4.39Schedule 9 4. (2) (c)

4.40Monitoring can assist us to deliver better public services and continuous improvements. Monitoring Section 75 information involves the processing of sensitive personal data (including data relating to the racial or ethnic origin of individuals, sexual orientation, political opinion and religious belief). In order to carry out monitoring in a confidential and effective manner, we follow guidance from the Office of the Information Commissioner and the Equality Commission.

4.41We monitor any adverse impact of policies we have adopted on the promotion of equality of opportunity. We are also committed to monitoring more broadly to identify opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations in line with Equality Commission guidance.

4.42The systems we have established to monitor the impact of policies and identify opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations are:

• The on-going collection, collation and analysis of existing relevant primary sources of quantitative and qualitative data across all nine equality categories
• The on-going collection, collation and analysis of existing relevant secondary sources of quantitative and qualitative data across all nine equality categories
• An audit of existing information systems within one year of approval of this equality scheme, to identify the extent of current monitoring and take action to address any gaps in order to have the necessary information on which to base decisions
• Undertaking or commissioning new data, if necessary.

4.43It is noted that, on occasion, different initiatives concentrate on specific groups that have been shown to experience specific disadvantages. Therefore, monitoring of their effectiveness will concentrate on assessing improvements within those specific groups.

4.44If, over a two-year period, monitoring and evaluation show that a policy results in greater adverse impact than predicted, or if opportunities arise which would allow for greater equality of opportunity to be promoted, we will ensure that the policy is revised to achieve better outcomes for the relevant equality groups.

4.45We review our EQIA monitoring information on an annual basis. Other monitoring information is reviewed in line with the specific targets, as outlined in our action plan.