Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

🎄The festive season is here, and so are work dos and Christmas parties.

To avoid potential issues, read our blog for tips to keep your work Christmas party safe and respectful 👇
www.equalityni.org/Blog/Article...

Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey standing by a window and looking at the camera, with a view of Belfast city in the background.

The Equality Commission has formally applied to the High Court for leave to apply for judicial review following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of ‘For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers’.

Read the press release 👇
www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

Promotional graphic for the event 'Section 75 in action: Influencing decisions and improving outcomes'.

Join us for an in-person event on Section 75 and how it can strengthen your policy and advocacy work.

📅 Tues 27 Jan 2026
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast

This workshop is for those in the community and voluntary sector.

To book 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/section-75...

Illustration of people interacting with mobile devices and a robot labeled "AI," with logos for ECNI, CIPD, and Omagh Enterprise, promoting an online event about AI in recruitment and HR.

AI is reshaping recruitment and staff management, and employers need to understand both the opportunities and the risks.

CIPD NI & the Equality Commission are hosting a free online event on using AI responsibly in HR.

Sign up 👉 cutt.ly/Wtrrzkp4

Reasonable Adjustments-Better Futures. Let's build an Inclusive Workforce. In person conference focusing on reasonable adjustments and practical ways to implement.

Join us on Thurs, 11 Dec at Girdwood Hub, Belfast, for an event on reasonable adjustments and creating supportive, accessible workplaces for disabled applicants and employees.

⏰ Time: 9:30am registration | 10:00am – 1:00pm (light lunch provided)

Book your place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/reasonable...

Graphic for a blog with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo. Text reads: 'Anti-Bullying Week: Taking action to challenge racism in schools.' Includes a photo of Dr. Chris Jenkins, Senior Policy Officer.

This Anti-Bullying Week, Senior Policy Officer Chris Jenkins highlights the specific actions needed to address racist bullying and ensure every child feels safe at school.

Read the blog 👇
🔗 www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

An Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in the top left corner. Below this is text Applications open to appoint new members to the Board Deputy Chief Commissioner and Commissioner Closing date: 28 November

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is inviting applications for the roles of Deputy Chief Commissioner and Commissioner at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

For full details and application packs 👇
🔗 www.gov.uk/government/n...

Closing date: Friday, 28 November

A background graphic with an illustration of diverse people, an Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo in the bottom right corner, and the text: End hate crime in Northern Ireland Read our recommendations equalityni.org/hatecrimepolicy

This Hate Crime Awareness Week, it’s more important than ever to stand together against all forms of hate, embrace diversity and build stronger, inclusive communities.

Read our recommendations to end hate crime 👇
www.equalityni.org/HateCrimePolicy 

Hate Crime Awareness Week runs until 18 October.

A blue, green and white coloured graphic with a green ribbon design and an Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo in the bottom left. The text is World Mental Health Day 10 October

This World Mental Health Day, we're highlighting the importance of supporting mental wellbeing at work 💚

Find out how we can help you promote positive mental health and good employment practice in your organisation 👇
🔗 www.equalityni.org/Employers-Se...

9 people (7 women and 2 men) standing in front of a white wall. The words "We are the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission" are written on the wall in purple.

Today, we hosted another meeting of our strategic litigation forum.

Our forum meets twice yearly and brings together lawyers in organisations working on human rights strategic litigation.

Thanks to all who took time out of the schedules to attend!

Older people in NI have fewer protections from age discrimination than elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

This #InternationalDayofOlderPersons, we call for stronger protections in goods, facilities and services for all ages.

Learn more about Age Law Reform 👇
www.equalityni.org/Delivering-E...

Five people standing together, smiling at the camera following a Gender Budgeting workshop

Today, we welcomed Ulster University’s Gender Budgeting Project Team to Equality House to learn about their work and discuss how the budgeting process can help improve equality.

Three people standing, facing the camera at a Carers NI event

Two people sitting, having a conversation with the audience at the Carers NI event

Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey took part in the Carers NI’s 60th anniversary event where she spoke about the equality issues facing unpaid carers and the need to reform health and social care. We congratulate Carers NI on 60 years of supporting and championing carers in Northern Ireland.

Graphic promoting an Hourglass webinar. Black and white images of two older people appear in the bottom right corner. Hourglass logo is in the top left. Text reads 'Hourglass webinar: The links between ageism and abuse, Northern Ireland, 24th September, 10:30–12:00. Book your place for free on Eventbrite. www.wearehourglass.org

We're speaking at the 'Links with Ageism and Abuse: Northern Ireland' Hourglass webinar this Wednesday, 24 Sept, 10.30am to 12pm, about the harms of ageism and the need for comprehensive legislation to protect people from age discrimination.

Book your place 👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-links-...

Cover page of the Trussell Trust’s Hunger in Northern Ireland Executive Summary September 2025 report, featuring the title, logo and branding.

We attended the Trussell Trust's briefing on hunger & food insecurity in NI & discussed the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy. Our consultation response calls for targeted actions across equality groups in education, housing, employment & other areas. Read our response 👇
www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/E...

Graphic with the text 'Roadmap update Consultation For Women Scotland and its implications in Northern Ireland.' The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo appears in the top left corner.

The Commission is advancing its Roadmap to clarify key definitions under the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976 (SDO) and assist the development of final guidance for employers and service providers. 

Learn more and respond to the consultation by 19 September 👇
🔗 www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

Graphic with a blue background and a green frame. Inside the frame, white text reads Northern Ireland's Anti-Poverty Strategy: A critical opportunity at risk Below, smaller text reads Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner, alongside her photo. The word Blog is in the top left corner, and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo is in the top right.

In her blog, Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey discusses why the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy falls short, calling for clear targets, actions, accountability, and ringfenced budgets.

Read the blog and respond to the consultation by 19 September 👇
🔗 www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

Rosie Pidgeon, a Belfast student, sitting outdoors in an electric wheelchair, looking toward the camera

Rosie Pidgeon, a Belfast student, has settled her disability discrimination case against Translink for £7,500. The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

You can read more about the case here 👇
www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

A woman stands at a lectern speaking at the 'Childcare for All' event in Stormont. To the left, a projector displays the text 'Pillar 2: For Parents Childcare for All.' Several audience members are seated in the foreground.

Great to attend the Childcare Strategy for All event in Stormont, hearing from parents, early educators, and the women’s sector on the need for an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy that works for children, parents, providers, and society.

Read our recommendations 👇
🔗 equalityni.org/Childcare

Graphic with the text 'Consultation For Women Scotland and its implications in Northern Ireland.' In the background, a hand holding a pen over a clipboard, with another set of hands visible. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo appears in the top left corner.

As part of our roadmap for addressing legal uncertainties in Northern Ireland following the For Women Scotland Supreme Court judgment, we are seeking views in our stakeholder consultation.

📅 The consultation closes next Friday, 19 September 2025.

Learn more www.equalityni.org/SCJConsultat...

Promotional graphic featuring a performer with a microphone on stage. Text reads Mela Day 24 August 2025 Botanic Gardens World Stage

🌸 Join us at Mela Day this Sun 24 Aug in Botanic Gardens!

✨ Visit our stall to learn about the Commission and how we can support you if you’ve experienced discrimination.

As a friend of #BelfastMela, we’re proud to celebrate cultural diversity across Northern Ireland.

🎟️ To book
belfastmela.org.uk

Four people smiling, holding a board with the text: South Asian Heritage Month 18 July to 17 August – Celebrate | Commemorate | Educate, with three logos: Belfast Asian Women’s Academy, South Asian Heritage Month, and Community Fund.

Deputy Chief Commissioner Neil Anderson and Commissioner Preeti Yellamaty joined Belfast Asian Women's Academy at Belfast City Hall for South Asian Cultural Day, part of the celebrations for South Asian Heritage Month.

Stroke survivor settles case against former employer A man who asked for reduced working hours after suffering two strokes has settled a disability and age discrimination case against his former employer for £100,000 (€114,500).

A man who asked for reduced working hours after suffering two strokes has settled a disability and age discrimination case against his former employer for £100,000 (€114,500)

Belfast man settles discrimination case against former employer for £100k

"I felt abandoned, like I was only fit for the scrap heap..."

Clifford Donaldson sits in a garden, facing the camera.

Clifford Donaldson has settled a disability and age discrimination case against his former employer, Fraser Partners Ltd, for £100,000.

You can read more about the case here 👇
www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

A group of young professionals brainstorming around a table in a modern office environment

Join our 'Promoting equality and diversity in employment in five steps' webinar.

When: Fri 22 August, 11am to 12noon

Learn how to make your workplace fair and inclusive, covering recruitment, staff development, leadership, and culture.

Book on MS Teams 👇
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7c94eb...

Three people at the Belfast Mela launch: two in front holding a blue circular prop that reads Friend of Belfast Mela in white text, and a third person behind them wearing traditional dress on stilts with arms raised. In the background is a large prop painted with colourful flowers.

Our Chief Commissioner, Geraldine McGahey, was delighted to join Nisha Tandon OBE, ArtsEkta, and Friends of Belfast Mela to launch this year’s Belfast Mela Festival, taking place from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 August 2025!

Find out more and book your tickets
👉 belfastmela.org.uk

Three people standing on the staircase at Stormont Buildings: Paul Noonan, Senior Policy Officer; Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; and Danny Donnelly, MLA, standing in the middle.

Our Chief Commissioner met today with Danny Donnelly MLA to discuss his proposals for a Bill on the UNCRPD. We also highlighted the need to strengthen protections against disability discrimination in Northern Ireland.

@dannydonnelly1.bsky.social‬

Three people in an office setting; one person standing and leaning over another’s laptop screen while the third person sits nearby, writing.

Our updated training offers new webinars to help you promote equality at work ⬇️

➡️ How to develop an equality plan
➡️ How to conduct an equal pay audit
➡️ The case for promoting lawful equality, diversity, and inclusion at work

Read our blog & book your place 👇
www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links...

Graphic with the text 'Consultation For Women Scotland and its implications in Northern Ireland.' In the background, a hand holding a pen over a clipboard, with another set of hands visible. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland logo appears in the top left corner.

As part of our roadmap for addressing legal uncertainties in Northern Ireland following the For Women Scotland Supreme Court judgment, we are seeking views in our stakeholder consultation.

Respond by Friday 19 September 2025.

Find out more 👇
🔗 www.equalityni.org/SCJConsultat...