Equality Research

The Equality Unit at the CSA also carries out individual research and consultancy projects on equality issues. Our research is mostly action research; we undertake studies with the aim to produce recommendations leading to organisational change.

Our research interests lie in people's access to services and their experience of using public services. Equally, we are interested in the management side, i.e. the planning and delivery of services.

While we have experience in employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, our particular expertise lies in conducting qualitative research.

Most recently, our research projects have included:

Mainstreaming Equality

A Review of the Implementation of the Statutory Equality Duties in the Western Health Board Area

June 2003

commissioned by the Western Equality and Human Rights Forum

abstract

The Western Equality and Human Rights Forum (WEHRF) commissioned the Equality Unit of the Central Services Agency to review the implementation of the statutory equality duties by WEHRF organisations (i.e. the Western Health and Social Services Board; the Foyle [including Westcare Business Services], Altnagelvin and Sperrin Lakeland Trusts; the Western Health and Social Services Council). The research was conducted between January and April 2003 and involved a wide range of data collection methods (a literature review, analysis of policy documents, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, user survey).

A key consideration of the research was around the concept of mainstreaming and how far WEHRF organisations had met these objectives in relation to promoting equality of opportunity and good relations. The research focused on an examination of activities in the areas of structures and communication, business processes, user involvement, human resources, and ownership. Staff suggestions for mainstreaming equality were also investigated, as well as external views on the matter. Finally, the research produced recommendations for future priority action.

Labour Market Inequalities for Older People in Ireland

Listening to the Views of Older Persons

August 2002

commissioned by the Equality Authority (Dublin)

abstract

This research project was funded by the Equality Authority in Dublin under the 'Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme' (EHRDOP) of the National Development Plan. The research focused on older people and the labour market in Ireland. Key areas of investigation were the labour market aspirations of older people, identifying the barriers to accessing labour market opportunities for older people, and outlining the solutions available for addressing these barriers.

Methodologically, the research employed a qualitative research design, using ten focus groups to gather the views, perceptions and opinions of a range of older people throughout Ireland. The extensive use of this method of research to investigate the views of older people and the labour market is innovative, and generated a rich vein of data. Moreover, interviews were conducted with selected programme providers i.e. public sector organisations involved in the delivery of EHRDOP measures.