1. Equality…… promoting a new approach
Investing in your future
Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the European Social Fund and by the Equality Authority”

2. Project aims ..
To create an awareness of equality mainstreaming in the agency
To develop processes and systems to maintain equality as an agenda item after completion of the project
To harness existing staff commitment and expertise to the equality mainstreaming agenda.

3. Participating units Five units volunteered to participate
Adult Guidance,
Kilmacthomas Business Training Centre,
2 Literacy Services in Dungarvan & Tramore
Schools Completion Programme

4. Key steps …. Step 1: data was gathered in each unit by:
Interviews to gather qualitative data on their current practice on equality mainstreaming
Examining existing quantitative data from database bases and other documentation
Developing baseline indicators for on going reviews of practice in the five units
Step 2: Analysis of the data and providing feedback to each unit
Step 3: Provision of training and action focused workshops to enable each unit to develop action plans

5. Key findings …nationality

6. Key findings … gender and age

7. Key themes from data collection ..
Motivation for exploring equality
Awareness of the nine grounds
Aims and targeting
Responsibility
Ensuring equality
Staff training
Partners
Barriers
Involvement of participants

8. Basis of the analysis
Does it seek to ensure no groups are put at a disadvantage and that there is no discrimination on any of the nine grounds?
• Does it take account of the needs of each of the groups and its members in terms of its situation, identity and experience, including ensuring reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities?
• Does it promote equality for each of the groups?

9. Key themes from data analysis ….
Understanding and practice
Potential and awareness
Responsibility and policy
Pro activity and barriers
Outreach
Disability access
Promotion

10. Key outcomes .. Training provided for 15 staff (incl. AEO and CEO)
Space on team meeting agendas for equality
Equality on internal staff meetings agenda
Learner committees established or revitalised to get feedback on the process of learning and their experience of it
Advertising of courses will be undertaken in a way that language used does not discourage participants
An exercise to document specific practical examples of good practice is being undertaken
Baseline indicators template developed

11. Actions for future … pro-active targeted outreach
On going staff training
Increase the provision of equality policies and information in other languages
Increased linkages with other agencies and community groups who work with members of the groupings
Provide pilot courses specifically designed for men
Explore changes to timetabling to ensure that courses are more family friendly