visitor attraction and its governing body will be required to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or, if this is not possible, to make reasonable adjustments. Organisations and projects also employed other measures to include disabled people, such as the use of captioning and audio description. The council’s Inclusive Events Guide is being included in contracts to promote inclusive and accessible events for all.
The Belfast Stories team will work with appropriate representative organisations and create a culture of on-going consultation and feedback to ensure we are promoting positive attitudes and increasing participation as much as possible. We will seek input from people who are directly affected to ensure their needs are being met, covering both visible and less visible disability needs. In addition, we commit to making information available in alternative formats as applicable.
13. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
Explain your assessment in full
The future visitor attraction and its governing body will be required to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or, if this is not possible, to make reasonable adjustments. Organisations and projects also employed other measures to include disabled people, such as the use of captioning and audio description. The council’s Inclusive Events Guide is being included in contracts to promote inclusive and accessible events for all.
We will work with appropriate representative organisations and create a culture of on-going consultation and feedback to ensure we are promoting positive attitudes and increasing participation as much as possible. We will seek input from people who are directly affected to ensure their needs are being met, covering both visible and less visible disability needs. In addition, we commit to making information available in alternative formats as applicable.
14. Multiple identities
Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
It is envisaged that this programme will bring about advantages to Belfast citizens irrespective of their identity. There are no particular circumstances where two or more identities may act together to increase the likelihood of an adverse impact, although a combination of circumstances ( for example age, disability, dependants) may increase the extent of the marginalisation experienced by groups and individuals. Multiple identities will need to be covered in the full equality impact assessment (EQIA) to ensure their needs are met and equality, diversity and inclusion principles are being adhered to.
Specify relevant Section 75 categories concerned.
15. Monitoring arrangements
Section 75 places a requirement the council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place:
- to assess the impact of policies and services
- to help identify barriers to fair participation
- to better promote equality of opportunity
Outline what data you will collect in the future to monitor the impact of this policy or decision on equality, good relations and disability duties.
Equality | Good Relations | Disability Duties |
---|---|---|
It is a commitment of this programme to ensure as much evidence as possible is gathered around the outcomes and impact, including around Section 75 groups, particularly throughout the implementation process. The delivery of this visitor attraction will ensure that it accommodates the needs of particular groups and identities and are mindful of many of the barriers highlighted earlier. This will apply both to residents and visitors. It is envisaged that the EQIA will identify and recommend specific monitoring arrangement in terms of equality, good relations and disability duties for Belfast Stories Programme. |
Section D
Formal record of screening decision
Title of proposed policy or decision being screened
Outline business case for New visitor destination – Belfast Stories (formerly known as Belfast Destination hub)
I can confirm that the proposed policy or decision has been screened for:
- equality of opportunity and good relations
- disability duties
On the basis of the answers to the screening questions, I recommend that this policy or decision is:
On the basis of the answers to the screening questions, I recommend that this policy or decision is | |
---|---|
Screened in It is necessary to conduct an equality impact assessment. EQIA will need tp conducted possibly in various stages: concent, design, content |
Yes |
Screened out |
No |
Provide a brief note to explain how this decision was reached.
Screened out - Mitigating actions (minor impacts)
- Provide a brief note to explain how this decision was reached
- Explain what mitigating actions or policy changes will now be introduced.
Screening assessment completed by
Name: Jelena Buick
Date: 18 November 2021
Department: Place and Economy
Screening decision approved by
Name: Wendy Langham
Date: 20 December 2021
Department: Place and Economy
Save the Word final version of the completed screening form and email to the Equality and Diversity Officer: [email protected] A link to this screening form will be provided to the council's Section 75 consultee.
For more information about equality screening, contact:
Lorraine Dennis or Lisa McKee
Equality and Diversity Unit
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT1 5GS
Telephone: 028 9027 0511
Email: [email protected]
Footnotes
[Footnote 1] Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (link opens in new window)