Self-Disclosure & Employment of People with Convictions Policy Equality Screening

S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

General Information: Policy

This is a new policy.

Operational Area: Organisation Wide

Title: Self-Disclosure & Employment of People with Convictions Policy

Brief Summary:

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC) are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all applicants for employment, including those with criminal convictions, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979.

Information about criminal convictions will be taken into account only when the conviction is considered materially relevant to the role. Any disclosure will be considered in the context of the job description, the nature of the offence and the responsibility for the care of staff, and public users of the Council.

What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

Council is committed to equality of opportunity and the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff and users of its services. We aim to actively promote equality of opportunity and strive to ensure that we have the right mix of talent, skills and potential within the organisation. Applications are welcomed from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. Council will ensure selection of candidates based on their qualifications, experience, knowledge and competencies as required.

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

OD/HR own the Policy.

There are varied responsibilities for implementing each part of the policy as detailed below:
The Chief Executive, on behalf of Council, carries overall responsibility for ensuring that the organisation complies with relevant legislation.
Directors are responsible for the management of their Directorate and delegating authority to Heads of Service/Line Managers to take action under this policy.
The Head of OD/HR is responsible for reviewing, updating and amending this policy to reflect changes in legislation or employment practice. OD/HR are responsible for establishing arrangements to ensure aappropriate training to effectively implement the policy and procedure, as well as appropriate record keeping procedures.

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

• Local Government Staff Commission Code of Procedures on Recruitment and Selection.

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2011.
• NINIS, Census 2011.

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.

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.
It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must to be considered during screening.

Religious Beliefs

The 2021 Census outlined:

Religion / religion brought up in:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 40.12% 45.70%
Protestant & Other Christian
(including Christian related) 51.17% 43.48%
Other Religions 0.78% 1.50%
None/Not stated 7.94% 9.32%

Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Religious Belief / Community Background Gender Number of Staff
Roman Catholic Male 119 (19.67%)
Female 126 (20.82%)
Protestant Male 199 (32.89%)
Female 128 (21.16%)
Non-Determined Male 17 (2.81%)
Female 16 (2.65%)
Total 605

In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings i.e. Roman Catholic and Protestant. However we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who 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 who practice other religions.

This Policy will have no impact on individuals of all or no religion when applied as individuals will be required to submit information about convictions which are not spent and/or undertake relevant Access NI checks as applicable to the job role, irrespective of religious or community background.

In circumstances where conflict related offences that pre-date the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (April 1998) are disclosed, and which may adversely affect particular community backgrounds, any disclosure will be considered in the context of the job description, the nature of the offence and the responsibility for the care of staff, and public users of Council.

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on any particular religious or non-religious group or community background.

Political Opinion

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at local government level) :

%
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party 12
Sinn Féin 13
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 13
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 13
Alliance Party 19
Green Party 5
Other Party 4
None of these 11
Other answer 1
Don't know 9

In circumstances where disclosed convictions are related to political opinion, any disclosure will be considered in the context of the job description, the nature of the offence and the responsibility for the care of staff, and public users of Council.

The policy does not adversely impact anyone with or without a political opinion.

Racial Group

On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
White 98.55% 96.55%
Irish Traveller 0.03% 0.14%
Roma 0.01% 0.08%
Indian 0.15% 0.52%
Chinese 0.22% 0.50%
Filipino 0.10% 0.23%
Pakistani 0.03% 0.08%
Arab 0.03% 0.10%
Other Asian 0.10% 0.28%
Black African 0.12% 0.42%
Black Other 0.04% 0.16%
Mixed 0.51% 0.76%
Other ethnicities 0.11% 0.19%

Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin Number of Staff
Mixed Ethnic Group 1 (0.16%)
Other 2 (0.33%)
White / White European 546 (90.25%)
Unknown 56 (9.26%)
Total 605

Council will put in place alternative formats, translation of documentation or an interpreter if required to mitigate where there is a minor impact on racial groups where English is not the individual’s first language.

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on any particular racial group.

Age

Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
0-4 years 7,973 (5.62%) 113,820 (5.98%)
5-9 years 8,878 (6.26%) 124,475 (6.54%)
10-14 years 9,113 (6.43%) 126,918 (6.67%)
15-19 years 8,326 (5.87%) 113,203 (5.95%)
20-24 years 7,873 (5.55%) 111,386 (5.85%)
25-29 years 7,713 (5.44%) 116,409 (6.12%)
30-34 years 8,460 (5.97%) 126,050 (6.62%)
35-39 years 8,528 (6.02%) 127,313 (6.69%)
40-44 years 8,513 (6.01%) 122,163 (6.42%)
45-49 years 9,322 (6.58%) 121,670 (6.39%)
50-54 years 10,412 (7.35%) 130,967 (6.88%)
55-59 years 10,150 (7.16%) 129,276 (6.79%)
60-64 years 9,171 (6.47%) 113,049 (5.94%)
65-69 years 7,769 (5.48%) 93,464 (4.91%)
70-74 years 6,990 (4.93%) 83,467 (4.39%)
75-79 years 5,659 (3.99%) 66,377 (3.49%)
80-84 years 3,718 (2.62%) 43,776 (2.30%)
85-89 years 2,126 (1.50%) 25,879 (1.36%)
90+ years 1,051 (0.74%) 13,512 (0.71%)
TOTAL Population 141,745 1,903,174

Staff breakdown by Age (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Age Group Number of staff
22-29 21 (3.47%)
30-34 28 (4.63%)
35-39 64 (10.58%)
40-44 71 (11.74%)
45-49 99 (16.36%)
50-54 115 (19.01%)
55-59 92 (15.21%)
60-64 88 (14.54%)
65-120 27 (4.46%)
Total 605

This Policy will be applied consistently across all age groups. There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on any particular age group when applied as it is based on individual disclosures.

To support the various age groups information on the process will be circulated through a variety of methods: council website; staff portal, internal emails, various Council noticeboards and through management.

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 2022)
Marital Status Number of staff
Unknown 60 (9.92%)
Married \ Civil Partnership 336 (55.54%)
Divorced 12 (1.98%)
Other 19 (3.14%)
Separated 12 (1.98%)
Single 164 (27.11%)
Widowed 2 (0.33%)
Total 605

This Policy will be applied consistently across all groups relating to marital status. There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on any particular group when applied.

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 (2021) 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) 2
I am heterosexual or ‘straight’ 93
I am bi-sexual 4
Other 0
In addition, the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on anyone regardless of their sexual orientation when applied, as it is based on individual disclosures.

All Council workers involved in the process will receive equality and diversity training. Council will take into consideration any suggestions for additional training and education.

Men and Women Generally Gender:

(Census 2021 – Table MS-A07)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Male 69,848 (49.28%) 936,132 (49.19%)
Female 71,898 (50.72%) 967,043 (50.81%)

Staff breakdown by Gender (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Gender Number of staff
Male 335 (55.38%)
Female 270 (44.62%)
Total 605

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse effect on anyone regardless of their gender when applied, as it is based on individual disclosures.

Dependants

The Census information in 2011 & 2021 showed:
People With or Without Dependents (Census 2021 – Table MS-B12):

Census CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Number of households
(2021 stats) 57,576 768,810
Households with
dependent children
(2011 stats) 15,597 (28.37%) 261,251 (36.19%)

Staff Family Status (Figures as at 21 October 2022)

Family Status Number of staff
Blank 298 (49.26%)
Adults(s) 11 (1.82%)
Child/Children 157 (25.95%)
None 138 (22.81%)
Other 1 (0.16%)
Total 605

The policy does not adversely impact anyone relating to their dependents’ status.

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 2022)
With or Without a Disability Number of staff
No 591 (97.69%)
Yes 14 (2.31%)
Total 605

There is no evidence to indicate that this policy will have an adverse impact on those with a disability.

In circumstances where an individual’s disability may be relevant, for example in submission of disclosures, all reasonable adjustments will be accommodated where possible and in line with relevant legislation.

Council will put in place alternative formats, translation of documentation, easy read/pictorial information, interpreters, or provide information in advance of meetings if required to mitigate where there is a minor impact on communication with individuals.

Managers involved in this process will receive Disability Awareness training, and Council will consider any suggestions for additional training as requested.

Screening Questions

1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Section 75 Category - Positive impact (it could benefit) Neutral Negative impact (it could disadvantage)

Gender
Women, Men, Transgender men/women, Other: Impacts are determined to be neutral. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation. It is believed that it will have a neutral impact on all genders as all employees will be provided with the same arrangements.

Race The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.

Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, Other: Impacts are determined to be neutral. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Impacts are determined to be neutral. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Age Older People / Younger people and children

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Political Opinion

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Religious Belief

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Martial Status

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Dependants

Neutral impact on this section. Agreed Policy will be applied consistently across the organisation.

Screening Questions

2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?

Gender (Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)

No specific opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the section 75 equality categories has been identified.

Race The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
(Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, White, Other please specify)