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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: [email protected]


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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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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 reviewA 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 isprojected 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 ANTRIMCAMPUS

LARNECAMPUS*

ALLCAMPUSES

GENDER MaleFemale

40.7%59.3%

32.9%67.1%

47.2%52.8%

RELIGION ProtestantRoman CatholicOtherNo Religion

Not Known

40.3%28.7%1.2%6.7%

23.1%

59.0%15.1%1.6%11.1%

13.2%

49.0%26.5%1.3%4.9%

18.3%POLITICALOPINION

Not Collected

AGE Under 1616-1920-3031-4041-5051-6060+

10.5%24.7%22.9%14.5%14.1%8.5%4.9%

0%15.9%27.8%16.2%16.7%10.2%13.2%

9.1%36.9%21.5%11.8%9.7%5.5%5.5%

MARITAL

STATUS

Single

Married/Co-habitingOtherNot Known

50.9%

24.2%6.0%18.9%

48.8%

33.2%7.8%10.2%

65.7%

19.1%4.0%11.2%

DEPENDENTSTATUS

YesNo

5.6%94.4%

15.4%84.6%

5.8%94.2%

DISABILITY YesNoNot Known

7.1%83.9%9.0%

9.7%87.9%2.4%

9.2%86.9%3.9%

ETHNICITY WhiteBlack CaribbeanBlack African

Black otherIndianPakistaniBangladeshiChineseIrish TravellerOtherUnknown

91.3%0%0.1%

0.1%0.3%0.1%0%0.2%0.4%0.7%6.9%

95.1%0.5%0%

0%0%0.3%0.3%0.5%0%0.5%2.8%

96.0%0.04%0.1%

0.02%0.1%0.1%0.01%0.25%0.08%0.6%2.7%


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SEXUALORIENTATION

Possibly 1 in 10 LGB data source Rainbow Project July2008. The College is currently implementing measures torecord 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 ANTRIMCAMPUS

LARNECAMPUS*

ALL STAFF

GENDER MaleFemale

35.5%64.5%

38.5%61.5%

38%62%

RELIGION ProtestantRoman CatholicNot Known

72.4%26.3%1.3%

76.9%23.1%0%

65%30%5%

AGE 16-2425-34

35-4445-5455-6465+

1.3%19.7%

22.4%34.2%21.1%1.3%

7.7%15.3%

30.8%30.8%7.7%7.7%

1.9%15.4%

23.7%31.5%24.0%3.5%

POLITICALOPINION

Only collected data since merger for new employees notenough data to present

MARITALSTATUS


DEPENDENTSTATUS


DISABILITY Only collected data since merger for new employees not

enough data to presentETHNICITY Only collected data since merger for new employees not

enough data to presentSEXUALORIENTATION

Possibly 1 in 10 of NI Workforce LGB data sourceRainbow 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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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


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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 andLarne 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


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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


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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 andrepresentative 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


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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.


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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: [email protected]


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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.


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