Equality Action Plan 2026-2030 by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

INTRODUCTION This Equality Action Plan sets out the Council’s commitments to promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and ensuring inclusion for everyone who lives, works, visits, or engages with our services. It reflects our statutory responsibilities under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and demonstrates our commitment to creating a Borough where all individuals feel respected, represented, and able to participate fully in civic and community life. The actions contained in this Plan outline a clear programme of work for the coming years. They build on the progress already made by the Council through its Equality Scheme, inclusive policies, accessibility initiatives and ongoing partnership with local communities and stakeholders. The Plan also reflects our ambition to be a modern, forward looking, people-centric organisation—one that embraces innovation, champions fairness, and recognises the diverse contributions of all residents.

CONTACT INFORMATION If you require this document in an alternative format or would like more information about the Equality Action Plan, please contact: Accessibility & Inclusion Officer Antrim Civic Centre 50 Stiles Way Antrim BT41 2UB E. Accessibility@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Alternative formats available on request, including braille, audio, large print, Easy Read, and translations.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT The Council operates within a strong legal framework designed to advance equality and human rights. The principal legislative drivers include: • Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which places a statutory duty on public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across nine equality categories, and to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group. • The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006, which require public authorities to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people and encourage the participation of disabled people in public life. • The Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016, placing a duty on public authorities to consider rural needs in the development and delivery of policies and services.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

• Additional policy drivers, including the Council’s Corporate Plan, Community Plan, and commitments relating to accessibility, inclusive design, good relations, safeguarding, wellbeing and responsible employment. This Equality Action Plan sits alongside the Council’s Equality Scheme, which sets out how we fulfil our statutory equality duties. The Action Plan provides a practical roadmap to deliver on those commitments through targeted, measurable actions.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EQUALITY ACTION PLAN The Equality Action Plan has been developed through a broad process of research, engagement and internal reflection. In preparing the Plan, the Council considered a range of information, feedback and good‑practice guidance to ensure that the actions are relevant, achievable and aligned with our overall responsibilities. This work included benchmarking with other Councils, reviewing equality‑related evidence, listening to views shared through various engagement activities, and working with Elected Members, and staff across Council services to identify priority areas for improvement. The Council also drew on recognised guidance and local insights to ensure the Plan reflects current needs and supports a consistent and intersectional approach to promoting fairness and inclusion. The Equality Action Plan aligns with the Council’s values and the developing “We See You” equality, diversity and inclusion identity. It reinforces our commitment to creating a Council that is open, welcoming and fair for everyone, and to ensuring that equality considerations remain a core part of how we plan, design and deliver our services.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

OVERVIEW OF PRIORITY AREAS The Equality Action Plan is structured around six key priority themes, each supporting an inclusive, fair and responsive Council:

PRIORITY 1: INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES Ensuring that all services—digital, physical and face to face—are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse users. This includes improvements in accessibility, communications, inclusive design, play, events, facilities and service delivery.

PRIORITY 2: PARTICIPATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS Strengthening relationships with communities, increasing opportunities for participation, and promoting inclusion through events, campaigns, consultation, awareness raising and safe spaces to engage.

PRIORITY 3: WORKFORCE EQUALITY AND INCLUSION Ensuring the Council is an inclusive employer where diversity and dignity are recognised and valued. This includes EDI policies, staff networks, accreditations, wellbeing initiatives, diversity data, and commitments to a respectful and safe workplace culture. We aspire to be an employer of choice.

PRIORITY 4: STRENGTHENING EQUALITY GOVERNANCE Embedding equality in decision making structures, ensuring effective accountability and transparency, and supporting compliance with statutory obligations. This includes governance structures, training, screening processes, reporting, and the development of ethical and inclusive approaches to emerging areas such as artificial intelligence.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 5: REDUCING HEALTH INEQUALITIES AND PROMOTING INCLUSIVE WELLBEING Addressing health inequalities by improving accessibility of leisure and wellbeing services, supporting breastfeeding, promoting active ageing, enhancing staff training, and collaborating with local partners to advance inclusive health outcomes.

PRIORITY 6: INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Promoting fair access to employment and skills development both within the Council and across the Borough. This includes inclusive recruitment, employability support for underrepresented groups, entrepreneurship initiatives, and partnership programmes that widen economic participation. Together, these priorities form a comprehensive programme of work aimed at reducing inequalities, promoting participation, and building an inclusive and equitable Borough where everyone can thrive.

MONITORING, REPORTING AND GOVERNANCE Delivery of this Action Plan will be overseen by the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) governance framework, ensuring clear accountability across all departments. Progress will be: • Monitored quarterly through the EDI Staff Operational Group • Reported to and steered bi-annually by the EDI Elected Member Working Group • Reported annually to the Corporate Leadership Team • Published in line with our Equality Scheme commitments • Submitted to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland as required • Informed by ongoing engagement with communities, staff and stakeholders The Plan is intended as a living document and may be updated to reflect new needs, emerging priorities, or statutory guidance.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 1: INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES Table 1: The action plan is set out under the following headings: action, responsibility lead, timescale, outcomes, measures and targets. Ref

Action

Section 75 Category

Responsibility Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

1.1

Review and improve digital accessibility to ensure Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)1 compliant

Disability; Age

Communications

Year 4

Improved accessibility of online services

Website compliance rating

100% compliance by 2030; 100% Communications and Marketing staff

1.2

Develop inclusive and accessible All communications (plain English, Easy Read, British Sign Language, braille, audio, multilingual content) and inclusive design patterns (name, formats, demographic identifiers, inclusive facets, diverse illustrations)

Communications & Marketing; Customer Services

Years 3–4

Council information is accessible to all residents

Staff trained; accessible content outputs; website accessibility tools usage

1.3

Continue Inclusive Play agenda including accessible equipment in parks and sensory play

Disability; Dependents; Age

Parks & Estates

Years 1–4

Disabled children can access and play in parks

% new/refurbished 100% of parks parks meeting with inclusive inclusive design briefs equipment/ sensory play by 2030

1.4

Provide inclusive and accessible waste services including assisted lift2 and additional capacity collections

Disability; Dependents; Age

Waste & Sustainability

Year 2

Residents with additional needs can access waste services

Number of assisted lifts and amount of additional capacity; accessible leaflets; customer satisfaction data

https://www.w3.org/

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/bins-recycling/special-collection-assisted-lift/

100% Communications staff trained by 2028; compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards

Annual increase in assisted lift or additional capacity uptake; accessible calendar available on request

The Council can provide a special assisted collection for residents who, due to their age or disability, are unable to present or retrieve their own bin(s) and have no other means of support to do this. Subject to certain criteria, residents can apply for larger capacity domestic waste collections.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

PRIORITY 1: INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES Ref

Action

Section 75 Category

Responsibility Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

1.5

Consider/Implement inclusive design principles3 for all new capital projects

Disability; Dependents; Age

Capital Development;

Years 1–4

Equality embedded at design stage

Number of projects meeting standards; consultation with S75 groups

100% new capital projects meeting inclusive design standards by 2030

Introduce Carer Companion Ticket Policy for Council events and facilities (supported by Council’s Arts Advisory Panel)

Disability; Dependents

Arts & Culture,

Years 1–3

Disabled people Policy adopted; can attend events uptake rate without financial disadvantage

Review and improve the accessibility of toilets, maintain and promote Changing Places4 toilet facilities

Disability

Senior Responsible Officer; Capital Development; Accessibility and Inclusion; Communications

Years 3-4

Increased accessibility for Disabled customers attending Council facilities and events

1.6

1.7

Senior Responsible Officer Accessibility & Inclusion, Leisure

Borough-wide implementation by 2030

Number of accessible Increase in choice toilets and Changing of available Places facilities Changing Places facilities by 2030

Inclusive design considers everyone, enables equal access, and provides suitable facilities for every need. It should be considered at every stage of a project’s lifecycle to result in more successful and inclusive solutions.

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/council/accessibility/changing-places-facilities/

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 2: PARTICIPATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS Ref

Action

Section 75 Category

Responsibility Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

2.1

Develop Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) brand, ‘We See You’ for inclusion initiatives

All

Communications & Marketing; Organisation Development

Years 1–2

Council visibly promotes inclusion

Brand usage across materials; staff awareness

Brand used in all EDI initiatives by 2028

2.2

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls5 programme including sexual harassment policy and training

Gender

Community Development, Human Resources; Organisation Development; Accessibility and Inclusion

Years 2-3

Safer workplaces and communities

Policy implementation; staff trained

Policy implemented and staff trained by 2029

2.3

Ensure all largescale Arts & Culture events are accessible (interpreters, accessible toilets, sensory supports, baby feeding)

Disability; Age; Dependents; Gender

Art & Culture; Accessibility & Inclusion

Years 2-3

Inclusive participation in events

Number of access supports provided /

Annual increase in accessible events by 2029

Ensure all largescale Community Development events are accessible (interpreters, accessible toilets, sensory supports, baby feeding)

Disability; Age; Dependents; Gender

Community Development; Accessibility & Inclusion

Year 2

Inclusive participation in events

Number of access supports provided,

Improve engagement with young people through innovative consultation approaches

Age

Community Development;

Years 3-4

Better understanding of youth barriers and needs

Number of youth engagement initiatives; survey feedback

2.4

2.5

Customer Services

Customer experience

Establish a departmental baseline of accessibility requirements 80% of youth agree Council listens to their views by 2030

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/community-initiatives/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

PRIORITY 2: PARTICIPATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS Ref

Action

Section 75 Category

2.6

Increase awareness of All equality and diversity themes (campaigns, awareness days, social media)

Responsibility Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

Community Development, Marketing; Accessibility & Inclusion;

Year 2

Increased public and staff awareness of inclusion

Number of Increased campaigns/events; engagement in engagement metrics equality and diversity related campaigns by 2028

Customer Services 2.7

Introduce Managing Unacceptable Behaviours Policy for customers

All

Customer Services; Human Resources

Year 2

Safer working environment for staff

Incidents and actions recorded

Policy implemented by 2028

2.8

Establish lived experience consultation groups (Friends of Council’) and continue to engage with existing consultation groups

All

Community Development; Customer Services; Accessibility & Inclusion

Year 2

Meaningful input into decision-making, informed by better understanding of community demographics and challenges to inclusion

Meetings held; events delivered; consultee list updates

Group established Year 2; biannual consultee updates

2.9

Disability Explore opportunities to develop BSL Hub in the Borough in partnership with Department for Communities

Community Development; Accessibility and Inclusion

Years 1-2

Increased participation and inclusion for BSL users

Funding secured from DFC; BSL training delivered to staff, residents and elected members; number of meetings held for BSL users

Increased Council engagement with BSL users by 2030

2.10

Review and improve inclusion for Deaf People, people with hearing loss and tinnitus by embedding accessible communication throughout Council activities

Community Development; Accessibility and Inclusion

Years 2-3

Increased participation and inclusion for people with hearing loss or tinnitus

Sign language interpreter usage, captioning, hearing assistive technology

BSL and ISL Act (NI) compliance and increased engagement with people with hearing loss by 2030.

Disability

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 3: WORKFORCE EQUALITY AND INCLUSION Ref

Action

Section 75 Responsibility Category Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

3.1

Develop EDI policy for staff

All

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Year 2

Fostering a respectful, safe and fair workplace, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, preventing discrimination and harassment

Policy adopted;

Policy implemented by 2027

Accessibility & Inclusion; Organisation Development

Years 1–4

Council demonstrates commitment to inclusion

Number of charters, accreditations and memberships signed and maintained;

3.2

Maintain and promote EDI charters, accreditations and memberships (British Sign Language & Irish Sign Language Charter6, Autism Impact Award7, JAM Card8, Dementia Friendly9

Disability / Age

3.3

Sign Diversity Mark Charter and achieve accreditation

All

3.4

Promote Diversity as a Shared Value in the Organisation (THREADS)11

Employment Relations metrics

Annual review and action plans

training carried out

All

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Year 3

Organisation Development

Year 3

More diverse workforce and inclusive culture

Accreditation milestones

Sign charter in Year 2; first accreditation achieved by Year 3

A diverse and inclusive workplace culture

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/council/accessibility/british-irish-sign-language-charter/

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/council/accessibility/autism-impact-award/

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/jam/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friends/dementia-friendly-resources https://diversitymark.org/

Staff engagement metrics

Baseline year 1 & target established by year 3

10 11

THREADS is the acronym for the Council’s values: Trust, Healthy, Respect, Engaged, Ambitious, Diverse, Sustainable

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

PRIORITY 3: WORKFORCE EQUALITY AND INCLUSION Ref

Action

Section 75 Responsibility Category Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

3.5

Establish staff impact groups and feedback channels

All

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Years 2–3

Staff voice informs inclusion initiatives; recruitment/retention benefits

Number of groups and feedback sessions

Minimum 3 staff networks established by 2030

3.6

Work towards Disability Positive Disability Employer accreditation12

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Years 3-4

Recognition as disability-inclusive employer

Audit results

AAA status achieved by 2030

3.7

Analyse workforce diversity and inclusion data

All

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Years 1-2

Understanding of workforce demographics and underrepresentation

Staff diversity data

Baseline established by 2027 & workforce target developed by 2029

3.8

Promote staff health and wellbeing, including mental ill health, by developing opportunities to sign Equality Commission Mental Health Charter13 and other wellbeing accreditations.

Disability

Organisation Development

Year 2-3

Enhanced understanding of mental health issues; supportive work environment

Number of Annual review and charters signed action plans and maintained, training carried out

https://efdni.org/disability-positive-accreditation/

https://www.equalityni.org/mentalhealthcharter

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 4: STRENGTHENING EQUALITY GOVERNANCE Ref

Action

Section 75 Responsibility Lead Timescale Category

4.1

Establish EDI governance structure and directorate contacts

All

Continue to deliver a suite of Equality and Disability Awareness training for Elected Members and staff

All

4.3

Develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)* Policy and develop opportunities for enhancing accessibility in delivering Council services

All

4.4

4.2

Accessibility & Inclusion

Year 1

Organisation Development

Years 1–2

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

Clear accountability for equality

Meetings held

100% EDI working group meetings reported on

Reporting

Increased capacity Number of to promote equality sessions delivered; number trained; training evaluation indicators

All staff trained within 6 months of starting; Members trained by 2028

IT; Accessibility & Inclusion

Years 3-4

Ensure that usage of AI is inclusive, responsible and ethical, whilst enhancing accessibility of services

Policy developed; training delivered; research on AI opportunities carried out

AI policy developed and implemented by 2028; Council using AI to deliver more accessible services by 2030

Embed equality screening and All impact assessments in policy development

Accessibility & Inclusion;

Years 1–2

Equality considered Number of proactively screenings and assessments; EDI clinics established

100% new/amended policies screened

4.5

Deliver Equality Scheme implementation plan

All

Accessibility & Inclusion Officer

Annual

Statutory compliance on s75 achieved

Reports submitted to Equality Commission

100% on time submissions

4.6

Compliance reporting to Department Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs

All

Accessibility & Inclusion

Annual

Statutory compliance on Rural Needs achieved

Reports submitted

100% on-time submissions

Equality, Diversity Inclusion Contacts of Directorates

*Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to any technology or machine that can perform complex tasks typically associated with human intelligence. These tasks can include problem-solving, planning, reasoning, and decision-making.

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

PRIORITY 5: REDUCING HEALTH INEQUALITIES AND PROMOTING INCLUSIVE WELLBEING Ref

Action

Section 75 Category

5.1

Deliver Age Friendly Plan14 and achieve Age Friendly Council Status15

5.2

5.3

Responsibility Lead

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

Age; Environmental Health; Year 3 Disability; Accessibility & Inclusion, Dependents Human Resources

Older people actively participate in community life

Delivery of objectives highlighted within the Council threeyear action plan

Completion of 34 actions within threeyear of Age Friendly Action Plan by 2028

Deliver ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’16 Scheme both within Council and across the Borough

Gender; Environmental Health; Dependents Organisation Development; Human Resources

Year 3

Parents feel welcome to breastfeed in Council spaces and across communities

Premises participating and businesses engaged

All appropriate council premises signed up to the scheme, staff training undertaken, increased number of businesses participating in the Public Health Agency scheme

Ensure all leisure centres maintain an adequate supply of accessible equipment, adaptive aids, and inclusive signage to support participation across all s75 groups

All

Years 1–4

Improved accessibility and user experience across all facilities

Annual audit of accessibility equipment, signage and compliance

100% of centres meeting agreed accessibility standards annually

Leisure; Accessibility & Inclusion

Timescale

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/community-initiatives/age-friendly/age-friendly-action-plan/

https://ageing-better.org.uk/employer-pledge

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/community-initiatives/breastfeeding-welcome-here/

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

PRIORITY 5: REDUCING HEALTH INEQUALITIES AND PROMOTING INCLUSIVE WELLBEING Ref

Action

5.4

Strengthen engagement with All local sports clubs to promote inclusive practice, provide development support, and create pathways for underrepresented S75 groups

5.5

5.6

Section 75 Category

Enhance staff training to ensure effective first-point-ofcontact support, including British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1, disability awareness, less visible disabilities, neurodiversity and inclusive customer-service modules in leisure centres

Disability

Deliver poverty reduction measures and associated plans

All

Responsibility Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

Sports Development;

Years 1–4

Increased club capability to deliver inclusive programmes

Number of clubs engaged; number receiving support; inclusive programmes created

Engage minimum 12 clubs per year and develop at least 3 new inclusive pathways annually

Years 1–4

Improved staff confidence and ability to meet diverse customer needs

Number of staff trained, training modules delivered; customer satisfaction feedback

Minimum two staff per centre trained to BSL Level 1; all frontline staff to complete inclusiveservice training by 2030

Year 4

Reducing deprivation and increasing access to opportunities

Number of beneficiaries, programmes and training delivered

Completion of 24 actions within the Anti-Poverty Strategy17 by 2030

Accessibility & Inclusion

Leisure; Organisation Development

Community Planning and Development, Environmental Health, Economic Development,

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/residents-community-information/community-planning/anti-poverty-strategy/

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

PRIORITY 6: INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Ref

Action

Section 75 Responsibility Category Lead

Timescale

Outcomes

Measures

Targets

6.1

To build workplace inclusion in the Council, support work experience and employment pathways for underrepresented groups

All

Human Resources; Accessibility & Inclusion

Years 2-3

Inclusive employment opportunities in Council

Number of placements and ring-fenced posts

Baseline a minimum number of annual placements and entry level roles in year 2

6.2

Support work experience and employment pathways for underrepresented groups through outreach campaigns in Borough (such as Labour Market Partnership18 employability scheme & the work experience programme)

All

Economic Development

Years 1-4

Inclusive employment opportunities in Borough

Number of people supported into work placements/ employment/ new qualification/ upskilled

Increase in number of people supported into work placements/ employment/ new qualification/ upskilled

6.3

Develop Inclusive Recruitment Plan linked to Diversity Mark and Disability Positive

All

Accessibility & Inclusion; Human Resources

Years 3-4

Equitable and accessible recruitment processes

Recruitment outcomes by S75 category

Increase in candidates and appointments from underrepresented groups by 2030

6.4

Increase business start-ups among underrepresented groups

All

Economic Development

Years 1–4

More inclusive local Number and % of economy start-ups from target groups

Year-on-year growth in inclusive entrepreneurship

6.5

Participate in JobStart 50+19 programme (contingent upon Department for Communities’ programme continuity and availability of funding from both DfC and Council)

Age

Human Resources

As appropriate in accordance with programme

Help unemployed Number of or economically placements inactive people aged 50-64 re-enter the workforce

Minimum annual placements

https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/business/skills-employability/antrim-and-newtownabbey-labour-market-partnership/

https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/jobstart-scheme

Note: where a timeframe is specified, this means end of financial year

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030 EQUALITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2030

19 19

For more information visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk