Northern Ireland Assembly Commission - Public Authority Statutory Equality and Good Relations Duties: Annual Progress Report 2024-25

Contact:

• Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 and Equality Scheme

Name:           Maria Bannon

Telephone:    028 90 418377

Email:           equality@niassembly.gov.uk

• Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Disability Action Plan

As above          x

Name:                

Telephone:         

Email:                

Documents published relating to our Equality Scheme can be found at: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/about-the-assembly/corporate-information/policies/equality-policies/

Status Key

No of actions

% of actions

Complete

36

92%

Not complete

3

8%

Total actions

39

100.0%

Status Key

No of actions

% of actions

Complete

9

82%

Not complete

2

18%

Total actions

11

100%

Status Key

No of actions

% of actions

Complete for reporting period

8

100%

Not complete

0

0%

Total actions

8

100.0%

Status Key

No of actions

% of actions

Complete for reporting period

8

100%

Not complete

0

0%

Total actions

8

100.0%

Adult

7

2.59%

147

1.85%

Exchange

22

8.15%

793

9.96%

FHE

8

2.96%

191

2.40%

School

208

77.04%

6099

76.62%

University

20

7.41%

605

7.60%

Youth Group

5

1.85%

125

1.57%

Total

270

100%

7960

100%

Criteria

Sub criteria

Target

Selected

In Care

3

4

Racial Group

4

6

LGBTQ+

3

5

Disability

10

12

Young Carers

2

3

Free School Meals

25

29

Religious Belief

Roman Catholic

44

44

Protestant

33

33

None

12

12

Other

1

1

Gender

Male

46

46

Female

44

44

Yes

No (go to Q.4)

x

Not applicable (go to Q.4)

Please provide any details and examples: see 3a below

Please provide any details and examples:

Not applicable.

As a result of the organisation's screening of a policy (please give details):

As a result of what was identified through the EQIA and consultation exercise (please give details):

As a result of analysis from monitoring the impact (please give details):

As a result of changes to access to information and services (please specify and give details):

x

Other (please specify and give details): Not applicable.

Yes, organisation wide

Yes, some departments/jobs

No, this is not an Equality Scheme commitment

No, this is scheduled for later in the Equality Scheme, or has already been done

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

Job descriptions within the Assembly Commission are generic in nature and may not make specific reference to Section 75. However, the list of duties reflects compliance with the Assembly Commission policies which inherently include Section 75 duties.

Yes, organisation wide

Yes, some departments/jobs

No, this is not an Equality Scheme commitment

No, this is scheduled for later in the Equality Scheme, or has already been done

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

The approach to performance management assesses performance in relation to the work carried out by staff and also in relation to the Assembly Commission's Skills and Behaviours Framework. Within the context of the Framework, staff are required to promote the values of excellence, positivity, integrity and collaboration as set out in the Corporate Strategy 2023-2028.

Yes, through the work to prepare or develop the new corporate plan

Yes, through organisation wide annual business planning

Yes, in some departments/jobs

No, these are already mainstreamed through the organisation's ongoing corporate plan

No, the organisation's planning cycle does not coincide with this report

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

The Corporate Strategy for 2023-2028 commits staff to demonstrate the values of excellence, positivity, integrity and collaboration.

The Assembly Commission also has a Behaviour Code in place which reminds those working in or visiting Parliament Buildings on how they should be treated and how they should treat others. Six behaviours are promoted:

1. Show respect to and value everyone. Bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct will not be tolerated;
2. Be aware of your power, influence and authority and don't abuse them;
3. Think about how your behavior affects others and always strive to understand their perspective;
4. Act professionally towards others;
5. Speak up about any unacceptable behaviour that you experience; and
6. Display the highest ethical standards of integrity, courtesy and mutual respect.

Equality action plans/measures (Audit of Inequalities Action Plan)

7

Within the 2024-25 reporting period, please indicate the number of:

Actions completed:

8 (complete for reporting period)

Actions Ongoing:

0

Actions to Commence:

0

8

Please give details of changes or amendments made to the equality action plan/measures during the 2024-25 reporting period (points not identified in an appended plan):

None.

9

In reviewing progress on the equality action plan/action measures during the 2024-25 reporting period, the following have been identified: (tick all that apply)

Continuing action(s), to progress the next stage addressing the known inequality

Action(s) to address the known inequality in a different way

Action(s) to address newly identified inequalities/recently prioritised inequalities

Measures to address a prioritised inequality have been completed

Arrangements for consulting (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 3)

10

Following the initial notification of consultations, a targeted approach was taken - and consultation with those for whom the issue was of particular relevance: (tick one box only)

All the time

Sometimes

Never

11

Please provide any details and examples of good practice in consultation during the 2024-25 reporting period, on matters relevant (e.g. the development of a policy that has been screened in) to the need to promote equality of opportunity and/or the desirability of promoting good relations:

The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission carried out public consultations on its draft Disability Action Plan 2025-2030 and draft Good Relations Action Plan 2025-2030 between 11 November 2024 and 17 February 2025. As part of the consultation process Easy Read versions of the draft Disability Action Plan were produced and ISL and BSL signed videos were produced and placed on the Assembly website to direct the public to the consultation. The results of the consultations were incorporated into the draft Disability and Good Relations Action Plans 2025-2030.

The Engagement Office aims to create opportunities for people to engage with the work of the Assembly.The focus is on building connections and reaching out to the public, particularly to marginalised and disadvantaged groups, and to provide opportunities to learn, engage, and participate in the work of the Assembly. The Engagement Office has provided free training programmes, information and support to a wide range of section 75 groups, including organisations that support people with disabilities, older people, women, and refugees and asylum seekers.

12

In the 2024-25 reporting period, given the consultation methods offered, which consultation methods were most frequently used by consultees: (tick all that apply)

Face to face meetings

Focus groups

Written documents with the opportunity to comment in writing

Questionnaires

Information/notification by email with an opportunity to opt in/out of the consultation

Internet discussions

Telephone consultations

Other (please specify):

Please provide any details or examples of the uptake of these methods of consultation in relation to the consultees' membership of particular Section 75 categories:

Q11 above refers.

13

Were any awareness-raising activities for consultees undertaken, on the commitments in the Equality Scheme, during the 2024-25 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes

No

Not applicable

14

Was the consultation list reviewed during the 2024-25 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes

No

Not applicable - no commitment to review

Arrangements for assessing and consulting on the likely impact of policies (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

Please see relevant links below:

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/about-the-assembly/corporate-information/publications/equality-screening-and-equality-impact-assessments-eqias/

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/about-the-assembly/corporate-information/policies/equality-policies/

15

Please provide the number of policies screened during the year (as recorded in screening reports):

1

16

Please provide the number of assessments that were consulted upon during 2024-25:

1

Policy consultations conducted with screening assessment presented.

Policy consultations conducted with an equality impact assessment (EQIA) presented.

Consultations for an EQIA alone.

17

Please provide details of the main consultations conducted on an assessment (as described above) or other matters relevant to the Section 75 duties:

Consultation was noted as related to one equality screening form for the reporting period. No issues were raised as regards differential impact on the section 75 categories. The policy consultation was as follows:

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

18

Were any screening decisions (or equivalent initial assessments of relevance) reviewed following concerns raised by consultees? (tick one box only)

Yes

No concerns were raised

No

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

Arrangements for publishing the results of assessments (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

19

Following decisions on a policy, were the results of any EQIAs published during the 2024-25 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes

No

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

Arrangements for monitoring and publishing the results of monitoring (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

20

From the Equality Scheme monitoring arrangements, was there an audit of existing information systems during the 2024-25 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes

No, already taken place

No, scheduled to take place at a later date

Not applicable

Please provide any details:

21

In analysing monitoring information gathered, was any action taken to change/review any policies? (tick one box only)

Yes

No

Not applicable

Please provide any details and examples:

22

Please provide any details or examples of where the monitoring of policies, during the 2024-25 reporting period, has shown changes to differential/adverse impacts previously assessed:

Not applicable

23

Please provide any details or examples of monitoring that has contributed to the availability of equality and good relations information/data for service delivery planning or policy development:

Monitoring arrangements are built into our equality action plans. For example, six-monthly progress updates on the Disability Action Plan, Audit of Inequalities and the Good Relations Action Plan are provided to SMT. Monitoring is also carried out informally on an on-going basis. In addition, information arising from monitoring is considered when reviewing service delivery, existing action plans and when developing policies.

24

Please report on the activities from the training plan/programme (section 5.4 of the Model Equality Scheme) undertaken during 2024-25, and the extent to which they met the training objectives in the Equality Scheme.

A list of relevant learning and development activities attended by staff during the reporting period is provided in the table below:

The Northern Ireland Assembly Staff eLearning training during the reporting period was as follows:

The Learning and Development (L&D) Team is also working collaboratively with the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Oireachtas to host a range of shared inter-parliamentary virtual events as part of 'National Inclusion Week' and 'LGBTQ+ History Month'. The Northern Ireland Assembly has recently expanded this interparliamentary working group to include L&D representatives from the House of Commons and the House of Lords so this should enrich the offering for staff going forward. Details of events which had a relevant focus, included:

National Inclusion Week 2024

LGBTQ+ History Month 2025

25

Please provide any examples of relevant training shown to have worked well, in that participants have achieved the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve the stated objectives.

The Learning and Development team have realised that staff participate more in bite-sized learning and as such the collaborative activities delivered during National Inclusion Week have worked well. All learning activities are evaluated by means of a short questionnaire which includes a star rating system (1-5) to gain further insight from staff in relation to achieved learning objectives. The Learning and Development team also issue evaluations following classroom based events and again as a 30 day follow up to measure the ongoing impact of the learning. Evaluation information on learning and development events is conveyed to HR senior managers to support the business case to re-run events which have been of particular benefit to staff.

Looking forward, the Learning and Development team, in collaboration with the NI Assembly Equality Unit, hope to develop further bespoke eLearning materials using video resources and AI to make learning experiences more relevant and engaging for staff.

26

Please list any examples of where monitoring during 2024-25, across all functions, has resulted in action and improvement in relation to access to information and services:

Examples regarding access to information and services are provided below:

• During the reporting period, the Education Service delivered a programme of visits in Parliament Buildings and online sessions. A range of groups participated, including schools from all sectors, universities, general youth groups and teachers.
• The Engagement Office provided free training programmes, information and support to a wide range of section 75 groups, including organisations that support people with disabilities, older people, women, and refugees and asylum seekers.

The Engagement Office's 3-year plan to reach more seldom-heard and underrepresented groups focuses on building relationships with communities. The team works with organisations and groups that support and represent section 75 groups to understand more about their requirements and how effective opportunities for engagement can be developed and created.

Complaints (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 8)

27

Section 3: Looking Forward

Please indicate when the Equality Scheme is due for review:

• establishment of the external Ethnic Minority Stakeholder group and hold a series of cultural events with minority ethnic groups.
• delivery of web publishing training to ensure that staff are aware of the latest accessibility guidance and know how to use it.
• development of an internal solution for a visitor survey to gain a better understanding of the experience of visitors.

In relation to the advice and services that the Assembly Commission offers, what equality and good relations priorities are anticipated over the next (2025-26) reporting period? (please tick any that apply)

0

Level

Public Life Action Measures

Outputs

Outcomes / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

1

Regional

Engage with our External Disability Advisory Group, which is made up of a range of disability organisations from across Northern Ireland and which provides advice on disability issues.

To involve disability organisations in the work of the Assembly Commission by keeping them informed about what we are doing around disability and by seeking their input and advice, where appropriate.

Full meeting of the Group is held once or twice a year (or as agreed by the Group) and separate meetings on particular initiatives/issues are held as required. Membership is reviewed every two years to ensure a full range of disability organisations are represented on the Group.

Complete

Meetings of the External Disability Action Group were held on 28 June 2024 and 6 February 2025.

Membership of the group was reviewed in 2023 and the Group's Terms of Reference were updated.

2

Have young people with disabilities as members of the Youth Assembly.

To ensure that young people with disabilities are represented in the Youth Assembly; and have an opportunity to share their views and directly influence decisions taken by the Assembly.

Young people with disabilities participate in the Youth Assembly. Initial pioneer phase is scheduled to last for two years (to June 2023).

Complete

Recruitment for the second mandate of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly opened on 25 September 2023.

The Youth Assembly team commissioned research on the current youth demographic in Northern Ireland. A minimum of 10 young people with disabilities were sought in order to be representative of this data. Of the 90 young people appointed to the new Youth Assembly, 12 have disabilities.

These Members are fully supported to participate to share their views and directly influence decisions taken by the Assembly. This is achieved through additional support questionnaires, regular contact with young people and parents, provision of adjustments e.g. travel arrangements and creating accessible documents for face to face and online meetings, and providing staff Members on hand to assist in Parliament Buildings.

3

Review and build on the Parliament for People with Disabilities event held in December 2021. Provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to share their views.

Consideration will be given to holding a further Parliament for People with Disabilities in the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.

Complete

The Assembly Commission's Engagement Team are working towards facilitating a Disabled People's Parliament in 2025. A Consultative Panel has been established (terms of reference still to be agreed) and the group have already met on two occasions.

The Panel have decided that the Disabled Peoples' Parliament will sit in 2025 (date to be agreed).

Training Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

4

Provide mandatory disability training for all staff. To ensure that all staff are aware of disability legislation and how it relates to their work and the importance of being treated with dignity, fairness, equality, and respect.

Monitoring records show training has been delivered to all staff.

Evaluation of training shows increase in staff knowledge of disability legislation and related issues. (31 December 2022 and every 3 years thereafter).

Complete

All staff are required to undertake mandatory eLearning courses on Section 75; Dignity at Work and as part of our partnership with the NOW Group, JAM card awareness training. Each of the eLearning courses contains a requirement to test knowledge which staff have to pass to demonstrate understanding.

Evaluations were completed for all classroom learning events.

Monitoring was untaken both biannually and annually and information reported to the Senior Management Team.

5

Provide auditory and visual awareness programmes to front-of-house staff. To raise awareness among front-of-house staff of auditory and visual disabilities and to help them to feel confident in helping visitors who have sight or hearing loss.

Evaluation of training shows increase in staff awareness. (31 December 2022 and as required, thereafter).

Complete

Through both auditory and visual awareness raising programmes, front of house staff now have an increased level of confidence in assisting visitors with sight or hearing loss. Full details of courses, alongside registration statistics, have been reported in each annual Disability Action Plan report.

6

Provide opportunities for staff to participate in introductory sign language courses. To help staff to communicate better with people with hearing loss and to feel confident in welcoming visitors to Parliament Buildings.

Sign language training is offered to all staff. (31 December 2022).

Complete

British Sign Language courses were originally opened for all staff registration. Those staff who successfully completed level 1 were then offered an opportunity to complete level 2, followed by a further opportunity to complete level 3. All of these opportunities have enhanced customer service and staff ability to communicate with people with hearing loss visiting Parliament Buildings.

7

Offer staff Masterclasses focusing on a range of conditions; for example, dementia, chronic fatigue, acquired brain injury, autism, depression, and mental health issues and hidden disabilities.

Where possible, these Masterclasses will link in with National awareness days of campaigns.

To raise awareness among staff of a range of conditions and how they impact on people's lives and that some disabilities are not visible and that everyone should be treated equally.

Staff offered masterclasses focusing on a range of conditions.

Evaluation of Masterclasses shows increase in staff awareness and knowledge. (Over the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

A wide range of awareness programmes have been delivered during the lifespan of this plan. Evaluation data indicated a positive impact from learning events. This data was used to formulate additional learning sessions on a range of conditions and how they impact on people's lives. Feedback quotes were also used within communications for events to increase staff participation. As part of the programme of events, specific sessions were delivered in relation to hidden disabilities to ensure customer services are delivered in a fair and equitable way.

8

Sign up to become a JAM (Just a Minute) Card Friendly organisation in year 1 of the Disability Action Plan 2022-25. To make Parliament Buildings a welcoming place for people with a learning difficulty, autism or a communication barrier.

Assembly Commission signs up to the JAM scheme. (Scheme signed up to by 31 March 2022).

Awareness training on the JAM card is offered to staff. (Awareness training to be delivered to staff by 31 March 2023).

Complete

The Assembly Commission is now in the second year of the partnership with the NOW Group. All new staff are required to undertake the JAM Card awareness eLearning as part of their on-boarding process.

9

Deliver web publishing training for staff on accessibility using the guidance issued by Gov.uk, "Understanding accessibility requirements for public sector bodies", the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the requirements of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. To ensure that staff are aware of the latest accessibility guidance and know how to apply it in their work.

All staff involved in web publishing are provided with training.

Video guides, advice, and guidance are made available on intranet for all staff and updated as required. (31 March 2022).

Complete

Web publishing training continues on a regular basis for staff involved in web publishing. A refreshed guide to publishing content with accessibility in mind for intranet editors has been placed on AssISt.

Communications Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

10

Ensure staff are kept up to date on progress on new Disability Action Plan 2022-25. To raise staff awareness of the work the Assembly Commission is doing on disability and of wider disability issues.

Once the Plan is approved by SMG, staff are kept informed on progress on:

• the results of the consultation;
• where to find the final agreed Plan;
• what the Plan contains.

Staff are notified annually by email of availability of six-monthly updates on the website.

Complete

The six-monthly update reports on the Disability Action Plan were completed and published on the staff intranet and Assembly website.

11

Organise for "mystery visitors" to visit Parliament Buildings to give us feedback on the services and facilities we provide for people with disabilities. To gather information on the real-life experience of visitors with a disability to ensure that the services and facilities on offer at Parliament Buildings are accessible and fit for purpose.

Mystery visitors visit Parliament Buildings and complete a questionnaire about their visit.

Feedback from mystery visitors is reviewed and action is taken where appropriate. (Every two years beginning in December 2022.)

Complete

A mystery visitor survey was carried out between January 2024 and April 2024. The survey was distributed to individual mystery visitors through the External Disability Advisory Group (EDAG) member organisations. There was one response to the survey which was generally positive about the experience of visitors with disabilities to Parliament Buildings.

12

Consider feedback on disability issues from visitor survey. To get a better picture of the visitor experience at Parliament Buildings from a disability perspective.

Visitor survey feedback considered and action taken as appropriate. (Distribution and analysis continues throughout the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Not Complete

A procurement exercise was completed and the contract awarded to the successful tenderer. The company subsequently did not accept the contract and withdrew from the procurement.

Alternative methods of conducting visitor feedback are under consideration . This action will be carried forward in the Disability Action Plan 2025-2030.

In the interim period, visitor feedback has been collected through other sources of visitor engagement and this feedback has been considered and actioned where appropriate.

Sources of visitor feedback has included:

Feedback and identified actions from External Disability Advisory Group meetings.

Feedback from the Mystery Shopper questionnaire.

Feedback received directly from customers with disabilities.

Feedback from pre-consultation exercises with people with disabilities.

Feedback from people with Disabilities on Policy where views were sought.

13

Offer an easy read version of 'Accessing Parliament Buildings' web page. We aim to provide visitor information in an easy to understand format for the benefit of people who have difficulty reading and understanding written information.

Easy read version of web page published on the website and included in social media promotion of visiting arrangements at Parliament Buildings. (31 December 2022).

Complete

The easy read version of Accessing Parliament Buildings has been completed, published on the Assembly website and included in social media promotion of visiting arrangements.

14

Develop an accessible meetings guide and checklist for Committee meetings.

To enable people with disabilities to fully participate in Committee meetings.

Relevant staff, including Committee staff, are consulted about the content of guide and checklist.

Draft guidance and checklist are sent to the External Disability Advisory Group for review.

Draft guidance and checklist are presented to SMT and, once approved, are circulated to all Committee staff. (31 December 2022).

Complete

The new accessible meeting guide and checklist for Committee meetings was developed by the CAMS Office in early 2023. Feedback was subsequently requested and received from Equality Unit, the External Disability Advisory Group and Clerk Assistants. The guide and checklist were revised to reflect feedback received and a final version forwarded to the Equality Unit in October 2023.

The guidance and checklist have been incorporated into the Committee Staff Guide Portal.

In addition, the Gallery Rules that should be adhered to by all visitors at committee meetings have been produced in Braille and will be available at all committee meetings, both in Parliament Buildings and when committees hold meetings at external venues.

15

Ensure disability issues are considered in the review of the Committee staff guide.

To make the work of Committees more accessible to people with disabilities.

The consideration of disability issues is documented in the review of Committee procedure and processes. (31 December 2022).

Complete

The Committee Staff Guide project is now complete. It is now a live, business-as-usual document and published internally for use by committee staff. Permissions are managed by the CAMS Office.

Interactive materials and guides have been published.

A clear version control document is in place and new additions/amendments to the guide will be screened for accessibility, as appropriate.

Committees continue to work closely with the Web Manager to ensure all templates used for publishing official committee documents adhere to the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations.

16

Ensure that the review of Committee consultation methods looks at consultation from a disability perspective and considers the most appropriate methods for consulting with people with disabilities.

To ensure that the consultation methods employed by committees are as inclusive as possible and take account of the needs of people with disabilities.

More effective consultation takes place with people with disabilities. (31 May 2022).

Complete

An updated guide to submitting evidence to Assembly Committees in written or other formats has been completed. Written submissions should be provided to the committee as a Microsoft Word document. Written submissions may be provided in another language but should be accompanied by an English translation. Submissions can also be provided through other formats, such as pictures or short audio or video clips. Organisations and individuals wishing to submit evidence in an alternative format should advise the committee office in advance.

Witnesses providing oral evidence to a committee are advised to contact the committee office if they need to avail of interpretation or other forms of communication support services, or to advise of any additional adjustments that may be required to facilitate appearance before the committee. Staff also signpost to the 'Planning Your Visit' page on the Assembly website which provides information on the facilities available at Parliament Buildings.

Since a resumption of normal business, videoconferencing is utilised by committees. Staff provide guidance on videoconferencing to witnesses wishing to utilise this facility. It is expected the committee staff will use Citizen Space as their primary tool when calling for evidence.

17

Ensure accessibility of our website, identify opportunities to improve the website and address potential barriers to accessing to Assembly proceedings and/or engagement with the Assembly by performing annual accessibility reviews within the scope of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and relevant legislation.

To take opportunities to create a website that addresses potential accessibility barriers and that allows all users to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with and contribute to the site.

Results of reviews will be checked against the relevant standards and legislation along with any feedback from users, for example the Disability Advisory Group.

Plan will be put in place to prioritise any issues around what can be improved immediately such as frequently accessed content and content that is relevant to people with disabilities or tasks like search.

Identified problems will be addressed and reported on through six-monthly updates on the Disability Action Plan 2022-25. (Ongoing over the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

New content on the website and on social media is checked for accessibility prior to publication on a continuing basis. The Assembly Commission's Web Team regularly checks the most popular content on sites for accessibility and amends as appropriate.

Work has taken place with the content management service support providers, Centric, to improve the accessibility of the website by fixing issues highlighted by the web-content manager as a result of manual accessibility audits. This has notably improved the accessibility of the website. The Assembly website accessibility statement will be updated to reflect the fixes.

18

Identify opportunities to promote positive attitudes to disability through images on the Assembly website, on social media and in Assembly publications.

Review of images used in Assembly communications to ensure they are representative of people in the community, including those with a disability. (Ongoing over the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

All material for the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly recruitment campaign was fully accessible and featured those with a disability who had previously engaged with the Youth Assembly.

Appropriate images have been used in advertising for consultation for the Disability Action Plan 2025-2030. On a continuing basis, and in appropriate circumstances, images reflecting the community will be used.

19

Raise awareness of facilities for disabled people at Parliament Buildings through social media: for example, by including links to accessibility information when tweeting about tours or restaurant opening hours.

To make the Parliament Buildings visitor experience as inclusive as possible.

Facilities are highlighted through social media communications. (Ongoing through the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

Posts are placed on our social media platforms as and when necessary and linked, for instance, to times of high interest in tours of Parliament Buildings.

Encourage others Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

20

Create a short video promoting tour accessibility at Parliament Buildings.

Ensure that those with access needs are made aware of and can participate in tours of Parliament Buildings.

Continue to promote 'How to Get to Parliament Buildings' access video on website, and update video with new changes to the Building.

Raise awareness of facilities at Parliament Buildings for people with a disability.

Video is created with content that explains how to book tours; highlights the availability of signed tours; Braille tour script; hearing helper radio system; Building facilities, for example, the Quiet Room and the Changing Places toilet.

Video is updated with new footage and information.

Subtitled and signed versions of the video made available, along with a transcript of the content.

Video made available on website and promoted on social media and through disability networks. (31 March 2023).

Complete

Work on updating the accessing Parliament Buildings video was delayed by staff changes but was completed in June 2024.

21

Offer autism-friendly tours of Parliament Buildings.

To encourage people with autism to visit Parliament Buildings.

Tours offered once a year. (By 31 December 2022 and once a year thereafter).

Not Complete

Due to the impact of staffing changes this action was not progressed immediately. In 2024 an autism friendly tour was offered for the first time. An 'ASD Teens' group attended an engagement session and received a tour of Parliament Buildings. Details were provided in advance, particularly regarding the security process and division bell sounds. On arrival the group spent some time in the quiet room and two Assembly Commission autism champions volunteered to attend to offer support. The Assembly Commission's Visitor Experience Team continue to offer these autism-friendly tours of Parliament Buildings. They liaise with organisers in advance to identify any challenges and address any issues.

Consideration is being given to establishment of a regular, advertised 'quiet tour' on a Friday afternoon, when the building is generally less busy. This will mean people who prefer a quieter tour will have an opportunity to book something that suits their needs.

22

Offer dementia-friendly tours of Parliament Buildings.

To encourage people with dementia to visit Parliament Buildings.

Tours offered once a year. (By 31 December 2022 and once a year thereafter).

Not Complete

Due to the impact of staffing changes this action was not progressed immediately. In 2024 a 'dementia-friendly' tour was offered for the first time. The tour was delivered to a group of people with Alzheimer's and Dementia. The Assembly Commission's Visitor Experience Team continue to offer these tours and have contacted several groups and care-homes to invite people with Dementia to attend Parliament Buildings. Uptake on these has been slow.

Consideration is being given to establishment of a regular, advertised 'quiet tour' on a Friday afternoon, when the building is generally less busy. This will mean people who prefer a quieter tour will have an opportunity to book something that suits their needs.

23

Engage with special schools to ensure that young people's views are included. To ensure that the views of young people with disabilities are included in Committee consultations, inquiries, etc.

Hold focus groups as required and in line with Assembly's Research and Information Service (RaISe) framework for selecting a broad cross-section of young people, which ensures that special schools participate in every group. (As required throughout the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

There have been no requests from Committees for school consultations. The Assembly Commission's Education Service is ready to assist Committees when required.

24

Engage with special schools to ensure that young people's views are included.

Design and deliver where required bespoke resources (e.g. textural or sensory models) for special schools.

Discussions held with other legislatures and special schools to identify need and existing resource offering.

Resources designed and delivered as required. (By 30 June 2022 and thereafter throughout the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

Before a visit by a special school, an Assembly Commission Education Officer contacts the teacher to discuss the programme and any particular requirements.

The Education Service has been working to make educational resources more accessible. 'Recite Me' read aloud software was added to the education website on 1 December 2023. The Visits page of the website has been revamped to ensure clear presentation of information about visits.

Post visit work booklets were reviewed in line with accessibility guidance (colours, fonts etc). Students from special schools receive a sensory toy model of Parliament Buildings. A new Assembly colouring book has been designed and printed.

25

Hold a conference for teachers from special schools every two years. To provide teachers with awareness and understanding of the Education Service's Assembly-related teaching resources, and to find out more about the needs of pupils in special schools.

Conference held every two years (with option for additional conferences as required). (First conference to be held by 30 June 2022 and every two years thereafter). Revised first conference date November 2022.

Complete

The Assembly Commission's Education Service held a very successful conference for teachers from special schools November 2022. In March 2023 they held a second conference specifically for teachers with responsibility for SEN (Special Educational Needs) in mainstream schools. The next SEN conference is due to be held in June 2025, and will focus on providing teachers with an interactive, activity-based programme to help equip them to teach about the Northern Ireland Assembly in the classroom, and to promote the Assembly's Education Programme.

26

Provide subtitles and transcripts for all Education Service short films and animations.

To make the work of the Education Service more accessible to young people with disabilities.

All films subtitled, transcribed and made available on Education Service website. (Ongoing throughout the lifetime of the Action Plan).

Complete

All animations are subtitled and signed in both BSL and ISL. A written transcript is also provided.

Subtitles and transcripts are provided for other video material, e.g., recordings of conference presentations.

27

Mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To raise awareness and promote understanding of disability issues.

Hold an annual event to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Complete

The Assembly Commission's Engagement Team have marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities annually during the reporting period. This has taken a number of formats, including events and social media campaigns. Most recently, in 2024, the team promoted their on-going work on the Disabled People's Parliament which is due to take place in late 2025.

28

Hold events to mark disability awareness days or weeks over the lifetime of the Action Plan.

To raise awareness and promote understanding of disability issues.

Hold one to two events a year to mark awareness days/weeks for a range of disabilities e.g. Learning Disability Week, Deaf Awareness Week etc.

Complete

The Assembly Commission's Engagement Team have marked at least one disability awareness day/week throughout the lifetime of this plan.

2022 - World Sight Day - the Engagement Team held a round table event to take feedback on the suitability of presentations and materials in order to be able to make changes and provide more accessible content for people who have full or partial sight loss.

2023 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Engagement Team engaged with the sector to encourage groups and individuals to book a training session. This generated a number of bookings from a variety of groups from the Disability sector.

2024 - A virtual engagement session was held with Carers NI for their Carers' Policy Forum group to mark Carers' Week in June 2024.

Encourage others Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

29

Provide short-term supported placements for people with a disability under the Apprenticeship and Placement Framework.

To provide opportunities for people with a disability to develop their skills and confidence in the workplace and gain meaningful work experience.

Following a review of the placement we will consider future volume and frequency. (Initial placement agreed by 31 March 2022). Completion date revised to 31 March 2023.

Complete

Implementation of work placements was initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, two work placements have been completed and feedback from the business areas and the individuals was very positive. The volume and frequency of placements was considered and will be implemented as part of the Assembly Commission's new Disability Action Plan 2025-2030.

30

Consider disability issues relating to Committee rooms at Parliament Buildings. To make the work of Assembly Committees more accessible.

Consideration of disability issues relating to broadcast and audio in Committee rooms. (By 31 March 2024).

Complete

The following actions were completed or considered by August 2024:

• In-room elements were completed by 23 August 2024 and partial improvements for retrospective viewing of Committee meetings were made.
• In 2023, and concluding in August 2024, refurbishment work was carried out in all Committee rooms and the Senate chamber.
• Large screens were installed to assist those watching external contributions, the Deaf Loop system was upgraded in Committee rooms 21, 29 and 30 along with more sound absorbent features being incorporated in wall coverings.
• Broadcast material for external viewers: Since 2023 the Assembly YouTube channel has been configured to generate automatic captions on Committee hearings viewed retrospectively once uploaded in full to YouTube. This automatic captioning is also available on live Plenary output but the present streaming contract does not extend this to live Committee output.
• Streaming of Committees on Assembly TV/stream alone (i.e. not YouTube hosted) does not have auto captioning.
• A green-screen studio facility has been installed in readiness for future expansion of signing of Committees for the deaf community.

31

Consider disability issues relating to Committee rooms at Parliament Buildings. To make the work of Assembly Committees more accessible.

Consideration of disability issues relating to access to, and layout of, Committee rooms. (By 31 March 2024).

Complete

Work has been completed on Committee rooms including a new layout and furniture that will help provide better access for wheelchair users.

32

Review signage at Parliament Buildings reception and throughout parts of the building open to the public. To highlight the facilities and services available at Parliament Buildings for visitors with a disability.

Review is carried out and additional signage is added as required. (By 31 December 2022).

Complete

Signage has been reviewed to reflect current available services and facilities for visitors with a disability, including provision of additional signage in some areas of the Building. Signage will continue to be kept under review throughout the lifetime of the DAP.

33

To provide an Assembly Chamber that is accessible to all.

Consider further improvements to accessibility in the Assembly Chamber. (By 31 March 2023).

Complete

The work to upgrade the Assembly Chamber with new microphones and speakers in all Member sitting areas, and better speakers and larger screens in the public gallery areas is complete.

As part of the new system installed for Members there is a "Request to Speak" option that, pending review and any procedural changes necessary for use by all Members, could also be used to support Members who are unable to rise from their seats. Work on a Green Screen Studio to facilitate sign language interpretation has been completed.

Work on the Assembly Chamber is now complete.

Encourage others Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

34

Maintain Autism Friendly Award. To show our commitment to ensuring that Parliament Buildings is a welcoming place for autistic people and their families.

Standards met as required. (Annually)

Complete

Accreditation to the NAS Autism Friendly Award was awarded in April 2023 and has been maintained. Further training for our Autism Champions has been carried out.

35

Maintain Louder than Words Charter accreditation. To show commitment to improving access to Parliament Buildings for people with deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss.

Audits undertaken as required by RNID. (Annually)

Complete

Accreditation is no longer offered but the Assembly Commission's Building Services continues to work with partners including RNID to ensure that Parliament Buildings is accessible for service users who are deaf or with hearing loss.

36

Sign up to the Disability Confident Scheme. To increase our understanding of disability issues and to ensure that, as an employer, we enable disabled people to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Assembly Commission to sign up to the Scheme. (By 31 March 2022).

Complete

The Assembly Commission has signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme and the logo is on our recruitment website to highlight that we are a member of the Scheme.

Encourage others Action Measures

Outputs

Outcome / Impact (fully achieved/partly achieved/not achieved)

37

Report on progress on the Disability Action Plan 2022-25 to SMT every six months and the Assembly Commission every year and publish these six-monthly update reports on the Assembly website. To ensure that we deliver on the targets in our plan and that we keep staff and the public informed of progress.

Following consultation with business areas, six-monthly updates are prepared for SMT and annual updates for the Assembly Commission.

Approved six-monthly updates are published on the Assembly website. Every six months (May and November each year).

Complete

A progress report was provided to the Assembly Commission's Senior Management Team every six-months, over the lifetime of the plan, and published on the staff intranet and Assembly Website.

38

Report on progress on the Disability Action Plan 2022-25 every year through the annual progress report to the Equality Commission. To ensure that we deliver on the targets in our plan and that we keep the Equality Commission informed of progress.

Following consultation with business areas, annual progress reports are prepared and submitted to the Equality Commission.

Approved annual reports are published on the Assembly website. Every year (to Equality Commission timetable).

Complete

Equality progress reports were submitted to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland annually throughout the lifetime of the plan. These reports have been published on the staff intranet and Assembly Website.

39

Carry out a five-year review of our Disability Action Plans. To review our plans to make sure that they are effective and achieve what they set out to do.

Review of Disability Action Plans for the period between 2019 and 2024 is carried out, in consultation with business areas, and presented to SMG. This will cover the Disability Action Plan 2016-21 and the Disability Action Plan 2022-25. (By 31 December 2024).

Complete

The report on the five-year review of our Disability Action Plans was noted by the Assembly Commission on 21 June 2023 and has been published on the Assembly website, with an email sent to staff and stakeholders to advise them of the Review Report.

Revised/Additional Action Measures

Performance Indicator

Timescale

1

Action 20 - this action is an amalgamation of two previous actions (actions 20 and 21).

Create a short video promoting tour accessibility at Parliament Buildings.

30 November 2023.

Criteria

Sub criteria

Target

Selected

In Care

3

4

Racial Group

4

6

LGBTQ+

3

5

Disability

10

12

Young Carers

2

3

Free School Meals

25

29

Religious Belief

Roman Catholic

44

44

Protestant

33

33

None

12

12

Other

1

1

Gender

Male

46

46

Female

44

44

Activity

Contributors

NIA Health Committee Tobacco & Vapes Bill Online Meeting

Youth Assembly (YA) Staff and Health Committee Clerk

NIA Health Committee evidence session

NIA Health Committee, YA staff, Health Committee Clerk

2nd Committee Meetings Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

2nd Business Committee

YA Staff

Social Media Awareness Training

Thrive Academy, YA Staff

Committee Planning Day

YA Staff

Joint Education & Economy Committee - Careers

NIA Education and Economy Committees, Clerks and YA Staff

Volunteer Now Impact Awards

YA Staff and Volunteer Now

Women's Caucus event

CAM Team, YA Staff, MLAs from Women's Caucus

3rd Committee Meetings Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

3rd Business Committee Meeting

YA Staff

Belfast Activity Centre Team building

YA Staff, BAC Staff

Marie Curie Bereavement Education workshop

YA Staff, Marie Curie and Cruse Bereavement

Children's Law Centre - Chat Bot Event

Children's Law Centre Staff and YA Staff

NIA Education Committee work on Relationships and Sexuality Education Survey

YA Staff, NIA Education Committee and Clerk

Committee Stakeholder Event

YA Staff, DE, DoH, NICCY, CCEA, NIA RaIse Staff, TEO, TEO Clerk

Meeting online Education Minister re: school uniform consultation

YA Staff, DE and Minister of Education

Good relations week event with Syrian Youth Voices

YA Staff, Barnardo's, Syrian Young people

School uniform consultation response

DE, YA Staff

4th Committee meetings - Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

RSE mini inquiry YA response

YA Staff, NIA Education Committee and Clerk

Committee for Communities - Pensions Bill meeting

YA Staff, NIA Communities Committee and Clerk

NIA Education Committee youth stakeholder event

YA Staff, NIA Education Committee and Clerk

Plenary 3 and media training

YA Staff and Assembly Commission staff

TEO - Programme for Government consultation

YA Staff, TEO Staff

5th Committee meetings Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

YA Business Committee

YA Staff

Public Accounts Committee event - Child Poverty Report

YA Staff, PAC Committee and Clerk

Online meeting to prepare for Christmas Market

YA Staff

NICCY Road to Rights Roadshow

YA Staff and NICCY staff

Marie Curie report Launch

YA Staff, Marie Curie and Cruse Bereavement

Tobacco and Vapes Bill consultation

YA Staff, Health Committee Clerk

NI Human Rights Commission strategy consultation

YA Staff, N YA Staff IHRC staff

Christmas Market - Charity event

YA Staff

6th Committee meetings Health , Edu R+E

YA Staff

NIHRC annual report event in Long Gallery

YA Staff, NIHRC staff, NIHR Commissioner and Shami Shakrabarti

DE curriculum review online meeting

YA Staff, DE Staff

DE School improvement consultation

YA Staff, DE Staff

DE - Free School Meals and Uniform Grant Consultation

YA Staff and DE Staff

Public Accounts Committee preparatory meeting

YA Staff and Assistant Committee Clerk

7th Committees meetings Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

Public Accounts Committee evidence session

YA Staff, PAC Committee and Assistant Committee Clerk

DE Curriculum review 2nd meeting

YA Staff, DE Staff

8th Committee meetings online Health, Education, Rights and Equality

YA Staff

Women's parliament event

YA Staff, CAM Team, Women's Caucus and other women's organisations

Justice Bill consideration for ad hoc committee meeting

YA Staff

Youth Assembly Health Committee stakeholder event

YA Staff and other youth organisations

Committee for Education - Outdoor Education Stakeholder event

YA Staff, NIA Education Committee and Clerk

Speakers For Schools Information session

YA Staff and Speakers for Schools Team

4th Plenary

YA Staff and Assembly Commission staff

Impact Awards Volunteer Now

YA Staff and Volunteer Now

Meeting with Justice Minister

YA Staff, DoJ Staff and Minister of Justice

NICCY CAFRE Environment event

NICCY staff