improving government service delivery to minority ethnic ... - NCCRI

improving
government
service
delivery
to minority
ethnic groups
134_ OFMDFM (2005)
A Racial Equality Strategy
for Northern Ireland 2005-
10.
135_ Bob Collins, Chief
Commissioner of the
Equality Commission
Northern Ireland speaking
at the conference.
136_ Lord Rooker’s
Ministerial Address at
the conference, delivered
by Ken Fraser, Racial
Equality Unit, Office of
First Minister and Deputy
First Minister in Northern
Ireland.
Chapter 2: Northern Ireland Research Findings 76_77
staff to use. There is a need for all staff to be aware of policies and legislation and for relevant information to be
produced. However in spite of this it was felt by service providers that Section 75 had made improvements to
service provision.
The results of the questionnaire indicate that the ease of providing services did differ between groups with
many stating that it was more difficult to provide for migrant workers than longstanding minority ethnic groups.
For many this was borne out in the language and communication barriers often faced. The importance of
engaging with minority ethnic groups was highlighted in the survey with 67% stating this consultation was very
useful. However, it was highlighted that at times it was difficult to get minority ethnic representatives who were
willing to engage.
Interviews and focus groups with people from minority ethnic backgrounds and NGOs revealed that many
people feel services have improved for minority ethnic groups and that needs are now starting to be met. Many
of the NGOs considered that public authorities were now engaging more with groups to assess needs and
ensure services were tailored to meet needs. However it must be highlighted that standards of service varied
with some public authorities failing to deliver in some aspects. It was also reported that there was a lack of
communication between public authorities and that they could learn more from each other. Inter-agency forums
as set up by Ballymena Community Forum were thought to be beneficial for both public authorities and minority
ethnic groups alike.
The Racial Equality Strategy 134 published by OFMDFM in 2005 has been welcomed but the impact of this
strategy will not become evident for some time yet. Section 75 however, has had a positive impact on public
authorities that are striving to meet their statutory obligations. This is evident when assessing the number
of policy documents being developed with one of the best examples being the Northern Ireland Housing
Executive’s Equality Unit Race Relations Policy. Also many organisations now have specific personnel to deal
with minority ethnic communities, arising from Section 75 obligations.
“ Section 75 is a remarkable legislative device. It is a very valuable piece of administrative,
legislative, community forming provision which perhaps needs even within Northern
Ireland more fully to be realised more seriously to be taken on board, perhaps its powers
more rigorously to be exercised by the Commission.” 135
The many opportunities associated with increased ethnic diversity in Northern Ireland also have to be borne in
mind, as the Ministerial address at the conference concluded:
“ I have said quite a bit about the challenges that we face, but as well as posing
challenges, the growing diversity in Northern Ireland offers enormous benefits,
economic, social and cultural. It also offers a unique, exciting and never to be repeated
opportunity. It offers us the opportunity to alter the way that people living here have
viewed each other for too long. Our growing diversity can have a genuinely levelling
effect on a society that has been… long been frozen in a two traditions divide. And it
has the potential to act as a powerful lever on the old attitudes to difference that have
maintained that divide.” 136