Publications

"For Service, For All" - a practical guide for credit unions to improve accessibility for their members

This guidance was produced following a pilot programme which involved six credit unions across Ireland, including branches in Bangor and Derry. While aimed at credit unions, the content and good practice guidance may be relevant and helpful to other providers of financial services. It is a joint publication of the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Equality Authority and the Equality Commission for N Ireland.

Goods, facilities, services and premises - a short guide to discrimination law

This guide gives an overview of anti-discrimination law that applies to the provision of goods, facilities, services and housing/premises. It covers definitions of discriminatin and less favourable treatment, explains who the law applies to and gives examples of how the law applies in practice.

Guidelines for providers of goods, facilities and services on developing an equality policy for service provision

This publication aims to provide practical advice and assistance for an organisation in developing a policy to ensure equality in the provision of services. The guidance outlines the stages required in developing and drafting a policy on service provision and includes a draft model policy. - click here to view.

Equality law – A guide for the tourism sector

This publication seeks to provide those working in the tourism sector with guidance on their responsibilities under equality laws. It aims to demonstrate how meeting legal requirements can also enhance customer service. The guidance encourages the sector to adopt an approach to equality that incorporates action to prevent discrimination and promotes equality for customers - click here to view.

Disability

DDA (as modified by Schedule 8 thereof or application in NI) Code of Practice Rights of Access Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises
Organising Accessible Events - Making your conferences, events and exhibitions accessible for disabled people.
2004 - Improving access to goods & services for disabled customers - a practical guide for small businesses and other small service providers - the DDA
2004 - Access all Areas - A Guide for disabled people on new rights to accessing goods and services
What Service Providers Need to Know
Disability Discrimination Act - Your rights when trying to use places like cafes, shops, cinemas, banks, churches, hotels and doctors
Case Study - Hairdressing (booklet giving practical examples of how to improve access for disabled customers)
Case Study - Cafe (booklet giving practical examples of how to improve access for disabled customers)
Case Study - Clothes Shop (booklet giving practical examples of how to improve access for disabled customers)
Case Study - News Agent (booklet giving practical examples of how to improve access for disabled customers)
Fact Sheet No 8 - Disabled people as customers: Are you open for business to all your customers?
A Practical Guide for the Retail Sector - What shop or store owners need to know

Sexual Orientation Guide

The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 places duties on the providers of goods, facilities and services and provides protection for individuals from discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

The guidance, “Eliminating Sexual Orientation Discrimination in NI: A Guide on the Provision of Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises”, provides practical advice on what the legislation means for service providers, public authorities, religious organisations, providers of education and those managing, selling and letting premises, as well as for society at large - click here to access the guidance.

Sexual Orientation sector-specific short guides

The Commission has supplemented this guide with a series of sector- specific short guides which offer clear advice on how the provisions work from a range of perspectives and include examples to illustrate the principles and concepts used in the legislation.

The guides entitled ´Eliminating Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Northern Ireland´ can be accessed below.

Short Guide - Education

Short Guide - Health and social care

Short Guide - Hospitality

Short Guide - Housing

Short Guide - Financial