News

Causeway Coast and Glens Council sign up to 'Every Customer Counts'

Causeway Coast and Glens Council sign up to 'Every Customer Counts'

Thu, October 27, 2016

The Equality Commission has welcomed Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council as the latest signatory to its ‘Every Customer Counts’ initiative.  The initiative was designed to encourage organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland to consider if they can improve the service they offer to clients and customers with a disability.

Through the work of ‘Every Customer Counts’, it is recognised that a significant proportion of our population may not be receiving the same standard of service that those without a disability enjoy every day. In Northern Ireland 21% of the adult population and 5% of children have a disability. The Equality Commission initiative aims to assist organisations to reduce any visible gap in service experienced by disabled people by providing a toolkit to help identify gaps and how they can be improved.

Dr. Evelyn Collins, CBE, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said: “It is very encouraging that such a high profile public sector body as the Causeway Coast and Glens is signing up to our ‘Every Customer Counts’ initiative. We are pleased to have the Council as a signatory and we also acknowledge the work they have already done, particularly in creating the new Diversity play park in Portstewart, which is accessible to children of all abilities.

She continued: “‘Every Customer Counts’ gives organisations and businesses across both public and private sectors the opportunity to really think about how they offer their service to those with a disability. The changes they make can be small and subtle or big and bold but all will ultimately be changes which will improve the service offered to their disabled clients and customers. We are delighted that the Council sees the value of this initiative and we hope many others follow their lead in the coming weeks and months.”

Alderman Maura Hickey, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be the first local authority in Northern Ireland to sign up to the ‘Every Customer Counts’ scheme. This pioneering approach will hopefully encourage other councils to follow suit, and promote access to services and premises for people with disabilities. The Diversity Park in Portstewart is a perfect example of how our Council wants to promote access and facilities for all.”

The picture shows Frank Fleming, Every Customer Counts, Equality Commission and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey.