Our Commitment to Equality

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, powers and duties, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:

between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation between men and women generally between persons with a disability and persons without between persons with dependants and persons without.

In addition, without prejudice to its obligations above, the Act requires that regard is given to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

The Council is committed to fulfilling these responsibilities.  Promoting equality and good relations is key to improving the quality of life for everyone in Ards and North Down.  

The Council has produced an Equality Scheme that explains how we intend to fulfil these duties.  This was approved by the Equality Commission on 25 March 2020.  The document can be downloaded below.  Alternatively a copy can be requested in an alternative format, including braille and minority languages, by contacting the Council on 0300 013 3333.

Equality Annual Reports from 2015 to 2022 are also available on request.

For more information contact the Equality and Safeguarding Officer on 0300 013 3333 (07718 159 275 sms text only) or email: sian.mcconnell-porter@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Council Equality Scheme (full document) (PDF, 542 KB) (opens new window)

Council Equality Scheme (summary document) (PDF, 204 KB) (opens new window)

Equality Action Plan 2020-25 (PDF, 245 KB) (opens new window)

Making our services accessible

Please visit Disability to learn about the some of the ways we are working to make our services more accessible to everyone.

Language

If you require information from this website in a different language please contact sian.mcconnell-porter@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk