One of the key elements of our work in the Equality Unit is to enable and support staff in playing their role in mainstreaming equality. An important way of doing so is by addressing staff training needs.

In order to ensure that staff is equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise we have devised a comprehensive training schedule. Some of the courses are delivered by staff from the Equality Unit, other courses are delivered by specialists in a particular field. To date, we have thus been able to offer the following courses:

• equality awareness training
• consultation training
• equality impact assessment training
• disability awareness training
• deaf awareness training / textphone training
• sexual orientation training (pilot sessions)
• good relations training (pilot sessions)
• complaints training (pilot sessions)
• human rights training.

The key elements of this two-hour training session are:

• an update on the key aspects of the
• organisation's Equality Scheme
• equality target groups and their experiences
• equality ideas
• equality legislation.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the key aspects of the equality legislation (from the Northern Ireland Act 1998)
• Demonstrate an awareness of the needs and experiences of equality target groups
• Show knowledge of key equality ideas and legislation.

The key elements of this half-day training session are:

• Identification of language which is offensive to disabled people
• key elements of legislation and identification of areas for change within organisations
• Disability issues as integral part of equality of opportunity
• Introduction to Social Model of Disability.

• Appreciate the issues facing disabled people
• Understand the key elements of the legislation and therein individual/organisational responsibilities
• Have had the opportunity to consider the implications for the organisation and how this might be actioned.

The key elements of this one-day training session are:

• Defining policy aims
• Consideration of data
• Assessment of impact
• Consideration of measures.

• Outline the equality provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
• Demonstrate an understanding of the
• Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) process
• Demonstrate knowledge of the key elements of the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) process

The key elements of this one-day training session are:

• Section 75 - consultation requirements
• Purpose and benefits of consultation
• Principles of effective consultation
• Consulting with Section 75 groups.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the consultation requirements of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
• Understand the principles of effective consultation
• Demonstrate knowledge of various consultation methods
• Identify groups in relation to policy areas.