Equality Impact Assessment on the closures of

Antrim and Larne Campuses

June 2010

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 Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background

3. Policy Context

4. Consideration of available data

5. Assessment of impacts

6. Consideration of measures to mitigate any adverse impacts

7. Formal consultation

8. Decision of the Public Authority

9. Publication of results

10. Monitoring of policy

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 1.Introduction

This document presents the findings of a draft Equality Impact Assessment

(EQIA) on the closures of Antrim and Larne Campuses. This EQIA has been
prepared within the framework of the Northern Regional Colleges Equality
Scheme.

The purpose of this EQIA is to determine whether there is likely to be any

differential impact arising from the policy for the following groups.

Persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital
status or sexual orientation.
Men and women generally.
Persons with a disability and persons without.
Persons with dependants and persons without.

In the event that a differential impact is identified, the EQIA also assesses
whether that impact is adverse and considers mitigating measures or alternative
policies to better achieve the promotion of equality of opportunity for the groups
above.

This draft EQIA includes the following stages as required by the Equality
Commissions Practical Guidance on Equality Impact Assessment.
Definition of policy aims and objectives.
Consideration of available data and research.
Assessment of impacts including details of the outcome of the assessment
highlighting if an adverse impact has been identified.
Details of any consideration given to mitigate any adverse impact of the policy
on the promotion of equality of opportunity or to alternative policies, which
might better, achieve the promotion of equality of opportunity and good
relations.

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1.1 Formal consultation

This document has been developed to provide consultation with interested

parties in line with the requirements under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act.

The Northern Regional College (NRC) is committed to meaningful consultation

and welcomes the opportunity to engage with you in this process.

This document can be made available on request in alternative formats such as

Braille, large print, audiocassette, minority languages and in electronic versions.

This consultation period will run from 31 May 2010 until 23 July 2010. Please
forward your consultation responses or queries to:

Mrs Claire Moore

Director of Finance
Farm Lodge Buildings
Ballymena
Co Antrim
BT43 7DF
T: 028 25664226
F: 028 25637803
E: consultation@nrc.ac.uk

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 2. Background

The Northern Regional College is one of six new super colleges now established
in Northern Ireland. As of 1 August 2007, three major Institutes Causeway,
East Antrim and the North East -merged to provide a single College at the
leading edge of education and training in Northern Ireland. The College covers all
campuses currently at Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Felden, Larne,
Magherafelt and Newtownabbey.

In the words of Trevor Neilands, Director, the new college aims to be a top class
provider of professional and technical training. The Northern Regional College
will provide a caring and supportive environment for our learners, professional
and business-like relationships with our customers and partners and a valuable
and responsive resource for the development of the local economy and the
communities which we serve.

This merger is a significant development in the 100 year history of further

education in Northern Ireland. The new Northern Regional College is well placed
to provide learners, employers and the local community with a world class facility
to satisfy all their educational needs and to realise its aim in establishing a
reputation for outstanding quality in teaching, research and development, not just
within Northern Ireland but nationally and internationally.

The Northern Regional College offers a range of full and part time academic,
vocational and leisure courses including the opportunity to obtain qualifications at
A level, NVQ, Diploma, BTEC, HND, Foundation Degree, Honours Degree and
Post Graduate levels.

The College is staffed by approximately 1000 teaching and support staff.

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 3. Policy Context

With eleven buildings between Coleraine and Newtownabbey, Magherafelt and

Larne, Northern Regional College (NRC) is proposing to modernise its college
estate and its services by developing modern, purpose-built accommodation and
updating current facilities and services.

By 2016, NRC proposes to create one of the most dynamic and forward thinking
Further and Higher Education establishments in Northern Ireland. The new NRC
will develop, even further, its excellent current links with local and international
businesses, schools, organisations and individuals to provide its students with
the highest quality and most career-relevant educational experience available, as
well as playing a central role in the regions economy.

NRC plans to lead the way in Northern Ireland in all curriculum areas, positioning
the College at the heart of the regions economy and securing the Colleges
future for years to come.

Prior to merger in 2007 a Financial Due Diligence Report was commissioned

which raised a number of issues for NRC. The most significant being the overall
financial stability of the College, particularly in respect of the on-going cost of
staff and estate.

A due diligence follow up report was commissioned in May 2009. This report
concluded that financial stability remained an issue for the College. The report
recommended that a more detailed Business Improvement Plan should be
developed.

To achieve the Colleges mission objectives Aim, Aspire, Achieve, NRCs

Business Improvement Plan contains proposals including new campuses to
replace old and exhausted facilities, a renewed commitment to providing

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employers with qualified personnel and most importantly a dedicated service of
utmost excellence to the student body.

The objective is to identify actions that would allow the College to reach financial
stability while continuing to deliver a high quality student learning experience.

The Northern Regional College Business Improvement Plan 2010-2016 has been
commissioned by the College Governing Body. The College would like to know
your views on the recommendations identified in the Plan. There is potential to
serve the College communities more effectively in the future. The priority is to
ensure that resources are focused as strongly as possible on giving our students
an excellent, high quality experience in an environment that enhances their
learning.

Challenges
The College has experienced a decline in the demand for both vocational and
non-vocational part-time courses during the academic year 2009/10.

The numbers of Year 8-12 pupils in post Primary and Special Schools in the
North Eastern Area Planning Group has declined year on year from 28,935 in
2003/04 to 27,310 in 2007/08. This is an overall decline of 2.16% over the 5
year period.

The College is facing a number of key financial challenges including

Decreasing income;
Increasing staff costs;
Increasing fuel and transport costs;

Extensive accommodation is not fit for purpose and therefore the College is
carrying unnecessary estates costs.

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 The Business Improvement Plan has been developed at a time of changing
financial circumstances in the Further and Higher Education sector. Effective
use of public money is essential. The Plan reviews College provision with a
view to making efficiency savings which, in turn, will facilitate improvements.

Government Agenda
Colleges in Northern Ireland act in support of a number of key Government
priorities. In addition to the obvious activities relating to education and lifelong
learning NRC is committed to its cultural diversity agenda. As an inclusive
learning environment, open to all, it can play a significant role in regenerating
communities. This is a strength that can be further built on, particularly in the
context of the Governments commitment to A Shared Future.

A number of Public Policies have been particularly relevant to the development of

the Business Improvement Plan:
Programme for Government goals
Public services agreements (PSAs
Public spending review
A number of other DEL policies also impacted on the Plan:
FE Means Business
Success through Skills (2006)
Corporate Plan 2008-2011
DEL: Review of FE Centres of Excellence (CoE) January
2009

The College recognises that in order to make a valuable contribution to the

fulfilment of these policies it is essential that its students are provided with the
appropriate level of resources to do so. This can only be achieved by the
rationalisation of estates, non duplication of expensive resources and an
effective, efficient curriculum offering.

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3.1 Policy aims and objectives

Estates proposal 1 - Withdrawal from current Larne campus

This proposal recommends relocation of provision currently delivered in the

Larne campus to other locations.

Full time provision for two-year courses will be re-directed to

Ballymena/Newtownabbey in September 2010 with part time provision relocating
in September 2011 enabling full closure from June 2011.

There has been a significant reduction in enrolments over the last three years:
Financial Year 08: 713 part time; 36 full time; 86 other= Total 835
Financial Year 09: 403 part time; 23 full time; 63 other= Total 489 (41% decline)
Financial Year 10: 258 part time; 31 full time; 86 other = Total 375 (23% decline)

Enrolments are vulnerable to further decline. The limited curriculum offering is

unlikely to be attractive to students in the long term.

There is excess capacity in estate: Larne room utilisation is low - 23% 9am to
4pm.

However, the building is fit for purpose and in good condition. The alternative
option of sub-leasing and/or adoption of a shared space strategy may result in a
financially viable model and these options are being explored with strategic
partners. If suitable alternative use of the building is not established by June
2011 the campus would close.

The College wishes to continue to provide support and provision through local
economic engagement, links with businesses, schools and the community in
Larne.

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The proposal identifies four redundant staff posts. The action plan to achieve
these savings will be implemented through established College staffing policies
and procedures.

The impact on the nursery facilities at Larne is being considered.

Estates proposal 2 - Close current Antrim campus

This proposal recommends closure of Antrim by September 2011 with relocation

of students and provision to other campuses and with consideration of more
appropriate premises infrastructure to fulfil learners' needs. Some full time
provision in September 2010 will be redirected to other campuses with all
provision relocating by September 2011. The campus will effectively close in
June 2011.

There has been a significant reduction in enrolments in FY09 with some

improvement in the current year:
Financial Year 08: 1,467 part time; 125 full time; 383 other= Total 1,975
Financial Year 09: 1,087 part time; 135 full time; 367 other= Total 1,589 (20%
decline)
Financial Year 10: 973 part time; 215 full time; 501 other = Total 1,689 (20%
increase, however, still not recovered to FY08 level)

Enrolments are, however, vulnerable to further decline as Belfast Metropolitan

College has more direct transport links and wider provision available. Relocation
of provision, particularly to Newtownabbey, would be supported by the
negotiating of improved travel with Translink.

The building is not fit for purpose (requires significant infrastructure investment)
nor is it in good condition. The College is at risk of challenge in relation to DDA

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compliance (Disability Discrimination Act). Total estate and IT investment
required to bring the building to the required standard is c1.95 million. As this
campus already makes a negative financial contribution, this investment cannot
be justified.

There is excess capacity in estates: Antrim room utilisation is low - 27% 9am to
4pm. Relocation of provision will result in a requirement for additional IT suites in
Newtownabbey/Ballymena. IT suites are currently under demand pressure and
this will further add to the existing timetabling pressures.

The College wishes to continue to provide support and provision through local
economic engagement, links with businesses, schools and the community in
Antrim through the use of premises of strategic partners.

Newtownabbey and Antrim are within the one proposed council area (RPA)
therefore closure may fit with a potential one campus per council area strategy.

The proposal identifies eighteen redundant staff posts. The action plan to
achieve these savings will be implemented through established College staffing
policies and procedures.

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 4.Consideration of available data and research

Quantitative and Qualitative data have been drawn from a number of sources to
shape the Business Improvement Plan Proposal and inform this Equality Impact
Assessment:
Programme for Government goals
Public services agreements (PSAs
Public spending review
FE Means Business
Success through Skills (2006)
Corporate Plan 2008-2011
DEL: Review of FE Centres of Excellence (CoE) January
2009
Financial Due Diligence Report
NRC Corporate Development Plan
NISRA 2001 Census of Population
Fair Employment Monitoring Return 2010
Available data in respect of the S75 groupings for current
students and staff in the NRC.

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4.1 General Data

Northern area population Census 2001 by section 75 groups

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Religious Composition of Northern Area Population by Local District
Government Area (Census 2001)

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Northern Area Population Profile by Age (Mid Year Population Estimates
for 2006)

The above table shows that the age breakdown is broadly similar across all local
District Government areas in terms of population percentage.

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Population Projections for Northern Area (2007-2017)

The above table illustrates population projections for the Northern area. These
projections are based on the 2002 mid-year population estimate.

The table indicates that the Northern area population is expected to increase by
4.2% by 2017 (an increase of 18,610 people).

The over 65 population is projected to increase from 63,688 to 80,521, indicating

a growth of 26.4% over a 10 year period. However the age 5-19 population is
projected to decrease 28.4% (5278 people).

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4.2 Student Data by Section 75 groups
It is not possible at the present time to predict the precise nature of the impact of
the Colleges proposals on each of the Section 75 grounds due to the high level
of responses categorised as unknown. The College intends to consider
measures to improve the quality of student data in the future.

SECTION 75 GROUP ANTRIM LARNE ALL

CAMPUS CAMPUS* CAMPUSES
GENDER Male 40.7% 32.9% 47.2%
Female 59.3% 67.1% 52.8%
RELIGION Protestant 40.3% 59.0% 49.0%
Roman Catholic 28.7% 15.1% 26.5%
Other 1.2% 1.6% 1.3%
No Religion 6.7% 11.1% 4.9%
Not Known 23.1% 13.2% 18.3%
POLITICAL Not Collected
OPINION
AGE Under 16 10.5% 0% 9.1%
16-19 24.7% 15.9% 36.9%
20-30 22.9% 27.8% 21.5%
31-40 14.5% 16.2% 11.8%
41-50 14.1% 16.7% 9.7%
51-60 8.5% 10.2% 5.5%
60+ 4.9% 13.2% 5.5%
MARITAL Single 50.9% 48.8% 65.7%
STATUS Married/Co-habiting 24.2% 33.2% 19.1%
Other 6.0% 7.8% 4.0%
Not Known 18.9% 10.2% 11.2%
DEPENDENT Yes 5.6% 15.4% 5.8%
STATUS No 94.4% 84.6% 94.2%
DISABILITY Yes 7.1% 9.7% 9.2%
No 83.9% 87.9% 86.9%
Not Known 9.0% 2.4% 3.9%
ETHNICITY White 91.3% 95.1% 96.0%
Black Caribbean 0% 0.5% 0.04%
Black African 0.1% 0% 0.1%
Black other 0.1% 0% 0.02%
Indian 0.3% 0% 0.1%
Pakistani 0.1% 0.3% 0.1%
Bangladeshi 0% 0.3% 0.01%
Chinese 0.2% 0.5% 0.25%
Irish Traveller 0.4% 0% 0.08%
Other 0.7% 0.5% 0.6%
Unknown 6.9% 2.8% 2.7%

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SEXUAL Possibly 1 in 10 LGB data source Rainbow Project July
ORIENTATION 2008. The College is currently implementing measures to
record this info in future.

* It should be noted that student numbers for the Larne campus are very low

4.3 Staff Data by Section 75 groups

It is not possible at the present time to predict the precise nature of the impact of
the Colleges proposals on each of the Section 75 grounds due to the non
availability of staff monitoring data for some of the equality categories. The
College intends to consider measures to improve the completeness of staff data
in the future.

SECTION 75 GROUP ANTRIM LARNE ALL STAFF

CAMPUS CAMPUS*
GENDER Male 35.5% 38.5% 38%
Female 64.5% 61.5% 62%
RELIGION Protestant 72.4% 76.9% 65%
Roman Catholic 26.3% 23.1% 30%
Not Known 1.3% 0% 5%
AGE 16-24 1.3% 7.7% 1.9%
25-34 19.7% 15.3% 15.4%
35-44 22.4% 30.8% 23.7%
45-54 34.2% 30.8% 31.5%
55-64 21.1% 7.7% 24.0%
65+ 1.3% 7.7% 3.5%
POLITICAL Only collected data since merger for new employees not
OPINION enough data to present
MARITAL Only collected data since merger for new employees not
STATUS enough data to present
DEPENDENT Only collected data since merger for new employees not
STATUS enough data to present
DISABILITY Only collected data since merger for new employees not
enough data to present
ETHNICITY Only collected data since merger for new employees not
enough data to present
SEXUAL Possibly 1 in 10 of NI Workforce LGB data source
ORIENTATION Rainbow Project July 2008.

* It should be noted that staff numbers for the Larne campus are very low

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 5.1 Assessment of impacts on students

It should be noted that impact is assessed on the current student profile of

2009/2010 students.

Gender
The gender profile of the NRC student population is 52.8% female compared with
47.2% male (in line with the Northern area population profile). The profile of
students within both Antrim and Larne Campuses are Antrim students are 59.3%
female and 40.7% male and Larne students are 67.1% female and 32.9% male,
therefore Antrim and Larne campuses would have slightly higher percentages of
female students than other campuses. The College is of the opinion that there is
no evidence to suggest that the proposed changes will have a negative impact
on gender. The College is however mindful of the potential dependency and
caring obligations associated with its female students

Religion
The religious compositions of Antrim and Larne students are similar to that of the
local district population. Students within NRC are 49% Protestant, 26.5% Roman
Catholic, 1.3% Other, 4.9% No Religion and 18.3% unknown. This is broadly
reflective of the students enrolled in Antrim and Larne campuses, however it is
difficult to analyse as there is a high percentage of unknown religion. The
College concludes that there is no evidence to suggest that the closure of Antrim
and Larne as opposed to the closure of another campus would have any adverse
impact on the grounds of religion as the overall profile of students will remain
largely the same.

Age
The age profile of Antrim and Larne campuses would be older compared to other
campuses. Although predominant age groups are 16-19 and 20-30 there is a
spread across all age groups. The 31+ categories are all above College

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average, this reflects the fact that Antrim and Larne would have higher levels of
part-time students. Therefore the proposal has the potential to have a greater
impact on older students. For those in the economically active groups travel time
may be and issue and for younger students who may be more reliable on public
transport will incur more costs. However the College has no data to support this.
The proposal assumes that the majority of part time provision can take place in
alternative facilities in the Antrim area.

Marital status
The College does not anticipate the proposal will have an adverse impact on the
grounds of marital status

Dependant status
Approximately 5.8% of NRC students have dependants. Statistics provided by
Carers NI show that 17.6% of adults in NI reported some caring responsibilities
and that 62% of carers are female and 38% male. Any relocation is likely to
impact on their caring responsibilities, particularly in respect of the proximity of
their bases campus to their home.

Disability
9.2% of the NRC student population have a declared disability, this is reflective of
the students in Antrim and Larne campuses. There is potential for impact on
people with disabilities, such as changes in journey and if public transport is
unavailable or unsuitable.

Racial group
The College does not anticipate any adverse impact on students from different
racial groups.

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Sexual Orientation
There is no evidence to suggest that the proposed closure of Antrim and Larne
campuses will have an adverse impact on students as a result of their sexual
orientation

5.2 Assessment of impacts on staff

Gender
The gender profile of the NRC workforce is 62% female compared with 38%
male. These figures are reflected in the profile of staff within both Antrim and
Larne Campuses, i.e. Antrim staff are 64.5% female and 35.5% male and Larne
staff are 61.5% female and 38.5% male. The College is therefore of the opinion
that there is no evidence to suggest that the proposed changes will have an
impact on gender. The College is however mindful of the potential dependency
and caring obligations associated with its female employees.

Religion
Staff within NRC are 65% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic and 5% unknown.
This is broadly reflective of the staff working in Antrim and Larne campuses. The
College concludes that there is no evidence to suggest that the closure of Antrim
and Larne as opposed to the closure of another campus would have any adverse
impact on the grounds of religion as the overall profile of staff will remain largely
the same.

Age
The age profile of Antrim and Larne campuses broadly reflects the age profile of
all staff employed within the College. Analysis shows that most staff are aged
between 35 54 therefore the proposal has the potential to impact on this age
group although it is unlikely the impact will be adverse.

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Marital status
The college has limited data on the marital status of its staff. The College does
not anticipate the proposal will have an adverse impact on the grounds of marital
status

Dependant status
The college has limited data on whether or not staff have dependants. Statistics
provided by Carers NI show that 17.6% of adults in NI reported some caring
responsibilities and that 62% of carers are female and 38% male. Any relocation
is likely to impact on their caring responsibilities, particularly in respect of the
proximity of their bases campus to their home. As the College has a
predominantly higher number of female staff it is mindful of the potential caring
obligations associated with its female employees

Disability
Available figures indicate that none of the current staff employed in Antrim and
Larne campuses have a disability. There is therefore no evidence to suggest
that the proposed closure will have any adverse effect for staff on the grounds of
disability

Racial group
The College does not anticipate any adverse impact on staff from different racial
groups.

Sexual Orientation
There is no evidence to suggest that the proposed closure of Antrim and Larne
campuses will have an adverse impact on employees as a result of their sexual
orientation

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 6.Consideration of measures to mitigate any adverse impacts

The Business Improvement Plan reviews College provision with a view to making
efficiency savings which, in turn, will facilitate improvements. Given the
challenging nature of the proposed savings it is likely that there will be differential
impact on each of the Section 75 grounds. However the College will seek to
address and mitigate differential impacts where identified.

6.1 Students and potential students

Travel costs
There are various different funds which students can use to help with travel costs
such as Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Disabled Student's
Allowance (DSA), Hardships funds etc. Where appropriate the College will
empower students to travel independently.

Travel arrangements
The remaining campuses are located so as to provide a good geographical
spread across the Colleges area and the proposed new council areas. The
College has analysed data on where pupils go to after leaving school, this data
showed a willingness of young people to travel to other towns.

Last year the college reviewed its curriculum provision across all NRC campuses
and the support services that are provided. This research was carried out to help
inform us of the geographical locations of students attending each campus. It
found that for Higher Education when the curriculum area is offered on more than
one campus, students did not choose to enrol at the campus nearest to where
they reside. It also found for Further Education that students are willing to travel
for specialist courses. Some students are travelling up to 50 miles for any
course, therefore further qualitative research would need to be carried out to

24
establish the reasons behind students decision to choose to attend particular
campuses

The College will liaise with Translink regarding arrangements for appropriate bus
and train times and routes to suit student needs.

Disability
NRC will continue to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and Special
Educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order and will continue to make
reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

Communication of changes
When the College is communicating to students about the changes it will
consider alternative methods of communication i.e. for those with disabilities,
whose first language is not English etc.

Community Partnerships for part time provision

The NRC provides a wide range of courses for adults in the community. It works
with many community, voluntary and statutory organisations in the Antrim and
Larne areas to deliver courses. The courses can be held in community centres,
schools, halls and clubs. Classes take place in relaxed and informal
surroundings and are made up of adults of all ages. A particular feature of NRC
is the mobile computer units which enables IT classes to take place in community
settings. Courses are mostly set up in response to requests from community
groups and can be facilitated at any time of the year. Most of the courses are
accredited and so lead to qualifications recognised by employers.

Provision to schools delivered through strategic partnerships

As part of Area Based Planning NRC will continue to work in partnership with
schools to help deliver the Entitlement Framework. This will involve NRC staff

25
working in schools, innovative teaching methods and possible travel to campuses
beyond Antrim and Larne towns.

Local provision through links with businesses

NRC has an Economic Engagement Department which works with business to
identify skills needs and supply appropriate solutions.

The Department will continue to work with businesses in the area and other
support agencies, such as InvestNI, Local Enterprise Agencies, Council
Economic Development Departments, Sector Skills Councils and the Northern
Workforce Development Forum to ensure NRC continues to meet training and
development needs in the Antrim and Larne area.

Of the companies supported in the Antrim & Larne area to date, the bulk of the
training has been delivered by NRC staff on company premises. This will
continue as it minimises any disruption to the business and reduces employees
travel costs. Therefore the absence of a campus in either Antrim or Larne will
have no adverse impact on the delivery of training for companies.

The type of support provided to companies in the Larne and Antrim areas has
included
Essential skills delivery in the workplace
Business Improvement Techniques at Level 2( Lean Manufacturing)
Bespoke training; including welding & robotics
ICT training
Innovation vouchers

26
Action plan developed to redirect students to alternative vocational
courses/sites.
Curriculum teams are developing action plans which will address how current
and new students in Antrim and Larne will be managed and how students,
schools and staff will be informed of any changes.

6.2 Staff
The College recognises that these proposals may impact on staff in terms of
relocation to a new work base, reduction in the overall numbers of posts and
redeployment to a different post and a new role. The College will work in
partnership with the recognised trade unions to assess the impact on staff and
put robust mitigating measures in place.

As part of the College measures in implementing these proposals it will take

various steps to mitigate its effects e.g. flexible working, reasonable adjustments,
travel arrangements, redeployments and transfers.

The current policy in use of agency and short term fixed contract staff across all
campuses will increase the opportunity for redeployment of permanent staff and
potentially avoid redundancies. All changes to staffing levels will be implemented
through established College staffing policies and procedures.

The College will put in place a range of support mechanisms for individual staff
and will include:
Training in application and interview preparation
Training on related topics such as coping with change, dealing with stress,
dealing with money etc.
Re-training/ re-skilling for new roles
Carecall counselling service

27
All staff will be kept informed of developments. There will be support from line
managers, Human resources staff and recognised trade unions to help staff
consider their future options.

7. Formal consultation
The College wishes to consult as widely as possible on the findings included in
this equality impact assessment. With this in mind the College proposes to take
the following actions:-
An advertisement inviting the public to comment on this matter will be
placed in the main newspapers in the Northern Area, in accordance with
normal practice
A letter has already been issued on the Consultation of the Business
Improvement Plan to relevant Consultees
A copy of this report will be posted on the NRC website
Individual consultation meetings will be arranged with representatives of
particular interest groups if requested
Face to Face meetings will be arranged with relevant stakeholders and
representative groups
A travelling exhibition displaying facts about the NRC proposals will tour
the Colleges campuses allowing the opportunity to provide feedback. The
exhibition will be staffed by NRC Senior personnel who will be on hand to
answer any questions.
The report can be made available, on request, in alternative formats
including Braille, disk and audio-cassette and in minority languages for
those who are not fluent in English.

The closing date for responses is Friday 23 July 2010

28
 8. Decision of the Public Authority
Following the formal consultation period and consideration of the findings from the
consultation, NRC will reach a decision in terms of the Business Improvement Plan
consultation and the EQIA process. A final EQIA report and final Business
Improvement Plan will be published and will ensure that such decisions are
implemented.

9. Publication of results
The outcomes of this EQIA will be posted on the Colleges website and can also be
made available on request. The College will issue the final EQIA report to those who
have submitted to its consultation on this issue.

10. Monitoring of policy

NRC will continue to work to improve equality monitoring data for staff and students.

In keeping with the Equality Commissions guidance, the College will put in place a
strategy to monitor the impact of this proposal on the relevant groups. If as a result
of this monitoring, the College finds that the impact of this proposal results in a
greater adverse impact that predicted, or if the opportunities arise which would allow
for greater equality of opportunity to be promoted, the College will make sure that
measures are taken to achieve better outcomes for the equality groups.
APPENDIX A

Consultation Response Form EQIA

The aim of this consultation is to obtain views from stakeholders in Northern Ireland
and the Northern Regional College would be most grateful if you would respond by
completing this proforma. Please answer each question by writing your comments
in the space provided. The closing date for this consultation is 23 July 2010 and we
need to receive your completed proforma on or before that date.

If you have any particular requirements, (e.g. audio tape, Braille, large print,
computer disc, in languages other than English), to enable you to make a response
to this consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at the address given below
or by telephone, fax or e-mail.

If you or your organisation would like to have a face-to-face meeting to present your
views on this consultation document please contact us as below.

You can respond to the consultation document as follows:

Mrs Claire Moore
Director of Finance
Farm Lodge Buildings,
Ballymena,
Co Antrim,
BT43 7DF
Tel: 028 25664226
Fax: 028 25637803
E-mail: consultation@nrc.ac.uk
So that we can acknowledge receipt of your comments please fill in your name
and address or that of your organisation. You may withhold this information if
you wish but we will not then be able to acknowledge receipt of your comments.

Name:
Position (if applicable):
Organisation (if applicable):
Address:

I am responding: (Please tick)

as an individual
on behalf of an organisation

Do you consider that any aspect of the proposals to close Antrim and Larne
Campuses impacts adversely on people in the Section 75 equality groups? If so
please tell us:
Which groups you think the plan affect and
How you think these groups would be adversely affected.
Can you suggest any measures/ action which may help to mitigate or minimise any
potential adverse impact?

General Comments

Thank you for taking the time to respond to this consultation process.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 CONFIDENTIALITY
OF CONSULTATIONS

College Response and Freedom of Information Act (2000)

The Northern Regional College will publish an anonymised summary of the

responses received to our consultation process. However, under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) 2000, particular responses may be disclosed on request,
unless an exemption(s) under the legislation applies.

Under the FOIA anyone has right to request access to information held by public
authorities; the NRC is such a public body. College decisions in relation to the
release of information that the College holds are governed by various pieces of
legislation, and as such the College cannot automatically consider responses
received as part of any consultation process as exempt. However, confidentiality
issues will be carefully considered before any disclosures are made.