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Published in July 2023
Contents
Overview of the screening template
Section A Details about the policy or decision to be screened
1. Title or policy or decision to be screened
2. Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
3. Aims and objectives of policy or decision to be screened
4. Who will the policy or decision impact?
5. Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
Section B Information on the consultation process
6. Outline consultation process planned or achieved
7. Available evidence
8. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories?
9. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people in Section 75 equality categories?
10. To what extent is the policy likely to impact good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
11. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section C Consideration of Disability Duties
12. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
13. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
14. Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
15. Monitoring arrangements
Section D
Formal record of screening decision
Screening assessment completed
Screening decision approved
Appendix A
Footnotes
Overview of screening template
The council has a statutory duty to screen. This includes our strategies, plans, policies, legislative developments; and new ways of working such as the introduction, change or end of an existing service, grant funding arrangement or facility. This screening template is designed to help departments consider the likely equality impacts of their proposed decisions on different groups of customers, service users, staff and visitors.
Before carrying out an equality screening exercise it is important that you have received the necessary training first. To find out about the training needed or any other queries on screening, contact the Equality and Diversity Officer Lorraine Dennis on extension 6027 or or Lisa McKee on extension 6310 by email equality@belfastcity.gov.uk
The accompanying screening guidance note provides straightforward advice on how to carry out equality screening exercises. Detailed information about the Section 75 equality duties and what they mean in practice is available on the Equality Commission’s website.[1]
The screening template has four sections to complete. These are:
- Section A provides details about the policy or decision that is being screened
- Section B gives information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts on all equality groups
- Section C has four key questions in relation to obligations under the Disability Discrimination Order
- Section D is the formal record of the screening decision
Section A
Details about the policy or decision to be screened
1. Title of policy or decision to be screened
Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (NIESS)
This screening is for the regional Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (NIESS) and considers each council’s needs. It will be at the discretion of individual councils as to whether local screening exercises need to take place.
The NIESS aligns to the Programme for Government, 10x Economic Strategy, Department for the Economy (DfE) Economic Recovery Action Plan, City and Growth Deals, and the community plans of local councils.
Since 2015, councils have been responsible for economic development, including responsibility for supporting business start-ups and the growth of micro and small businesses. NIESS will support the councils to deliver on statutory responsibilities for delivering enterprise and business start-up support.
2. Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
(Explain is this a new, revised or existing policy? Are there financial, legislative or procurement implications?)
The Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (NIESS) aims to deliver a connected enterprise support service that enables individuals and businesses to access the relevant support services to meet their needs, and the growth ambitions of their businesses.
NIESS offers the opportunity for greater systematic collaboration across council areas where embedded business start-up (and business growth) ambitions will underpin the creation of a more effective ecosystem of support. In turn offering the scope for greater connectivity and simplification for clients.This collaboration can be geared to and aligned to priorities, such as the economic vision for a ‘10x Economy’ - where a culture of entrepreneurship and support for new business development will drive place-based growth, including through new, emerging technologies and priority clusters.
This emphasis on ‘place-based growth’ within the ‘10x Economy’ vision uniquely places councils to contextualise this vision within local support ecosystems enabling each council to tailor provision to prevalent local needs. For instance, to align to different ambitions for Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDE) within City Growth deals, different sectoral priorities, female entrepreneurship priorities, and varying needs within rural and urban areas.
In addition to 10x, the NIESS aligns or contributes to a range of national, regional, and local strategic policy including:
- UK Industrial Strategy - The NIESS will contribute to the fourth component of the strategy, which is making the UK the best place to start and grow a business in addition to building an innovative economy, supporting high quality job creation; earning potential and place-based growth.
- 10X Economy - The NIESS will play a key role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting new business development to drive place-based growth in Northern Ireland’s decade of innovation. Overall, it will make a significant contribution to the 10x vision and the forthcoming Entrepreneurship Strategy Action Plan.
- New Decade, New Approach – The NIESS offers the potential for skills and capability development amongst a diverse range of entrepreneurs and enterprise types, with scope to flex delivery to sub-regional needs (contributing to the development of a ‘regionally balanced’ economy).
- Draft Programme for Government Outcomes Framework - The NIESS will impact on the outcome area of ‘our economy is globally competitive, regionally balanced and carbon-neutral’ which has a core focus on helping companies engage in innovation and research; develop creativity and entrepreneurship; build inclusion and pathways to economic activity, contributing to outcome areas of ‘we have an equal and inclusive society where everyone is valued and treated with respect’ and ‘everyone can reach their potential’.
- Economy 2030, the Industrial Strategy for Northern Ireland – The NIESS and the focus on entrepreneurship and innovation will contribute across four of the five key pillars of the strategy.
- Invest NI business plan (2021-2022) - The NIESS will contribute to three of the drivers highlighted in the plan in particular - entrepreneurship and commercialisation, skills, and innovation. The narrative recognises the Business Plan will provide, not just a pathway to recovery, but also build strong foundations for 10X Economy transformative growth.
- DAERA Rural Policy Framework - The NIESS offers strong potential for the core offer to be flexed by councils to rural constituencies of need, thus contributing directly to the above policy imperatives.
- DfC’s Employability NI policy - The NIESS will specifically cater for the needs of those distant from the labour market (for whom entrepreneurship may be a ‘pathway’ to the same). This will be delivered via engagement, community-outreach and early stage supports that can be flexed or tailored to needs prevailing within each council area.
- City Growth deals - The NIESS can be tailored sub-regionally to the match the bespoke ambitions of each City Growth deal - whether it be via creating inclusive entrepreneurship as a pathway to the labour market or supporting IDE creation linked to sectors with global market potential.
- Community Planning – The 11 councils that are partners in this project, as created in the reform of Local Government in 2015, were given the responsibility of leading the community planning process for their district. All councils now have community plans in place as a result of extensive consultations undertaken with their local communities and are currently in implementation and oversight, monitoring mode. Therefore, it is important as part of the sub-regional policy context to also review how the service will help reinforce the ambition within these community plans. The plans are all shaped around delivering against priority outcomes for their districts – and all have a focus or theme on enabling inclusive economic growth in their district which means levels of support may need to be differentiated to reflect local needs. There is a strong focus on the future proposals for council-led Enterprise Support Services such as building-in the ability for councils to ensure their local support ecosystems can cater for a wide range of entrepreneurs and enterprise types. It will contribute strongly to the economic imperatives and related outcomes in the community plans in each of the councils.
The NIESS will also complement all 11 councils' current Corporate and Economic Departmental strategies which have a key focus on growing an inclusive economy, encouraging business start-ups, growth ambitions and creating new opportunities for our residents.
The scope of the service includes activity to be delivered under four elements, (engage, foundation, enabling growth, accelerated scaling) representing a continuum of support that will be required from pre-start support, through start-up and the growth journey thereafter. Each element may comprise a range of projects or initiatives, each with their own area of focus and expertise to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in addition to the provision of grant funding.
KPMG have provided procurement guidance to councils to ensure the new service offers flexibility; provide comprehensive regional coverage; aligns to community plans and regional strategic objectives; and can maximise regional investment programmes.
Each of the councils have sought approval for delivery of the service for the first two-year period. Links to each individual council’s approval is included in Appendix A.
3. Aims and objectives of the policy or decision to be screened
(What is the policy trying to achieve?)
The key objectives of the NIESS align to the 10x Economic Strategy, Programme for Government, DFE Economic Recovery Action Plan, City and Growth Deals, and the community plans of local councils, in particular:
- Creating employment and opportunity
- Fostering business growth
- Strengthening business relationships and making it easy to conduct business
- Reducing economic inequalities
- Address barriers to employment at structural and personal levels
- Address educational inequalities and increase skills attainment
- Reduce poverty and economic inactivity
- Requirement for a long-term business start interventions
- UK government drive to push out the “levelling up” agenda, and need to consider models for local delivery of targeted interventions
- Development of new ways of working such as Labour Market Partnerships, which create templates for alternative partnership approaches with councils at the core in “bridging” local need with regional or national policy
The NIESS will provide an offer than can meet future ambitions whilst ensuring an inclusive approach, where local ecosystems in each local government district will be able to cater for a diverse range of entrepreneurs and enterprise types.
Delivery of the NIESS will consist of four key elements representing a continuum of support that will be required from pre-start support, through start-up and the growth journey thereafter. The support aims to engage with 22,050 individuals businesses at its peak.
Whilst this is a regional service, Belfast City Council have led on the development of the service and are the nominated lead council for the ongoing development and delivery. As such, BCC will lead on procurement for the service with each individual council contributing to ensure the service meets the local needs of each council. There are four proposed elements of provision:
Engage: Early aspiration and support (for would-be entrepreneurs)
Reaching 12,000 per annum and working more intensively with around 3,500 per annum to refine and support a start-up idea. To achieve a minimum of 1,500 individuals achieving a wider range of start-up outcomes, outside of formal business registration data as well as a range of other impacts.
Foundation: Support for early founding (employer enterprises and start-ups)
To work with around 1,200 individuals or businesses per annum to work towards target of 750 registered start-ups.
Enabling growth: Aligned to aspirations and potential
To work with around 4,000 businesses per annum arising both from the start-up pool above and entry of existing businesses from LGDs that meet eligibility criteria.
Accelerated scaling for start-ups typically over two years old
To work with 10 organisations to achieve the indicative target of 30 in five years.
4. Who will the policy or decision impact?
Consider the internal and external impacts (both actual or potential) and explain.
| People | Actual or potential impact |
|---|---|
| Staff | Yes |
| Service users | Yes. |
| Other public sector organisations | Yes |
| Voluntary, community groups and trade unions | Yes |
| Others, please specify |
Yes Delivery agents, stakeholders |
The NIESS will specifically target individuals with entrepreneurial intentions or people who haven’t previously considered entrepreneurship (particularly those in underrepresented groups), those interested in starting a business or becoming self-employed, and existing businesses across the region. Through our previous work and evidence available, we envisage NIESS will impact positivity on those groups mentiomed. Belfast City Council will assess the impact of the service through ongoing monitoring and evaluation across the region. Belfast City Council as lead partner will glean evidence from key stakeholders, delivery agents and clients at set intervals through ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This information will be obtained through monitoring returns against KPIs, focus groups and questionnaires.
5. Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
The NIESS is being led by Belfast City Council and involves all 11 councils across Northern Ireland. The engagement of and alignment with the work of key partners across the public, private and third sectors will be central to its effectiveness.
Through the development of the initial research, options analysis, and Outline Business Case (OBC) we have undertaken an extensive engagement and consultation process with individuals, other agencies, departments and partners across the region. This included:
- ongoing engagement with all 11 councils' Working Group members
- SOLACE Economic Recovery Group
- Department for the Economy (DfE)
- Invest Northern Ireland
- DAERA
- Department for Communities (DfC)
- InterTrade Ireland
- Young Enterprise NI
- Prince's Trust
- Women in Business
- Catalyst Inc
- Queen's University Belfast
- University of Ulster
- Social Enterprise NI
- Enterprise NI
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk team
- Max Impact (provide support for refugees and migrants).
As part of the ongoing development of the service, further research was commissioned to refine and shape content and marketing strategies to form a brand awareness strategy, that focuses on the customers, the language used to identify and engage potential clients and help to shape enterprise awareness activities to assist recruitment targets. Individuals from a range of different backgrounds were engaged through email surveys and facilitation of focus groups around the perceptions of the current support provision from councils. This included representatives from each of the 11 councils, relevant business stakeholders for example local enterprise companies, consultants and delivery agents for current ERDF programmes, stakeholders from priority groups including female entrepreneurs; young people; individuals with a disability; individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Over 300 were contacted. Fifty five responses were received citing a lack of flexibility; the need for one point of contact; inconsistency of information or delivery across councils; lack of joined up thinking and duplication – the new service will redress these within the various elements of support.
Belfast City Council as lead council facilitated a pre-market engagement event in January 2023 for all interested parties presenting the proposed procurement framework for feedback on the model. Attended by over 120 stakeholders and potential suppliers to inform and finalise the procurement framework documents. The purpose and likely evolution of stakeholder engagement around this service has been developed following engagements with key stakeholders and factored as part of the management and governance structure.Through the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the service, client and stakeholder engagement will be factored in to ensure the service continues to meet the needs of target groups and is embedded as a core element of the enterprise ecosystem across the region.
External consultation
- Consultation and engagement reference list
- Department for the Economy (DfE)
- Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC)
- Department for Communities (DfC)
- Invest NI
- Local enterprise and business support partners
- Universities and colleges
Internal consultation
- Consultation and engagement reference list
- Individual councils’ community plans
- Individual councils’ corporate and economic strategies
Section B
Information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts for equality and good relations
6. Outline consultation process planned or achieved
Consultation achieved
- As referenced, through the development of the initial research, options analysis and outline business case (OBC), we have undertaken an extensive engagement and consultation process with individuals and partners across the region. This has included, over and above regular and ongoing engagement with all 11 councils' Working Group members, SOLACE Economic Recovery Group, Department for the Economy, Invest Northern Ireland, DAERA, Department for Communities, InterTrade Ireland, Young Enterprise NI, Prince's Trust, Women in Business, Catalyst Inc, Queen's University Belfast, University of Ulster, Social Enterprise NI, Enterprise NI, nibusinessinfo (link opens in new window) website team, and Max Impact (provide support for refugees and migrants). Feedback and further details of engagement are available in the OBC. Some of the key points arising from these engagements include; the need for a different approach enabling a more customised entrepreneur centric solutions catering for different types of entrepreneurs and enterprises; the awareness that the successful implementation of the new arrangements is likely to need the involvement of several partners from across the enterprise and innovation support ecosystem and the proposal offer scope for a strong partnership approach through co-design, co-development and implementation.
- The 11 councils commissioned an external research agency to undertake a survey around perceptions of the current business support programme (Go For It) available across the region, to identify gaps in provision and to understand market needs with the aim of supporting the development of a future delivery model. This report completed in September 2022, collated 501 local entrepreneurs’ feedback on how the programme was delivered. As part of the marketing strategy and brand development, an appointed contractor conducted focus groups in January 2023 specifically with females and young people and invited their participation in sense-checking decisions around visibility and awareness raising. Seventeen people took part in the focus groups and responded to questions on barriers to entrepreneurial success in addition to service considerations. These were incorporated into the brand development and concept review ahead of final recommendations.
- As the service mobilises, we have planned six-month and 12-month evaluations whereby target groups will be engaged in our qualitative research through focus groups and structured interviews. These will temperature-check the level of receptivity to the service within each group and further investigate barriers that exist between the groups and their entrepreneurship goals. NIESS will use the 12-month evaluation stage to flex the offer where possible to further support these needs across NI. Through our Programme Management Office, qualitative and quantitative evidence will be gathered to support decision-making between the 11 councils on the methods to achieve this.
- In November 2022, the lead council, Belfast City Council, facilitated the event ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland: Inspire, Inform, Include,’ which directly engaged with persons with disabilities. The All-Party Parliamentary Working Group for Inclusive Entrepreneurship were also engaged along with other stakeholders who have influence in the sector. Recommendations and next steps were developed as a result of this event, covering partner inclusion, funding, engagement and promotion, and strategy and policy development.
- Through the community planning process, each of the councils across the region have developed individual plans which aim to set out long-term priorities for improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of districts and the people who live there. Through these plans, councils work to ensure that there are shared and improved outcomes for everyone across the region.
- Each of the partner councils have made a commitment to delivering Equality and Good Relations aiming to create places which are tolerant and fair, where individuality is respected and diversity is celebrated, in an inclusive manner. Promoting equality and good relations are key to improving the quality of life for everyone - making the region a better place to live, work, and do business. Each of the partner councils have developed an equality scheme. Links to their equality schemes are listed in the table.
Consultation planned
- From programme initiation, to support the development and delivery of the service, officers will undertake regular consultation with stakeholders and service-users.
- Several focus groups and consultations are planned to support the service design ensuring the support in place is accessible for all user groups across the region. These focus groups will include as a minimum; individuals who have accessed business support services previously, students and young people, females, persons with a disability, ethnic minority groups, existing businesses, and the general public. Focus groups will take place across the region.
- As the service mobilises, we have planned six-month and 12-month evaluations whereby target groups will be engaged in our qualitative research through focus groups and structured interviews. These will temperature-check the level of receptivity to the service within each group and further investigate barriers that exist between the groups and their entrepreneurship goals. NIESS will use the 12-month evaluation stage to flex the offer where possible to further support these needs across Northern Ireland. Through our Programme Management Office, qualitative and quantitative evidence will be gathered to support decision making between the 11 councils on the methods to achieve this.
7. Available evidence
What evidence or information (both qualitative and quantitative) have you gathered to inform this policy? Set out all evidence to help inform your screening assessment.
It is important to record information gathered from a variety of sources such as:
- monitoring information
- complaints
- research surveys
- consultation exercises from other public authorities
As outlined in question 6, the service has been informed and shaped by research and consultation. In addition to the specific research for the service, it has also been shaped through local intelligence at an individual council level including:
- Belfast City Council Labour Market Partnership Strategic Assessment
- Data captured through the regional “Go for It” programme
- Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) - Maximising potential: A review of labour market outcomes for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland[2]
- UUEPC and FSB – Business start-up support in Northern Ireland; a critical review and future perspectives[3]
- UUEPC – Regional Analysis of under-represented groups engaged in entrepreneurship: 2017
- GEM – Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Northern Ireland Report 2021[4]
- NMD Labour Market Partnership Strategic Assessment[5]
- BRCD – Decade of Opportunity Belfast Region City Deal[6]
| Section 75 category | Details of evidence information and engagement |
|---|---|
| Religious belief | Currently data on religious belief for participants is not monitored
The 2021 Census indicates that 45.7 per cent per cent of Northern Ireland (NI) residents are from a Catholic community background and 43.5 per cent per cent are from a Protestant and other Christian community background. 1.5 per cent of the population are from other religions and 9.3 per cent of residents state they are of no religious persuasion. |
| Political opinion | Currently data on participant political opinion is not monitored. Table 1 shows composition of district councils based on Northern Ireland local government elections in May 2023. Each council approves the annual programmes of work, and they support the promotion of the support into their local communities. |
| Racial group | Ethnicity of participants will be monitored in the NIESS. Ethnic groups per 100 as detailed in the NI 2021 Census reported 97 per cent selected white – three per cent selected other. A UUEPC report on underrepresentation in business start-up across the region identified that ethnic minority groups are underrepresented, therefore these groups are actively targeted through the umbrella organisations such as maximum Impact. Ethnic minority businesses are estimated to contribute £25-£32 billion to the UK economy per year according to the Economic and Social Research Council which should not be underestimated, and more support needs to be provided. |
| Age | Participant age will be monitored, the service targets those 16 plus. Age demographic as per 2021 Census for the NI Population is:
|
| Marital status | Data on marital status is not currently monitored. Of the 1,514,743 ‘usual residents aged 16 and over’ – 45.59 per cent are married, 0.18 per cent are in a civil partnership, 3.78 per cent are separated (still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership) 6.02 per cent are divorced or formally in a civil partnership which is now legally dissolved and 6.36 per cent are widowed or a surviving partner from a civil partnership. Over the last six censusess there has been a fall in the percentage of adults (aged 16 and over) who are 'Married' - down from 61 per cent in 1971 to 46 per cent in 2021, with a rise in the percentage who are 'Single' - up from 31 per cent in 1971 to 38 per cent in 2021. Over the same time period, the percentage of adults who are ‘Separated, widowed or divorced’ has risen from 9 per cent in 1971 to 16 per cent in 2021. The number of divorced adults has risen from 3,000 in 1971 to over 90,000 in 2021. |
| Sexual orientation | Currently data on sexual orientation is not monitored. A sexual orientation question was included for the first time in Census 2021. In total, 2.1 per cent of people aged 16 and over (31,600 adults) identified as LGB+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Other sexual orientation), 90 per cent of adults identified as 'Straight or Heterosexual' and 8 per cent of adults either ticked 'prefer not to say' or did not answer the question; the proportion of adults who identified as LGB+ varied by area and age. By area, this ranged from 4.1 per cent of adults in Belfast to 1.1 per cent in Mid Ulster and by age from 4.6 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 to 0.3 per cent of people aged 65 and over. |
| Men and women generally | All programmes and support are available to men and women; however, the service will put in place specific provision to target females and includes specific female outreach targets. The aim of this is to increase the number of female entrepreneurs across the region. General gender breakdown of the Population of Northern Ireland according to the 2021 census is: Females (NI 51 per cent) Males (NI 49 per cent) The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) highlights that NI has historically lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of enterprise start-up activity. It uses the Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) index to measure the propensity of individuals in particular countries to be entrepreneurial and shows that in 2019 (pre-Covid-19) the NI TEA rate was 6.6 per cent compared to 9.9 per cent for the UK as a whole. TEA fell across all areas during the pandemic. In 2021, the GEM results suggest that both male (Northern Ireland 11 per cent vs. UK 13.2 per cent) and female (Northern Ireland 3.1 per cent vs. UK 7.7 per cent) entrepreneurship rates are lower in NI compared to the UK average. In 2021, the gap between females and males in NI widened, after being the smallest among the UK nations in 2020. According to the 2022 Gender Index - Northern Ireland has the lowest proportion of female-led companies at 13.5 per cent and the highest share of male-led companies at 65.1 per cent. This means that if Northern Ireland had a similar rate of female-leadership to that in England (at 18.3 per cent), it would translate to an additional 3,134 female-led companies in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the Women in Northern Ireland publication 2020, found the number of employees in NI was evenly split between males and females in 2019, though the number of self-employed males was more than double the number of self-employed females. |
| Disability | Disability will be monitored as part of the service. The 2021 Census showed that 79 per cent of the NI Population rate their health as ‘good or very good’ 14 per cent as ‘fair’ and 8 per cent as ‘bad or very bad. Additionally, it is reported that 463,000 (24 per cent) people have their day-to-day activities limited by a health problem or disability. Seventy six per cent of the population are not limited. All 11 local government districts (LGDs) had levels of ‘Good or very good’ general health above 75 per cent in 2021, with four councils Mid Ulster, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon having levels above 80 per cent. In 2021, Belfast and Derry City and Strabane LGDs had the highest percentage of their population with ‘Bad or very bad’ general health (at 10.0 per cent and 9.5 per cent respectively). Over the decade to 2021, every LGD has seen an increase in the percentage of its population with ‘Bad or very bad’ general health. From the 2011 Census to the 2021 Census, all local government districts had a rise in the number and percentage of people with a limiting long-term health problem or disability in the decade to 2021. The increase was highest in Antrim and Newtownabbey at 32.0 per cent and lowest in Belfast at 17.6 per cent. EU and US data shows that self-employment rates are higher for disabled people than for those without a disability. For example, in the UK, 18 per cent of disabled men and 8 per cent of disabled women are self-employed, versus 14 per cent and 6 per cent respectively for people without a disability (Boylan and Burchart, 2002). For the first time, Census 2021 included ‘Autism or Asperger syndrome’ as a listed health condition and 35,000 people were recorded with this condition. Of this, 19,000 children (or one child in twenty) had ‘Autism or Asperger syndrome’ recorded. A few key results for other listed conditions are ‘Emotional, psychological or mental health’ 165,100 people (8.7 per cent), ‘Deafness or partial hearing loss’ 109,500 people (5.8 per cent), ‘Learning difficulty (for example dyslexia)’ 59,900 people (3.1 per cent) and ‘Blindness or partial sight loss’ 34,000 people (1.8 per cent). The GEM NI report notes that people with a disability are more likely to start their own business (than people without a disability) and are also more likely to set up a social enterprise. The research does however note various challenges faced by entrepreneurs with a disability which included:
|
| Dependants | Caring responsibility will be monitored as part of the service. On Census Day 2021 there were 768,809 households in Northern Ireland. In households, 44.86 per cent reported having one or more dependent children. Census 2021 recorded that one person in eight of the population aged five or more (or 222,200 people) provided unpaid care to a relative or friend who had a health condition or illness. Census 2021 also recorded how many hours the carer provided each week. One person in twenty-five (68,700 people) provided 50 or more hours of unpaid care per week. While people of all ages provided unpaid care, it was most common among those aged 40 to 64, at one person in five (or 124,600 people). The census also found that 2,600 children aged five to 14 provided unpaid care. The overall number of people providing unpaid care has not changed markedly from Census 2011 to Census 2021. However, the number of people providing 50 or more hours unpaid care each week has increased (up from 56,300 people in 2011 to 68,700 people in 2021). The NIESS recognises that individuals with a caring responsibility may have their own barriers in starting up a business. We are in the process of looking into how they can be better supported through providing access to childcare, offering hybrid access to the service with both in person and online events, training and mentoring. ‘Autism or Asperger syndrome’ was a listed health condition and 35,000 people were recorded with this condition. Of these, 19,000 children (or one child in twenty) had ‘Autism or Asperger syndrome’ recorded.) NIESS will be flexible to the varying needs of individuals. |
Table 1 shows number of seats available in each council area and number of seats political parties gained in each council after local government elections in May 2023. Table 2 shows each political party's total council seats.
These abbreviations are used in tables for political parties' names:
- 'SF' refers to Sinn Féin
- 'DUP' refers to Democratic Unioinist Party
- 'UUP' refers to Ulster Unionist Party
- 'SDLP' refers to Social Democratic and Labour Party
- 'APNI' refers to Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
- 'GP' refers to Green Party
- 'TUV' refers to Traditional Unionist Voice
- 'PBP' refers to People Before Profit
- 'PUP' refers to Progressive Unionist Party
- 'Ind' refers to Independent
| Council area | Political party | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | DUP | UUP | SDLP | APNI | GP | TUV | PBP | PUP | Aontú | Militant | Ind | Total council seats | |||
| Antrim and Newtownabbey | 9 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 40 | ||
| Ards and North Down | 0 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 40 | ||
| Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon | 15 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 41 | ||
| Belfast | 22 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 60 | ||
| Causeway Coast and Glens | 12 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 40 | ||
| Derry City and Strabane | 18 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 40 | ||
| Fermanagh and Omagh | 21 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 40 | ||
| Lisburn and Castlereagh | 4 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 40 | ||
| Mid and East Antrim | 4 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 40 | ||
| Mid Ulster | 19 | 11 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 40 | ||
| Newry, Mourne and Down | 20 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 41 | ||
| 462 | |||||||||||||||
Table 2
Table shows total council seats for each party in May 2023 local governement elections.
| Political party | Total council seats |
|---|---|
| Sinn Féin | 144 |
| DUP | 122 |
| UUP | 54 |
| SDLP | 39 |
| Alliance Party | 67 |
| Green Party | 5 |
| TUV | 2 |
| People Before Profit | 2 |
| PUP | zero |
| Aontú | zero |
| Militant | zero |
| Independent | 2 |
8. What is the likely impact (indicate if the policy impact is positive or negative) on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories? What is the level of impact?
| Section 75 category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief | There is no data available which indicates a positive or negative difference between groups of different religious belief. All programmes are open to all Section 75 groups to attend and with the aim to promote and support enterprise and business activity, any impacts are likely to be positive. | None |
| Political opinion | No data available which indicates a positive or negative difference between groups of different political opinion. | None |
| Racial group | In the UK, the self-employment rate among the migrant population is slightly higher than the UK-born population. However, the UUEPC report on under-represented groups states that ethnic minorities face certain barriers in terms of money, markets and management. Increasing awareness of the programmes through the Migrant Forum and the provision of additional supports such as translation services, qualification mapping to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is likely to have a positive impact on those from different racial groups. Support will include the provision of interpreters if required. As part of NIESS, each council will complete an annual service plan which incorporates identified needs within the council area for specific ethnic minority groups. This will take into account socio-economic climate and the business eco-system within each council area, as each will have distinct characteristics. Councils will engage where appropriate with their Good Relations units to support this work | Minor |
| Age | Individuals aged 16 years old and over are targeted for our start-up programmes. There is no maximum age limit. However, the evidence from UUEPC suggests that the self-employment rates for young people (aged between 15 and 24, or 18 to 30) are generally much lower than for the total working age population. According to GEM 2019, majority of people starting a business are between 25 and 44. After the age of 44 years, the level of start-ups drops significantly down, which also means that there should be a support for young people in business and those over 44. | Minor |
| Marital status | No data available which indicates a positive or negative difference. | None |
| Sexual orientation | No data available which indicates a positive or negative difference. | None |
| Men and women generally | Women in Northern Ireland publication 2020, found the number of employees in NI was evenly split between males and females in 2019, though the number of self-employed males was more than double the number of self-employed females. Specific supports for women will be available within the NIESS. |
Minor positive |
| Disability | According to the UUEPC, there is limited data on self-employment by disabled people. Some data suggests that disabled men are more likely to be self-employed than disabled women. However, research indicates that people with disabilities are likely to face more barriers to enterprise. Tailored support and increased awareness raising of business start support and programmes is likely to have a positive impact. |
Minor positive |
| Dependants | No data available which indicates a positive or negative difference between groups with dependents. However, people with caring responsibilities tend to face more barriers and ESS is working towards addressing those. | Minor positive |
9. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the Section 75 equalities categories?
| Section 75 category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief | Information is disseminated via many different social media channels, council websites, e-shots to mailing lists, occasional radio advertising and advertising to ensure all communities across the region are aware of the service regardless of their religious belief. Equality of opportunity will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. | People of different religious beliefs are likely to benefit equally. There is no perceived impact on equality of opportunity. |
| Political opinion | This is not applicable |
There is no perceived impact on equality of opportunity. |
| Racial group | Language and translation services are available to ensure those whose first language is not English can access programmes. There is an opportunity to promote this support more widely and via the targeted channels. The service will have provision of interpreters. Equality of opportunity will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. |
This is not applicable |
| Age | There is scope to target our marketing campaigns for programmes to target specific age groups to encourage participation.
Equality of opportunity will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. |
This is not applicable |
| Marital status | This is not applicable | People of different marital status are likely to benefit equally. There is no perceived impact on equality of opportunity. |
| Sexual orientation |
This is not applicable |
People of different sexual orientation are likely to benefit equally. There is no perceived impact on equality of opportunity. |
| Men and women generally | Women are underrepresented with regards to enterprise; there is scope to tailor some of our programmes to specifically target women. Equality of opportunity will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. | This is not applicable |
| Disability | There is evidence that disabled people are underrepresented when it comes to enterprise so the service will aim to be more proactive with people with disabilities and include them in the programmes. Accessible venues are used for our programmes. The councils’ inclusive events guide will also be introduced in our contracts. NIESS will consult with Disability Action and other umbrella groups. The service will have interpreters or BSL signers and make other reasonable adjustments as required. The team will also work with DfC to understand changes to welfare reform and impacts. Equality of opportunity will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. | This is not applicable |
| Dependants | There is an opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity especially for those with caring responsibilities by putting in place additional supports that help to address the barriers in accessing programmes, for example: childcare arrangements, running programmes at different times.
ESS will promote equality of opportunity and good relations are addressed and communicated throughout our programmes. |
This is not applicable |
10. To what extent is the policy likely to impact (positive or negatively) on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? What is the level of impact?
| Good relations category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief | Programmes are open to people over 16 years old regardless of their religious belief. This encourages people with different religious beliefs to meet and develop, therefore promoting good relations between people of different religious beliefs. | Positive minor |
| Political opinion | Data on political opinion is not monitored, but the service is inclusive of people with different political opinions. Programmes are designed for people over 16 years old from various backgrounds, religious beliefs and political opinions. Programmes are mixed and likely to provide an opportunity to promote good relations. | Positive minor |
| Racial group | Programmes are designed for people over 16 years old from various backgrounds, religious beliefs and political opinions. Programmes are mixed and likely to provide an opportunity to promote good relations. | Positive minor |
11. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
| Good relations category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide details |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief | Programmes are designed to be inclusive but by delivering the programmes in different locations across the region, there may be an opportunity to promote good relations. | This is not applicable |
| Political opinion | Programmes are designed to be inclusive and by delivering the programmes in different locations across the region, there may be an opportunity to promote good relations. | This is not applicable |
| Racial group | Programmes are designed to be inclusive and by delivering the programmes in different locations across the region, there may be an opportunity to promote good relations. | This is not applicable |
Section C
Belfast City Council also has legislative obligations to meet under the Disability Discrimination Order. Questions 12 and 13 relate to these areas.
Consideration of Disability Duties
12. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
Explain your assessment in full
As part of the new governance structure, the NIESS working group will seek to establish a forum which includes representatives across a range of enterprise and business support organisations, including those umbrella organisations that engage directly with underrepresented groups. This will include representatives from organisations that engage with people with disabilities who can assist with providing opportunities for the councils to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people. This engagement is important to ensure that the needs of individuals with a disability are factored into initiatives. As part of this engagement, information is regularly distributed on programmes which is distributed to disability support groups. The NIESS has also put in place tailored awareness initiatives to encourage individuals with a disability to consider starting a business as well as support to enable growth. All meetings, workshops and events will be held in venues across the region that are accessible. We will ensure full accessibility to this service by providing information in alternative formats, easy read and large font information as required. Reasonable adjustments will be addressed as appropriate.
13. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
Explain your assessment in full
Yes. Marketing activity targeted at individuals with a disability will be enhanced. Individuals who have previously participated in support will be offered the opportunity to become a role model to further increase participation.
14. Multiple identities
Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
It is unclear based on the research available, but it is likely that women with disabilities and caring responsibilities are likely to face multiple barriers.
It is recognised that the cumulative impact of multiple sources of disadvantage – low incomes, benefit dependency, low skills levels and qualifications – are likely to combine to impact on an individual’s opportunity and capacity to participate in business start-up or growth programmes.
15. Monitoring arrangements
Section 75 places a requirement the council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place:
- to assess the impact of policies and services
- to help identify barriers to fair participation
- to better promote equality of opportunity
Section 75 places a requirement for the council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place in order to assess the impact of policies and services and to help identify barriers to fair participation and to better promote equality of opportunity.
Outline what data you will collect in the future to monitor the impact of this policy or decision on equality, good relations and disability duties.
| Equality | Good Relations | Disability Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Information will be collated by delivery partners (all councils in Northern Ireland) through the CRM system and reported to Belfast City Council as lead partner on a six-monthly basis. This will enable close monitoring of the programme in the initial stages and timescales can be reviewed as the programme progresses. | Information will be collated by delivery partners (all councils in Northern Ireland) through the CRM system and reported to Belfast City Council as lead partner on a six-monthly basis. This will enable close monitoring of the programme in the initial stages and timescales can be reviewed as the programme progresses. | Ensure there are no physical barriers for disabled people in accessing events and programmes, so they can participate fully. Participation levels of disabled residents and take-up levels of accessing support. Information will be collated by delivery partners (all councils in Northern Ireland) through the CRM system and reported to Belfast City Council on a six-monthly basis This will enable close monitoring of the programme in the initial stages and timeframes can be reviewed as the programme progresses. |
| Complaints to be considered (across all council areas) | Complaints to be considered (across all council areas) | Complaints to be considered (across all council areas) |
| Unusual trends will be considered and taken into account as relevant | Unusual trends will be considered and taken into account as relevant | Unusual trends will be considered and taken into account as relevant |
We monitor and track engagement on all activity. The main purpose of this is to address operational issues. It has not been a compulsory requirement for participants to provide Section 75 data. However, to increase the level of data we are gathering through our contracts, we will revise the Equality Monitoring Form to ensure that the data we are gathering is relevant and the form is user friendly and easy to complete. It is envisaged that this data will be collected electronically at the initial contact stage. All data will be anonymised at the point of collection. This will enable us to compare and measure the impact of the NIESS on underrepresented groups across the region, specifically in each council area.
Section D
Formal record of screening decision
Title of proposed policy or decision being screened
Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (NIESS)
I can confirm that the proposed policy or decision has been screened for:
- equality of opportunity and good relations
- disability duties
| On the basis of the answers to the screening questions, I recommend that this policy or decision is | |
|---|---|
| Screened in It is necessary to conduct an equality impact assessment |
No |
|
Screened out |
Yes |
|
Screened out
All impacts are minor and positive (that is not negative), therefore we can screen out. The NIESS will introduce an electronic monitoring system for Section 75 and review it annually across council areas. NIESS will proactively target, young people, females, individuals with a disability, individuals with dependents, ethnic minorities and will provide access to tailored support to target the most under-represented groups. |
No |
Screening assessment completed by
Name: Sarah Rafter
Date: 27 June 2023
Department: Place and Economy
Screening decision approved by
Name: John Greer
Date: 4 July 2023
Department: Place and Economy
Please save the Word final version of the completed screening form and email to the Equality and Diversity Officer: equality@belfastcity.gov.uk A link to this screening form will be provided to the council's Section 75 consultees.
For more information about equality screening, contact:
Lorraine Dennis
Equality and Diversity Officer
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT1 5GS
Telephone: 028 9027 0511
Email: equality@belfastcity.gov.uk
Appendix A
Appendix A has information on each council's committee meeting that approved their delivery of Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service (NIESS).
| Local council | Council committee approval |
|---|---|
| Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council | Full council meeting on 27 March 2023. Item 12.6 covers ESS participation Redacted minutes of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council meeting (PDF opens in new window) |
| Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | Presented under confidential business on 14 February to Economic and Regeneration Committee at 6.30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre. Subsequently approved at the full council meeting on 27 February. Minutes are available on request. |
| Belfast City Council | Restricted report at Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 17 February 2023. Minutes are available on request |
| Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council | Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Leisure and Development Committee meeting on 21 February 2023 (PDF opens in new window). |
| Derry City and Strabane District Council | Meeting of Business and Culture Committee, Tuesday 7 February 2023 4.00 pm (Item BC26/23) (PDF opens in new window) |
| Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | Approval granted at Regeneration and Community Committee on 14 February 2023 at 7.00pm. Minutes are available on request. |
| Lisburn City and Castlereagh Council | Title of Committee Item: ‘New Entrepreneurship Support Service proposals – UK Shared Prosperity Fund’. Restricted: Confidential Committee Item on 2 March 2023. Minutes are available on request. |
| Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | Restricted report at the council meeting on Monday 20 February 2023 at 6.30pm in the council chamber, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena and by remote access. Minutes are available on request. |
| Mid Ulster District Council | Approved under closed business by the council’s Development Committee on 16 February 2023. Ratified by the council on 23 February 2023. |
| Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | Minutes of the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee Meeting on 16 January 2023 (PDF opens in new window) |
| Ards and North Down Borough Council | Restricted report to Place and Prosperity Committee Meeting on 5 January 2023 at 7pm. Minutes are available on request. |
Footnotes
[1] Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (link opens in new window)
[2] Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) - Maximising potential: A review of labour market outcomes for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland (this PDF opens in a new window)
[3] UUEPC and FSB – Business start-up support in Northern Ireland; a critical review and future perspectives (this PDF opens in a new window)
[4] GEM – Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Northern Ireland Report 2021 (link opens in new window)
[5] NMD Labour Market Partnership Strategic Assessment (to get a copy, email business@nmandd.org)
[6]Belfast Region City Deal Decade of Opportunity (link opens in new window)