S75 Effectiveness Review 

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 provides a statutory framework to underpin mainstreaming of equality of opportunity. By placing a duty on all designated public authorities to have due regard to the promotion of equality of opportunity and regard to the need to promote good relations, the legislation represents a strategic, ´preventive´ and active approach to addressing inequality. After six years of implementation, the time is right to ask important questions about the difference which the legislation has made to the lives of people in Northern Ireland and to take stock of how effective Section 75 has been.

The Commission commenced a strategic review of the effectiveness of Section 75 in April 2006. The review afforded an opportunity to gain a strategic overview of implementation, and has given us a greater understanding of the impacts and outcomes which Section 75 has had on the lives of people directly affected by the legislation.

The review terms of reference encapsulate why the review is important for the future direction of Section 75, and for equality of opportunity and good relations in Northern Ireland. click here to view a Plain English version of the terms of reference.

The Commission has now concluded the review, and has published a composite report which outlines the conclusions reached by the Commission on key aspects of Section 75 as well as recommendations for change. We hope that publication of the report will encourage debate on the strategic direction of the legislation and inform the Commission´s future approach in overseeing implementation of Section 75.
Click here to view the report.

The consultation period, on the conclusions reached and proposed recommendations contained in the report, is now closed. The Commission has considered the consultation responses and has published a summary of the feedback and conclusions. To view these reports click on the links below.

Feedback on the Section 75 Effectiveness Review

S75 Effectiveness Review: Final Consultation Report

The Commission is also making public the six independent research reports which helped inform the review:

• An Audit of Compliance by Public Authorities in Implementing Section 75
  
  
• An assessment of the Commission´s powers
  
  
• An assessment of the impact and outcomes of S75 on individuals
  
  
• An assessment of the impact and outcomes of S75 on public policy
  
  
• An assessment of the role of OFMDFM/NIO in ensuring effectiveness
  
  
• An assessment of the roles of the voluntary and community sectors in ensuring effectiveness

The review report can be obtained from the Equality Commission in alternative formats. If you would like a copy in an alternative format, please contact:

The Equality Commission´s Policy Team,
Policy and Development Division
Equality House
7-9 Shaftesbury Square,
Belfast

Telephone: 028 90 890 858
Textphone: 028 90 500 589
Fax: 028 90 315 993
E-mail: consultation@equalityni.org
Website: www.equalityni.org

Early requests for alternative formats would be appreciated.

Please click here for more information on how the Commission carried out the review.

For further information on any aspect of the review, please contact Lisa King, Director of Advice and Compliance, telephone 02890 500615 or email lking@equalityni.org.

Back to top