Annual Report 2000.pdf (size 2.3 MB) - Equality Authority

more extensive training needs than more established organisations.This
is reflected in the staff training budget which represented 2.3 % of the
pay budget.Although a training programme for staff has been
progressing since the Authority was brought into operation, a more
definitive assessment of staff training needs emerged. Consultants were
engaged to carry out a training needs assessment during the year and a
training programme on foot of the report was prepared.The key
training themes covered included developing sensitivity to the types of
discrimination prohibited by equality legislation and building knowledge
of that legislation. IT training was an important focus of the training
effort.
Customer Service Action Plan
One of the key elements of the work of the Equality Authority is its
focus on the customer and this is reflected in the fact that the first
publication produced by the Equality Authority was its Customer
Service Action Plan. Once the plan was finalised, a dissemination strategy
was developed and implemented during the year. One of the earliest
activities under the Equality Authority's staff training programme was a
customer service course which was attended by all staff.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act applies to the Equality Authority by
virtue of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 (Prescribed Bodies)
Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 67 of 2000).The Act asserts the right of
members of the public to obtain access to official information to the
greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right
to privacy of individuals.
Under the Freedom of Information Act the Equality Authority is
required to prepare and publish a book - known as a "Section 15
Reference Book" - containing a general description of the Authority's
structure, organisation, functions, powers and duties together with a
general description of the classes of records held, and particulars to
facilitate the right of access to records.That task was completed during
the year.
Work commenced on the preparation of the book containing
information on the Equality Authority's rules and practices as required
by Section 16 of the 1997 Act.
A total of five FOI requests were received and dealt with during the
year.
page 72 The Equality Authority - Annual Report 2000 - Building the Organisation