Good Relations Service
The term ‘Good Relations’ comes from Section 75 of the N.I. Act (1998). This legislation was established to provide a statutory basis to ensure that people do not experience discrimination. Section 75(1) sets out nine groups of people who should be considered in any public policy or practice. Section 75 (2) further states that a public body is also required to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between people of different religious beliefs, political opinion or racial group.
Neither ‘good relations’ nor ‘promoting good relations’ is defined in legislation. The Equality Commission has developed the following working definition of ‘good relations’:
“The growth of relationships and structures for Northern Ireland that acknowledge the religious, political and racial context of this society, and that seek to promote respect, equity and trust, and embrace diversity in all its forms.”
Equality Commission (Promoting Good Relations – A Summary Guide for Public Authorities) March 2008
Derry City Council employs an Equality Officer and two Community Relations Officers. The Community Relations Officers work on ‘Good Relations’ as defined under Section 75(2) – wider Equality issues may be the remit of the Equality Officer based in Corporate Services.
For further details including councils Good Relations Strategy please see www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations
Contact
Sue Divin/Carol Stewart
Community Relations Officers
Waterside sub-office Derry City Council
Old Clondermott School
Irish Street
BT474DD
Tel: 028 7134 5160
Fax: 028 7131 1524
Mob: 0773 988 2453 (Sue); 07525708399 (Carol)
E-mail: sue.divin@derrycity.gov.uk
E-mail: carol.stewart@derrycity.gov.uk
ALLtogether NoW
ALLtogether NoW is a campaign designed to celebrate the rich multicultural society found in the North West of Northern Ireland. Funded by the EU’s PEACE III Programme and promoted by the NW Peace III Partnership, the campaign encourages ordinary people to sign up in the fight against racism – standing together to declare that ‘Racism is Wrong’. To find out more about the campaign or how you can get involved, please click here.
