Equality Screening: January 2014 – March 2014

During the period of 1st January 2014 to 31st March 2014 the Assembly Commission screened one policy to date. The policy, policy aims and the outcome of the screening exercise is detailed in the table below.

Flexible Working and Partial Retirement Procedures

In January, the HR office revised the Flexible Working and Partial Retirement Procedures to reflect all relevant legislation pertaining to flexible working and the partial retirement provisions set out in the Principle Civil Service Pension Scheme (NI).  Trade Union Side was fully consulted with during the development of the procedures and agreed with the final outcome.  In addition Legal advice was also taken which confirmed that we were both legislatively complaint and reflective of good practice as suggested by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland.

The aim of the procedures is:

• To try to meet an individual’s need to work less than the standard week or change their working pattern, by considering the individual requests in light of the job that person is doing, the impact on the work of the office, service to customers, and the needs of other staff in the office;
• To look for other options if the request cannot be met; and
• To make sure that staff taking advantage of flexible working or partial retirement have the same opportunities for development, promotion and progression as those staff working traditional full time hours.

The only change made to the Procedures is to clarify for staff that changes to the place of work, as well as hours of work, may be requested.

The Assembly Commission would value any comments on these policy screening outcomes. Should you wish to forward any comments or request any documents in an alternative format, please contact:

Maria Bannon
Equality Manager
Telephone: 02890 418377
Text Phone: 02890 521209
Email: equality@niassembly.gov.uk