Equality Data
Throughout our current work programme, we have been highlighting the lack of specific data across a number of themes in relation to a range of equality grounds, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and race; as well as multiple identity. We have also highlighted the lack of data disaggregation in relation to some equality grounds, such as ethnicity, disability and gender.
The Commission seeks to highlight where data gaps exist and where data should be disaggregated and will continue to call for the Executive, Departments and other public bodies to address gaps in government data.
Programme for Government: our recommendations
The Equality Commission has set out its recommendations in relation to the next Programme for Government and Budget of the NI Executive. These include actions to:
- address the key gaps in equality data, including on the grounds of gender identity, sexual orientation, and race;
- rectify the lack of data disaggregation in relation to ethnicity, disability and gender.
Gaps in equality data
The Commission has highlighted the lack of specific data across a number of themes in relation to a range of equality grounds, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and race; as well as multiple identity. It has also highlighted the lack of data disaggregation in relation to some equality grounds, such as ethnicity, disability and gender.
The Programme for Government should include actions, particularly by Departments and other public bodies, to address key gaps in equality data – including to ensure that data is available across the full range of equality grounds, and in respect of people’s multiple identities.
The absence of key equality data means that it is difficult for the Executive, Departments and others to assess the nature and extent of key inequalities, as well as to track progress in achieving agreed equality and good relations outcomes.
For example, research into educational inequalities in Northern Ireland has highlighted that the lack of available and/or robust data relating to several equality groups, as regards educational access, attainment, progression and destinations, hinders progress being made on redressing the educational inequalities they may face.
Briefing note on need for Equality Data (2020)
The Equality Commission has long identified the need for robust equality data in Northern Ireland, both to enable good evidence-based policy making and to ensure effective compliance with the equality and good relations duties established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
More recently, the COVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the need for access to up to date and detailed equality data in Northern Ireland, as a vital component in shaping public policy responses.
Programme for Government (2016)
The Equality Commission has set out its recommendations in relation to the next Programme for Government (PfG) and Budget of the NI Executive. These include actions relating to addressing equality data gaps, namely to:
- address the key gaps in equality data, including on the grounds of gender identity, sexual orientation, and race;
- rectify the lack of data disaggregation in relation to ethnicity, disability and gender.
The PfG should include actions, particularly by Departments and other public bodies, to address key gaps in equality data - including to ensure that data is available across the full range of equality grounds, and in respect of people's multiple identities.
The absence of key equality data means that it is difficult for the Executive, Departments and others to assess the nature and extent of key inequalities as well as to track progress in achieving agreed equality and good relations outcomes.
Further information is available on the Programme for Government section of our website:
www.equalityni.org/pfg
Education (2016)
Research into educational inequalities in Northern Ireland has highlighted that the lack of available and/or robust data relating to several equality groups, with respect to educational access, attainment, progression and destinations, hinders progress being made on redressing the educational inequalities they may face.
Further information is available on the Key Inequalities section of our website:
www.equalityni.org/KeyInequalities-Education
Housing (2016)
Research into inequalities in housing and communities in Northern Ireland has highlighted specific data gaps and/or a lack of data disaggregation across a number of themes and in relation to a range of equality grounds. These shortfalls limit progress being made on redressing the housing inequalities certain groups may face.
Further information is available on the Key Inequalities section of our website: www.equalityni.org/KeyInequalities-Housing