Appendix 1 Equality Screening Form Policy Scoping
Policy Title:
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Heritage Strategy
Brief Description of Policy (please attach copy if available). Please state if it is a new, existing or amended policy. New The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Heritage Strategy is a new strategy for the Borough. Its aim is to have joined-up leadership for heritage, with communities, partners and the Council working together. It will mean sustainable delivery, supported by clear governance, adequate resources and more diversified funding. The Heritage Strategy identifies a series of strategically aligned objectives and actions for taking forward in the Borough to support heritage in all its forms; Built, Natural and Cultural. It will mean better places, with buildings, parks and landscapes maintained, reused, and brought back to life. It will also mean wider participation, where volunteers are supported, young people are engaged, and a broader range of inclusive stories is shared. The new plan contains 10 key objectives and 18 actions and is built on a diverse engagement process throughout its development. Intended aims/outcomes. What is the policy trying to achieve? The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Heritage Strategy is the creation of a new Heritage Strategy for the Borough. The aim of the strategy is to have joined-up leadership for heritage, with communities, partners and the Council working together. The Heritage Strategy identifies a series of strategically aligned objectives and actions to support heritage in all its forms; Built, Natural and Cultural. It will mean better places, with buildings, parks and landscapes maintained, reused, and brought back to life. It will also mean wider participation, where volunteers are supported, young people are engaged, and a broader range of inclusive stories is shared.
The Strategy details three themes: - Establish & Advocate - Protect & Invest - Engage & Support Alongside these themes, ten objectives have been identified to guide our strategic direction over the next decade. Their aim is to strengthen leadership and coordination, improve the care and use of buildings and landscapes and expand opportunities for communities and young people to connect with heritage. Ten Objectives: 1. Establish collaborative governance, leadership and partnership structures to embed heritage as a priority across the Borough 2. Enhance the sustainability of local heritage by celebrating new and existing contributions and providing recognition and networks 3. Advocate and prioritise heritage across local, regional and national bodies 4. Promote the Borough’s identity to support heritage-led regeneration and attract investment 5. Build a strong evidence base by auditing and mapping our heritage, giving us the tools to make informed decisions and unlock investment 6. Champion collaborative action to ensure our built, natural and cultural heritage is revitalised and resilient for the future 7. Identify, protect and enhance opportunities for growth and development of key designated sites within the Borough 8. Create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with our heritage. 9. Increase participation by expanding volunteering and by supporting informal and formal education opportunities 10. Help and support communities to access the resources they need to explore their heritage Informed by these objectives, a set of actions has been developed to respond directly to our communities’ priorities, i.e. stronger leadership, visible investment in places and more inclusive participation. A mid-point review in 2031 will track progress, refresh evidence and shape the next phase of delivery through to 2036. The Heritage Strategy is made up of nine chapters:
Chapter 1, introduces the heritage of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, The Place, The People and support of the Heritage Places Strategic The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Chapter 2, provides an overview of heritage in the borough in its various forms; Built, Natural and Cultural – heritage both tangible and intangible. Chapter 3, introduces a compendium of heritage institutions within the Borough, those who play a vital role in the education, tourism and community life, connecting both local and global heritage. Chapter 4, an overview of the numerous designated heritage assets, including individual buildings, monuments and green spaces, as well as areas that have collective heritage value. Chapter 5, highlights the heritage strengths of the Borough; the potential, opportunity and grass roots energy, alongside the challenges of collaboration, fiscal, performance, environment and disconnect with community. Chapter 6, aligns a wide range of policies and strategies at local, regional and national level which support and influenced heritage in the Borough. These frameworks highlight how heritage connects to our three strategic themes. Chapter 7, focuses on how we approached engagement with the community, stakeholders, how we engaged with people to gain feedback to inform this strategy. It also shares an overview of what they told us. Chapter 8, this chapter looks to the future, setting out the vision for 2036, along with the themes that will guide how heritage in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough can flourish over the next decade and beyond. Chapter 9, shares the action plan that translates the themes and objectives into practical steps, over 2029-2036. It also highlights the importance of partnership for the delivery of the strategy, and details on the evaluation framework. Policy Framework Has the policy been developed in response to statutory requirements, legal advice or on the basis of any other professional advice? Does this affect the discretion available to The Council to amend the policy? The development of this strategy has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places strategic initiative. This Heritage Strategy is the first output of this new approach and provides a strong foundation for future action.
In October 2023, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough was announced as one of the first nine of up to 20 places across the UK to be designated a Heritage Place by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Heritage Places is part of the Heritage Fund’s ten-year strategy, Heritage 2033, which aims to make heritage integral to local life - making better places to live, work and visit. This designation is a real opportunity to take a long-term strategic, heritage-led approach to placemaking in order to boost pride and make stronger connections across whole places rather than individual projects. It invites partnership and collaboration between local communities, key stakeholders and Council. Are there any Section 75 categories which might be expected to benefit from the policy? If so, please outline. All Section 75 groups should benefit from the implementation of the Heritage Strategy. The draft strategy has engaged Section 75 groups in its development, and we will hold further engagement workshops during the public consultation stage. Who initiated or wrote the policy (if The Council decision, please state).
Who is
responsible for implementing the policy? Who initiated or wrote the policy?
This strategy has been created collaboratively through the Heritage Places Project Team which is made up of representatives from ABC Council. Starling Start and Arris Heritage Consulting were appointed by ABC Council to develop, engage and write the strategy.
Who
is
responsible
implementation?
for The Heritage Strategy is for the entire ABC Borough, it will be implemented through strong partnership with the community, key stakeholders along with the Council.
Are there any factors which might contribute to or detract from the implementation of the policy (e.g. financial, legislative, other)? The Heritage Strategy is dependent on buy in, commitment and resources of all potential partners and strategic and community partners, along with the Council, who will be required to lead the delivery of the strategy.
Main stakeholders in relation to the policy Please list main stakeholders affected by the policy (Tick all that apply) Staff
⛝
Customers
⛝
Other Statutory Bodies
⛝
Community or Voluntary Sector
⛝
Private sector
⛝
Other
Residents; Businesses; other persons interested in the
social, economic or environmental wellbeing of the area; Business Partnership Alliance; Elected Members; Are there any other policies with a bearing on this policy? If so, please identify them and how they impact on this policy. Click or tap here to enter text. Available Evidence The Council should ensure that its screening decisions are informed by relevant data. What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative) have you gathered to inform this policy? Specify details for each of the Section 75 categories. For up to date S75 Borough Statistics The evidence gathered between August 2024 and October 2025 from the following engagement methods/sessions was considered to develop the Heritage Strategy, and a total of 7781 people (which included Section 75 groups) have been consulted: o
Online Surveys (217 responses),
o
Drop-ins (285 conversation across 7 DEAs/PCSP Age Friendly Conference)
o
1-2-1 Meetings (72 conversations)
o
Stakeholder Workshops (132 participants across 20 workshops)
o
Schools Programme (36 Schools – Primary, Secondar, Further Education)
o
Events (21)
Section 75 Evidence category Religious belief
Political opinion
Religious Belief 43.8% of residents in the borough on Census Day 2021 belong to or were brought up in the Catholic religion and 46.7% belong to or were brought up in a Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related) religion. A further 1.2% belonged to or had been brought up in other religions while 8.2% neither belonged to, nor had been brought up in a religion. Religion or Religion Armagh City, % Brought Up In Banbridge and Craigavon Catholic 95,868 43.8% Protestant and Other 102,063 46.7% Christian Other 2,697 1.2% None 18,028 8.2% Total 218,656 100.0% Table 1: Religion or religion brought up in of residents in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Religion or Religion Brought Up In – MS-B23, Census 2021, NISRA. Political Opinion Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has 41 elected members. A breakdown of results of the Local Government Election in May 2023 for the borough are as follows: • Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) – 13 • Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) – 6 • Sinn Fein – 15 • Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) – 1 • Alliance – 4 • Independent – 1 • Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) - 1 A total of 87,684 votes were polled in the borough from an eligible electorate of 155,625 giving a turnout of 56.34%. This breakdown is taken as an approximate representation of the political opinion of people within the borough.
Racial group
The ABC elected members/DEA representatives were invited to give ideas and feedback on the Heritage Strategy on two separate occasions to date during the development stage. Racial group Ethnicity Results from the 2021 Census showed that 96.7% of the usually resident population of the borough were white and 3.3% were from minority ethnic
Ethnicity
Armagh City, Banbridge and % Craigavon White 211,429 96.69% Irish Traveller 534 0.24% Roma 205 0.09% Indian 617 0.28% Chinese 683 0.31% Filipino 406 0.19% Pakistani 278 0.13% Arab 116 0.05% Other Asian 581 0.27% Black African 1,132 0.52% Black Other 519 0.24% Mixed 1,652 0.76% Other ethnicities 506 0.23% Total 218,658 100% groups. The main ethnic minorities were Mixed (1,652 individuals), Black African (1,132 individuals) and Chinese (683 individuals). Table 2: Ethnic group of residents in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Table: MS-B01 Ethnic Group, Census 2021, NISRA. Country of Birth Results from the 2021 Census show that 85.5% of residents in the borough were born in Northern Ireland. The borough had 8.6% of residents, or 18,836 individuals, who were born outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland. Country of Birth Armagh City, % Banbridge and Craigavon Northern Ireland 186,924 85.49% England 7,003 3.20% Scotland 1,419 0.65% Wales 332 0.15% Republic of Ireland 4,142 1.89% Other EU countries 13,490 6.17% Other non-EU countries 555 0.25% Africa 1,114 0.51% Middle East and Asia 2,520 1.15% North America, Central America and 622 0.28% Caribbean South America 246 0.11% Antarctica, Oceania and Other 289 0.13% Total 218,656 100% Table 3: Country of birth of residents in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Table MS-A16 Country of Birth, Census 2021, NISRA.
Main Language Results from Census 2021 show that 6.8% of residents in the borough aged 3+ years (14,376 individuals) spoke a language other than English as their main language. In Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough in 2021, the most prevalent main languages other than English were Polish (1.7%) and Lithuanian (1.2%). Main Language Armagh City, % Banbridge and Craigavon English 196,026 93.17% Polish 3,551 1.69% Lithuanian 2,611 1.24% Irish 429 0.20% Romanian 768 0.37% Portuguese 1,777 0.84% Arabic 234 0.11% Bulgarian 1,469 0.70% Chinese (not otherwise 0.09% specified) 183 Slovak 375 0.18% Hungarian 357 0.17% Spanish 116 0.06% Latvian 468 0.22% Russian 322 0.15% Tetun 269 0.13% Other languages 1,447 0.69% Total (Aged 3+) 210,402 100% Table 4: Main language of residents aged 3+ in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Table MS-B12 Main Language, Census 2021, NISRA. Age
Age The population of the borough was estimated to be 218,656 on Census Day 2021, the profile of which is shown below. Age Group Armagh City, % Banbridge and Craigavon 0 – 15 years 48,243 22.06% 16 – 24 years 21,774 9.96% 25 – 49 years 72,023 32.94% 50 – 64 years 41,626 19.04% 65 and over 34,990 16.0% Total 218,656 100.0% Table 5: Age profile of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough at Census Day 2021. Source: Table MS-A06 Age Structure, Census 2021
The age profile of the borough is projected to change between 2020 and 2043 with an ageing population. It is projected that in 2033, the proportion of older people in the borough (those aged 65 and over) will be higher than the proportion of children (those aged 15 and under). The proportion of those aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 15.7% in 2020 to 22.1% in 2043. The proportion of those aged under 16 is projected to decrease from 22.5% in 2020 to 18.9% in 2043.
Heritage Places Autumn Survey Respondants Age 60 50 40
30 20 10 0 16-20 21-30 30-40 31-40 40-50 41-50 50-60 51-60 61-70
70+
71-80
The majority of survey respondents were in the 61–70 years age bracket, followed closely by 51–60 years.
Marital status
A combination of 90.32% of the survey respondents were aged 30+ years. This highlights a lack of engagement by children and young people via the survey. This was recognised during the engagement phase and separate activities for children and young people were delivered: - Schools programme with 32 Schools (Primary & Secondary) - Traditional Play activities To further engage with persons with the Age Friendly category we attended PCSP Age Friendly event and arranged an event as part of Age Friendly Month (Oct 2025). Marital Status The 2021 Census provides information on the marital and civil partnership status of those aged 16 and over. Almost half of residents aged 16+ in the borough were married (49.0%) while just over 35% were single (never married or never in a registered same-sex civil partnership). Marital and Civil Partnership Status
All usual residents aged 16 and over
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 170,411
%
100.0%
Single (never married or never registered civil partnership) Married In a civil partnership Separated (but still legally married or still legally in a civil partnership) Divorced or formerly in a civil partnership which is now legally dissolved Widowed or surviving partner from a civil partnership
60,075
35.3%
83,523 307 5,833
49.0% 0.2% 3.4%
10,253
6.0%
10,420
6.1%
Table 6: Marital and civil partnership status of residents aged 16+ in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Marital and Civil Partnership Status – Table MS-A30, Census 2021, NISRA. Sexual Sexual Orientation The question on sexual orientation was new for the 2021 Census and was orientation asked of all people aged 16 and over. However, while completing the census is a legal obligation, there was no statutory penalty for those people who failed to provide an answer to the question on sexual orientation. Just 1.5% of the population aged 16 and over in the borough identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other (LGB+) while 90.5% identified as straight or heterosexual and 8% did not provide an answer to the question. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Number % All usual residents aged 16 and over 170,413 100.0% Straight or heterosexual 154,259 90.5% Lesbian, gay, bisexual or other (LGB+) 2,497 1.5% Gay or lesbian 1,378 0.8% Bisexual 901 0.5% Other sexual orientation 218 0.1% No sexual orientation stated 13,657 8.0% Prefer not to say 8,290 4.9% Not stated 5,367 3.1% Table 7: Sexual Orientation of residents aged 16 and over in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough and Northern Ireland, 2021. Source: Table MS-C01, Census 2021. Men and Men and Women Generally The 2021 Census showed that in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon women Borough 49.5% (108,268) of usual residents were male and 50.5% (110,388) generally were female. Disability Disability According to the 2021 Census, more than one in five people in the borough (22% or 48,726 individuals) had a limiting long-term health problem or disability.
Census 2021 results are disaggregated by broad age bands and the results show the prevalence of a limiting long-term health problem or disability is related to age1. Almost 57% of the population aged 65+ in the borough had a limiting long-term health problem or disability compared to 6% of those aged between 0-14. Population With a limiting Percentage long term health problem or disability 0-14 45,420 2,759 6.1% 15-39 67,700 7,367 10.9% 40-64 70,547 18,715 26.5% 65+ 34,990 19,885 56.8% All ages 218,657 48,726 22.3% Table 8: Limiting long-term health problem or disability by age band, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Source: Table MS-D02, Census 2021. Benefit statistics from the Department for Communities showed that as of May 2025 there were: • 3,250 or 6.7% of under 16 eligible population and 4,150 or 12% of pension age eligible population claiming Disability Living Allowance. • 6,960 or 20.2% of 66+ population claiming Attendance Allowance. • 22,540 Personal Independent Payment claims in payment (experimental statistics).
Dependants
1
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provides a non-contributory, non meanstested and tax-free contribution towards the disability-related extra costs of severely disabled people who can claim help with those costs before the age of 16. Claimants who were 65 or over at the time of introduction of PIP in NI (June 2016) and who were receiving a life-time award will continue to receive DLA, providing they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Attendance Allowance (AA) provides a non-contributory, non-means-tested and tax-free contribution towards the disability-related extra costs of severely disabled people who are of State Pension Age and over when they claim help with those costs. It can be awarded for a fixed or an indefinite period. Personal Independent Payment (PIP) provides a non-contributory, non means-tested and tax-free contribution towards the disability-related extra costs of people aged over 16 who claim help with those costs. Claimants who were 65 or over at the time of introduction of PIP in NI (June 2016) and who were receiving a life time award continue to receive DLA, providing they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Dependants The 2021 Census showed that 32% or 27,192 households in the borough contained dependent children.
Census 2021 Main statistics for Northern Ireland - Statistical bulletin - Health (nisra.gov.uk)
Results from the 2021 Census also show that 12% of the borough’s population aged 5 years old and over (or 24,741 individuals) provided unpaid care. Of those who provided unpaid support: ▪ ▪ ▪
46% provided 1 – 19 hours per week 24% provided 20 – 49 hours per week 30% provided 50+ hours per week.
Benefit statistics from the Department for Communities show that at May 2025, there were 8,410 people (4.8% of eligible population) claiming Carer’s Allowance in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. Carer's Allowance (CA) is a non-contributory benefit for people: • who look after a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week • who are not gainfully employed (i.e. not earning more than £196 per week after certain deductions) • who are not subject to immigration control • who are not in full-time education • are aged 16 and over The severely disabled person must be getting either the highest or middle rate of Disability Living Allowance care component, or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment, or Attendance Allowance, or a Constant Attendance Allowance at the maximum rate under the War Pensions or Industrial Injuries Scheme. Some claimants are entitled to receive Carers Allowance, because they satisfy the conditions listed above, but do not actually receive a payment. This is because they receive another benefit (e.g. Incapacity Benefit for people of working age, or State Pension for people of State Pension age) which equals or exceeds their weekly rate of Carers Allowance. Where the overlapping benefit paid is less than the weekly rate of CA, only the amount of CA which exceeds the amount of the overlapping benefit is paid. Carers who are on low income and entitled to Carer's Allowance (whether in payment or not) may receive extra money with their Income. Needs, experiences and priorities Taking into account the information gathered above, what are the different needs, experiences and priorities of each of the following categories in relation to this particular policy/decision? Section 75 category
Needs, experiences and priorities
Religious belief
No information available
Political opinion
•
There was strong support for promoting a shared history that embraces diverse traditions, helping to
Marital status
foster understanding, inclusion, and healing within the community • Participants stressed the need to address fragmentation and ensure rural, urban, and isolated areas are connected physically and through shared identity. • Participants also agreed that heritage must reflect the full diversity of the borough, from Orange traditions to Irish language, from farming heritage to literary legends. People want to see everyone in the story. • Engagement showed that Heritage can be mixed and varied. Many of the families we spoke to were multinational and heritage cannot be inclusive to one community. Heritage must be inclusive of all communities within our borough. ● They emphasised that heritage can be inclusive when it reflects all cultures, and that all forms of heritage deserve respect. ● One delegate highlighted the integration of Polish and Northern Irish traditions, noting the warmth of community connections while also stressing the need for greater respect and education to ensure heritage is truly encompassing. • Participants highlighted the importance of intergenerational learning and respect as a core aspect of heritage. • They emphasised the need to educate younger generations about past sacrifices, to encourage respect for older people, and to pass on traditions such as family trees, manners, and social values. Intergenerational understanding was seen as vital for strengthening community ties and ensuring continuity of shared values • Young people are often missing, with a gap in meaningful engagement for teens and young adults. • Survey respondents highlighted the importance of enhancing heritage education in schools, ensuring that younger generations develop a deeper understanding of their local history and traditions. • Communities want children and young adults actively involved, as learners, creators, and cultural leaders No information available
Sexual orientation
No information available
Men and women generally
No information available
Disability
No information available
Dependants
No information available
Racial group
Age
Screening Questions 1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy for each of the Section 75 categories? Category
Policy Impact
Level of impact (Major/minor/none)
Religious belief Political opinion
Racial group
Age
No negative impact There are actions proposed within the Heritage Strategy Action Plan to deliver community led programmes, events, activities and classes for people of all political opinion. There are actions proposed within the Heritage Strategy Action Plan to deliver community led programmes, events, activities and classes for people of all backgrounds. There are actions proposed within the Heritage Strategy Action Plan to deliver community led programmes, events, activities and classes for people of all ages.
Marital status
No negative impact
Sexual orientation
No negative impact
Men and women generally
No negative impact
Disability
No negative impact
Dependants
No negative impact
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the Section 75 categories? Category
If yes, provide details
Religious belief
Many of the proposed actions in the Heritage
Political opinion
If no, provide reasons
Racial group Age Marital status Sexual orientation Men and women generally Disability Dependants
Strategy advocate for the co-design and for community involvement, e.g. the need for stronger partnership with the community, stakeholders and council working together; for community led programmes and provide opportunity for people to meet and work together.
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion, or racial group? Category
Details of Policy Impact
Level
of
impact
(major/minor/none) Religious belief
Political opinion
Racial group
The effective implementation of the Heritage Strategy will deliver outcomes for all members of the local community, visitors and partners regardless of religious belief. The effective implementation of the Heritage Strategy will deliver outcomes for all members of the local community, visitors and partners regardless of political opinion. The effective implementation of the Heritage Strategy will deliver outcomes for all members of the local community, visitors and partners regardless of racial group
Major ☐ Minor ⛝ None ☐
Major ☐ Minor ⛝ None ☐
Major ☐ Minor ⛝ None ☐
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? Category
If yes, provide details
Religious belief
Opportunities for the collaboration and exploration of heritage for all
If no, provide reasons
groups, through networks and cocreated programmes. Opportunities for the collaboration and exploration of heritage for all groups, through networks and cocreated programmes. Opportunities for the collaboration and exploration of heritage for all groups, through networks and co-created programmes.
Political opinion
Racial group
Multiple Identity Generally speaking, people fall into more than one Section 75 category (for example: disabled minority ethnic people; disabled women; young Protestant men; young lesbian, gay and bisexual people). Provide details of data on the impact of the policy on people with multiple identities. Specify relevant s75 categories concerned. No impact anticipated Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006 Is there an opportunity for the policy to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people? Yes, the Heritage Strategy will develop a partnership involving representatives from a cross section of organisations to inform how the outcomes and actions contained within the strategy can promote positive attitudes towards disabled people as they are designed. Is there an opportunity for the policy to encourage participation by disabled people in public life? Yes
⛝
No
☐
Please explain Yes, the Heritage Strategy will develop a partnership involving representatives from a cross section of organisations to inform how the outcomes and actions contained within the strategy can promote positive attitudes towards disabled people as they are designed
Screening Decision A: NO IMPACT IDENTIFIED ON ANY CATEGORY – EQIA UNNECESSARY Please identify reasons for this below N/A B: MINOR IMPACT IDENTIFIED – EQIA NOT CONSIDERED NECESSARY AS IMPACT CAN BE ELIMINATED OR MITIGATED Where the impact is likely to be minor, you should consider if the policy can be mitigated, or an alternative policy introduced. If so, an EQIA may not be considered necessary. You must indicate the reasons for this decision below, together with details of measures to mitigate the adverse impact or the alternative policy proposed. It is recommended the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Heritage Plan not be subject to an EQIA. The Heritage Strategy has been developed following an extensive engagement and research phase. This included online surveys, engagement with young people and older people, live engagement exercises, and engagement with local community groups, key stakeholders and partners. Desktop research of the available evidence from NISRA and Statutory Partners was compiled to support the development of the Heritage Strategy. Common themes identified were: •Promoting a shared history, where “everyone is in the story” •Heritage cannot be inclusive to one community, it must be of all communities in our borough •Intergenerational learning should be a core aspect of heritage •Younger generations need to develop a deeper understanding of their local history and traditions. These are reflected in the actions in the strategy, and the strategy commits to the development of a partnership to engage in ongoing dialogue with S75 groups to ensure that their needs are addressed in its implementation. C: MAJOR IMPACT IDENTIFIED – EQIA REQUIRED If the decision is to conduct an equality impact assessment, please provide details of the reasons.
N/A Timetabling and Prioritising If the policy has been screened in for equality impact assessment, please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment. On a scale of 1-3 with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 being the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment. Policy Criterion
Rating (1-3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations Social need Effect on people’s daily lives The total rating score should be used to prioritise the policy in rank order with other policies screened in for equality impact assessment. This list of priorities will assist the Council in timetabling its EQIAs. Is the policy affected by timetables established by other relevant public authorities? If yes, please give details. Yes
☐
No
⛝
If yes give details
Click or tap here to enter text.
Monitoring Effective monitoring will help the authority identify any future adverse impact arising from the policy. It is recommended that where a policy has been amended or an alternative policy introduced to mitigate adverse impact, monitoring be undertaken on a broader basis to identify any impact (positive or adverse). Further information on monitoring is available in the Equality Commission’s guidance on monitoring (www.equalityni.org). Identify how the impact of the policy is to be monitored
It is the intention of this Heritage Strategy to implement a Local-level framework over the entire lifecycle of the strategy and not just at the end. A mid-point review in 2031 will track progress, refresh evidence and shape the next phase of delivery through to 2036. As delivery milestones become more specific, progress on achieving the objectives will be reported on, annually. Approval and Authorisation A copy of the screening form for each policy screened should be signed off by the senior manager responsible for that policy. The screening recommendation should be reported to the relevant Committee/The Council when the policy is submitted for approval. Screened by
Position/Job title
Date
Sarah Cargill
Regeneration Project Officer
24/11/2025
Approved by
Position/Job Title
Date
Brian Johnston
Head of Tourism, Arts & 26/11/2025 Culture
Please forward a copy of the completed policy and form to: Equality@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk who will ensure these are made available on the Council’s website. The above officer is also responsible for issuing reports on a quarterly basis on those policies “screened out for EQIA”. This allows stakeholders who disagree with this recommendation to submit their views. In the event of any stakeholder disagreeing with the decision to screen out any policy, the screening exercise will be reviewed.
Appendix 2 Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) SECTION 1 Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 1A. Name of Public Authority: Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough The Council 1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Heritage Strategy 1C Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to: Developing a
☐Policy
⛝Strategy
☐Plan/Procedure
☐ Activity
Adopting a
☐Policy
☐Strategy
☐Plan/Procedure
☐ Activity
Implementing a
☐Policy
☐Strategy
☐Plan/Procedure
☐ Activity
Revising a
☐Policy
☐Strategy
☐Plan/Procedure
☐ Activity
Designing a Public Service
☐
Delivering a Public Service
☐
1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Heritage Strategy 1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service The Strategy details three themes: - Establish & Advocate - Protect & Invest
- Engage & Support Alongside these themes, ten objectives have been identified to guide our strategic direction over the next decade. Their aim is to strengthen leadership and coordination, improve the care and use of buildings and landscapes and expand opportunities for communities and young people to connect with heritage. Ten Objectives: 1. Establish collaborative governance, leadership and partnership structures to embed heritage as a priority across the Borough 2. Enhance the sustainability of local heritage by celebrating new and existing contributions and providing recognition and networks 3. Advocate and prioritise heritage across local, regional and national bodies 4. Promote the Borough’s identity to support heritage-led regeneration and attract investment 5. Build a strong evidence base by auditing and mapping our heritage, giving us the tools to make informed decisions and unlock investment 6. Champion collaborative action to ensure our built, natural and cultural heritage is revitalised and resilient for the future 7. Identify, protect and enhance opportunities for growth and development of key designated sites within the Borough 8. Create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with our heritage. 9. Increase participation by expanding volunteering and by supporting informal and formal education opportunities 10. Help and support communities to access the resources they need to explore their heritage Informed by these objectives, a set of actions has been developed to respond directly to our communities’ priorities, i.e. stronger leadership, visible investment in places and more inclusive participation. A mid-point review in 2031 will track progress, refresh evidence and shape the next phase of delivery through to 2036. 1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service? Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition
⛝
Other Definition (Provide details and the rationale below)
☐
A definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable
☐
Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used N/A Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’ N/A Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A SECTION 2 Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service 2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas? Yes
⛝
No
☐
If response is No go to 2E
2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough is 51.1% urban, 48.9% non-urban, the Heritage Strategy advocates an approach that seeks to include, support and make visible the smaller towns, villages and rural places that feel forgotten. This approach seeks to protect the rural landscape but also to serve the people in rural areas to access support and activities to ensure that they are included in the Borough’s story. The strategy will impact positively on people in rural areas who visit, shop, and live in the Borough. The Heritage Strategy offers many actions to deliver community led programmes, events, activities and classes for people across the entire Borough, including those from rural areas.
2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently. The actions contained within the Heritage Strategy will be beneficial to both urban and rural dwellers. 2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on. Rural Businesses
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Rural Tourism
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Rural Housing
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Jobs or Employment in Rural Areas
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Education or Training in Rural Areas
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Broadband or Mobile Communications in Rural Areas
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Transport Services or Infrastructure in Rural Areas
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Health or Social Care Services in Rural Areas
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Poverty in Rural Areas
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Deprivation in Rural Areas
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Rural Crime or Community Safety
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Rural Development
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Agri-Environment
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Other (Please state) Click or tap here to enter text. If the response to Section 2A was YES GO TO Section 3A. 2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas. N/A
SECTION 3 Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas 3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service? Yes
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No
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If response is No go to 3E
3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas. Consultation with Rural Stakeholders
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Consultation with Other organisations
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Published Statistics
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Research Papers
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Surveys or Questionnaires
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Other Publications
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Other Methods or Information Sources (include details in Question 3C below)
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3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc. • A Borough-wide online survey that gathered 217 responses, many of which came from rural settlements and locations. The map below shows the locations from each survey response
• Engagement events held in person during August 2024 and October 2025 involving a number of rural dwellers. • A school’s programme which engaged with 1440 children across 36 schools, some of which were in rural locations throughout the Borough. 3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority? Visibility, support and inclusion in the Borough’s Heritage Story. If the response to Section 3A was YES GO TO Section 4A.
3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas? N/A
SECTION 4 Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas 4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas. Rural places feel forgotten. Smaller towns and villages want visibility, support, and inclusion in the Borough’s story. Everyday stories matter, from field names to family recipes, people want ‘ordinary’ heritage to be celebrated. SECTION 5 Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service 5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified? Yes
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No
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If response is No go to 5C
5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified. The actions identified in the Heritage Strategy have been informed by thorough research and extensive engagement with the community, key stakeholders, Section 75 groups with the goal of bringing tangible and effective changes in the Borough to support heritage in all its forms; Built, Natural and Cultural. It will mean better places, with buildings, parks and landscapes maintained, reused, and brought back to life. It will also mean wider participation, where volunteers are supported, young people are engaged, and a broader range of inclusive stories is shared. If the response to Section 5A was YES go to 6A. 5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.
SECTION 6 Documenting and Recording 6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance. I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained, and relevant information compiled. Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by:
Sarah Cargill
Position:
Regeneration Project Officer
Department / Directorate:
Tourism, Arts & Culture
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Signature: Date:
26/11/2025
Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by:
Brian Johnston
Position:
Head of Tourism, Arts & Culture
Department / Directorate:
Tourism, Arts & Culture
Signature:
Date:
27/11/2025