NI100 Commemoration. Stained Glass Window project
S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information:
Project
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
New
Operational Area:
Performance
Title:
NI100 Commemoration. Stained Glass Window project
Brief Summary:
As part of Council’s NI100 Programme of activities, Elected Members agreed to the design and installation of a stained-glass window in Coleraine Town Hall. The Town Hall already has a number of such windows covering historically significant activities such as the Queen`s Silver Jubilee. The building is very much a hub for memorial reflection notably as an official War Memorial for the Council and a memorial to the Ulster Defence Regiment. Historically there have been no complaints regarding the nature of the emblems and memorials in Coleraine Town Hall over its long history or the content of the stained-glass windows that have already been installed.
Council agreed to establish a NI100 Committee. This Committee was comprised of all Political Parties in the Council (DUP, UUP, Alliance, Sinn Fein, SDLP) A working group was set up to design the stained-glass window again with cross party Political representation. Meetings were regularly arranged to discuss and update the images and once there was agreement, the revised design was circulated to all members of the Working Group for comment. The Council asked the Honourable the Irish Society to participate in the design process as part of the working group.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
The stained glass window supports the reflection of future generations on the first 100 years of Northern Ireland. The window commemorates the history, key events and images which reflect memorable businesses, sports, social activities, achievements. architecture, organisations and historical events. With so many historical reflections, many images in the window are generic and a story book will be developed as part of the wider project.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council own the NI100 programme. The NI 100 Committee and the Stained Glass Working Group are tasked with designing and agreeing the content of the window. Council Officers facilitate meetings, update administration as required.
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Legislation:
Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Section 75)
Strategies:
Equality Scheme (renewed 2020)
Equality Action Plan (2019-2023)
Good Relations Strategy
Every Customer Counts Policy
Local Government Code of Conduct
“Together building a United Community” Strategy May 2013
Complaints Policy
Destination Management Strategy 2015-2020
Economic Development Strategy
Corporate Strategy 2020-2024
Dignity & Respect at work policy
Land & Property Policy
Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2011
NINIS, Census 2011
NI Life and Times Survey 2020
Examples from other Councils in Northern Ireland
Available Evidence
Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms. Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.
It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:
- Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2011 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.
- Review of other Council policies demonstrated a range of policies / practices regarding the display of emblems. These range from no display of emblems to only in certain areas to no restriction.
- There have been no complaints regarding the display of emblems during the lifespan of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. There have been no complaints about the display of emblems, images and memorials in Coleraine Town Hall.
Groups Affected by the Proposed Window
- The proposed window will be situated at the side entrance of the Town Hall in Coleraine. The window will be 12 feet above ground level and images will face inwards. The main public entrance which is also the entrance to the Tourist Information Centre is at the front of the building
* a range of direct services to the public which includes Tourist Information, centre, exhibitions and meetings, internal
meetings of staff, civic events, community functions and the site of the war memorial.
* Users:
Members of the public
Council employees
Visitors to the Town Hall (These are not monitored in terms of their community background, religious belief, etc)
Councillors as a base for Coleraine Town Centre based events.
- Consideration also needs to be given to the role of the Council as an employer. Council in its “Equal Opportunities Policy”, in line with the Fair Employment Code of Practice, is committed to: “Promoting a good and harmonious working environment where all men and women are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment will be tolerated.”
- Council within its “Dignity and Respect at Work Policy”[1] also commits itself to the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations and defines harassment, inter alia, as: “visual displays of posters, graffiti, obscene gestures, flags, bunting or emblems or any other offensive material.” The key issue here then is whether the images in the window could constitute conduct which could result in allegations of harassment for employees from a Catholic and/or Nationalist background.
- Good Relations Issues - Under Section 75(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Council has a duty to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious beliefs, political opinion or racial group. The Councils Good Relations Section carried out an Audit in 2018 which consulted with stakeholders through public meetings, an online survey, a street survey, one-to-one interviews, focus groups and telephone interviews. The findings informed their current Good Relations Strategy 2018-2023. The online survey under the theme ‘Our shared community’ where all areas are open and accessible to everyone demonstrated:
Respondents felt that CCGBC is welcoming to people of:
* different religions - 50.26% yes; 5.64% no; and 31.79% sometimes
* different racial backgrounds – 49.23% yes; 5.13% no; and 27.18% sometimes
* different political opinions – 43.59% yes; 9.74% no and 34.36% sometimes
* 78.85% are favourable towards someone from a Catholic community background;
* 75.9% are favourable towards someone from a Protestant community background
* 71.8% are favourable towards someone from a different ethnic group
* 11.98% think sectarianism is a major problem, while 38.3% is a minor problem and 40.12% think it is no problem
* 7.19% think racism is a major problem, while 30.54% is a minor problem and 46.11% think it is no problem.
Section 75 Category Details of Evidence/Information
- Mid-year 2020 NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 144,900, accounting for 7.6% of the N.I. total. Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed.
- Since the establishment of the new Council on 1st April 2015 no formal complaints have been received regarding the display of emblems within Council owned and operated buildings and grounds. However the absence of complaints may only present part of the picture.
- Rural and urban citizens will be treated in the same way regarding the proposals.
- It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must be considered during screening.
- Consultation on the images within the window.
- The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, “An Evidence Base for Shaping Welcoming and Inclusive Workplaces” Literature Review, April 2019[1].
- In addition the Equality Commission has issued guidance on promoting a good and harmonious working environment which states that:
“A good and harmonious working environment is one where all workers are treated with dignity and respect and where no worker is subjected to harassment by conduct that is related to religious belief or political opinion….This of course does not mean that working environments must always be devoid of anything that happens to be more closely associated with one or other of the two main communities in Northern Ireland….In other words an ‘harmonious’ working environment does not necessarily mean a ‘neutral’ one.”[2]
- The guidance includes the following advice on the issue of workplace emblems:
“…the Commission recommends that where an employer is seeking to provide or maintain fair participation, or to ensure that all services and facilities are widely utilised by all sections of the community, there is sensitivity concerning displays wholly or mainly associated with one section of the community.”
- Coleraine Town Hall was selected due to its central location and the fact it already was considered a point of commemoration. It is the location of the War Memorial, and memorial to the UDR. It also is the site of other stained glass windows depicting events such as the Queen`s Silver Jubilee. The Union flag is flown 365 days a year at Coleraine Town Hall. The building is used for Councillor robing for Remembrance Sunday and other such occasions.
- The Fair Employment Code of Practice[3] also provides general guidance to employers with regard to good practice in the promotion of equality of opportunity. In relation to the working environment the code states that employers should:
“Promote a good and harmonious working environment and atmosphere in which no worker feels under threat or intimidated because of his religious belief or political opinion e.g. prohibit the display of flags, emblems, posters, graffiti, or the circulation of materials, or the deliberate articulation of songs, which are likely to give offence or cause apprehension among particular groups of employees.”
[1] “An Evidence Base for Shaping Welcoming and Inclusive Workplaces” Literature Review, April 2019 - A Good and Harmonious working environment (equalityni.org)
[2] “Promoting a Good and Harmonious Working Environment, A Guide for Employers and Employees”, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, October 2009
[3] Fair Employment Code of Practice - ECNI - Fair employment code of practice, Employers and Service Providers, Equality Commission, Northern Ireland (equalityni.org)
Religious Beliefs
The 2011 Census outlined:
Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 36.97% 40.76%
Protestant & Other Christian (including Christian related) 48.44% 41.56%
Other Religions 0.59% 0.82%
None/Not stated 5.64% 6.75%
Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Religious Belief / Community Background Gender / Number of Staff / Percentage
Roman Catholic Male 123 19.52% Female 122 19.37%
Protestant Male 218 34.60% Female 131 20.79%
Non-Determined Male 17 2.70% Female 19 3.02%
All Staff Total 630 100%
Building Area Coleraine Town Hall Coleraine
2011 - Religion or religion brought up in SETT2015
2011 Census All usual residents Catholic Protestant Other religions None
& Other Christian
(including Christian
related)
Northern Ireland 1810863 817385 875717 16592 101169
Ballymoney 10402 1786 7929 82 605
Coleraine 24634 5935 16770 287 1642
Limavady 12032 5343 6236 44 409
Portrush 6454 1603 4318 49 484
Portstewart 8003 2844 4560 83 516
In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census and current staff stats as detailed above indicate that our resident’s and staff’s religious beliefs can be seen to have 2 predominant groupings ie Roman Catholic and Protestant. We use this data to determine community background i.e. whether an individual is from the Protestant community or the Roman Catholic community in Northern Ireland, or neither. We have a number of individuals (Census 5.64% and Staff 5.72%) who either do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion. In addition we have a small number of individuals (Census) who practice other religions.
This is whether an individual is from the Protestant community or the Roman Catholic community in Northern Ireland, or neither. A cross party NI100 group was established, subsequently a decision was taken for the establishment of a sub-committee which would deal with the establishment of a stain glass window. However, not all parties participated in the meetings.
Therefore a consultation process with relevant parties will inform the stained glass window design, support the identification of potential mitigation measures and identify any disproportionate adverse impacts with regards to religion.
Political Opinion
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at Council area level) :
%
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party 23
Sinn Féin 11
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 11
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 14
Alliance Party 28
Green Party 4
Other Party 2
None of these 3
Don't know 3
The images contained in the final proposal for the stained glass window may have linkages to political opinion. Some of the images proposed may not have the support of all political groups.
Therefore, a consultation process with relevant parties will inform the design, support the identification of potential mitigation measures and identify any disproportionate adverse impacts with regards to political opinion.
Racial Group
On Census Day 27th March 2011 the resident population was:
N.I. (%) Rest of U.K. (%) ROI (%) Other Europe (%) Rest of World (%)
N.I. 88.84 4.56 2.09 2.51 1.99
Causeway Coast & Glens 91.02 4.99 1.42 1.45 1.06
Local Government District
Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin Gender Number of Staff Percentage
Mixed Ethnic Group Male - -
Female 1 0.16%
Other Male 1 0.16%
Female 1 0.16%
White / White European Male 325 51.59%
Female 237 37.62%
Unknown Male 32 5.08%
Female 33 5.23%
Total 630 100%
There have been no complaints received from users or staff on the basis of race with regard to the display of emblems.
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to their racial grouping.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Age
Age: (Mid Year 2020) (NISRA statistics)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Under 15 28,600 (19.74%) 395,800 (20.88%)
16 - 64 89,200 (61.56%) 1,179,700 (62.24%)
65 - 84 23,900 (16.49%) 280,600 (14.80%)
85 and over 3,200 (2.21%) 39,400 (2.08%)
TOTAL Population 144,900 1,895,500
Staff breakdown by Age (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Age Group Number of staff Percentage
22-29 17 2.70%
30-34 33 5.24%
35-39 64 10.16%
40-44 81 12.86%
45-49 111 17.62%
50-54 112 17.78%
55-59 99 15.71%
60-64 84 13.33%
65-120 29 4.60%
Total 630 100%
The 2020 NI Life and Times Survey suggests there is no major variance related to age. However the images may relate more to certain age groups due to the nature of the commemoration.
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to their age.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Marital Status
Marital Status: Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):
Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC Limavady BC Moyle DC
Single 32.68% 34.78% 36.64% 34.96%
Married 52.52% 48.88% 48.94% 49.03%
Civil Partnership 0.07% 0.06% 0.08% 0.08%
Separated 3.13% 3.15% 3.58% 3.66%
Divorced/Civil Partnership Dissolved 5.23% 6.13% 4.99% 5.11%
Widowed/Surviving Civil Partner 6.39% 7.00% 5.78% 7.15%
Staff breakdown by Marital Status (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Marital Status Number of staff Percentage
Divorced 13 2.06%
Married \ Civil Partnership 346 54.92%
Other 20 3.17%
Separated 12 1.91%
Single 170 26.98%
Widowed 2 0.32%
Unknown 67 10.64%
Total 630 100%
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to their marital status.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Sexual Orientation
There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area.
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020) provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):
%
I am ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ (homosexual) 3
I am heterosexual or ‘straight’ 94
I am bi-sexual 2
Other 1
In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to their sexual orientation.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Men and Women Generally Gender: (Mid Year 2020 Population Estimates)2
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Male 71,839 (49.6%) 934,155 (49.3%)
Female 73,104 (50.4%) 961,355 (50.7%)
The gender profile of staff (October 2021) is as follows:
Gender Total
Male 358
Female 272
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to their gender.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Dependants
The Census information in 2011 showed People With or Without Dependents:
Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Number of households 54,970 721,860
Households with dependent children 15,597 (28.37%) 261,251 (36.19%)
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence that this relates to whether they have or do not have dependents.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.
Disability
People with a Disability/People Without:
People with a long term condition/illness by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):
Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC Limavady BC Moyle DC
People with a long term condition/illness 30.6% 31.31% 31.05% 31.68%
People Without 69.4% 68.69% 68.95% 68.32%
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long Term Condition:
Mobility or dexterity 19%
Long term pain or discomfort 17%
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 14%
A chronic illness 11%
Deafness or partial hearing loss 9%
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition 9%
Other condition 9%
A learning, intellectual or social behaviour difficulty 3%
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss 3%
Blindness or partial sight 3%
Communication difficulty 3%
Source: NINIS, Census 2011, KS302NI
Notes:
1. ‘Communication difficulty’ means a difficulty with speaking or making yourself understood.
2. ‘A mobility or dexterity difficulty’ means a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying.
3. ‘An emotional, psychological or mental health condition’ includes conditions such as depression or schizophrenia.
4. ‘Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing’ includes conditions such as asthma.
5. ‘A chronic illness’ includes illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy.
6. ‘Long-term’ refers to a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.
Staff breakdown by Disability (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
With or Without a Disability Number of staff Percentage
With 14 2.22%
Without 616 97.78%
Total 630 100%
Individuals may have a personal preference regarding the display of emblems and the images contained in the window, however there is no evidence this relates to if they have a disability or not.
A consultation process will support the identification of any currently unknown impacts.