In anticipation of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister’s consultation on legislation to establish the Equality and Good Relations Commission, as proposed in 'Together: Building a United Community' (T:BUC), we held a participative event on Thursday 26th June 2014 in Equality House to discuss the three key areas highlighted below.
We believe there is a need to have a clear definition of good relations and clarity of the scope of the duties of this new Commission. It is imperative that there should be enhanced enforcement powers.
Chief Commissioner, Dr Michael Wardlow highlights three key areas the Commission was considering.
The three key areas discussed are as follows and remain relevant as we await progress on this:
Defining good relations
We considered definitions of good relations in the context of establishing new powers and duties for the Equality and Good Relations Commission.
- The discussion considered the importance of definition.
See workshop notes on this discussion opposite>
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Measurements and outcomes
Proposed functions for the Equality and Good Relations Commission include scrutiny and challenge, as well as facilitating the sharing of good practice. Delegates considered:
- ‘What does that mean in terms of outcomes and where do these functions fit alongside existing measurement systems’?
- ‘How can we show what interventions make a difference’?
See workshop notes on this discussion opposite>
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Ensuring compliance
We believe there should be enhanced enforcement powers for the proposed Equality and Good Relations Commission. Delegates considered:
- The levers for change on equality and good relations matters;
- The role of regulatory oversight; and
- The balance of obligations in 'Together: Building a United Community'
See workshop notes on this discussion opposite>
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