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Local Government champions diversity

The business issue

The findings of the 2002 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, revealed that ‘women from all sectors believed that reaching a gender balanced council is essential to a comfortable working environment for senior female officers and staff, better relations with civic organisations representing women and better policy outcomes for society as a whole’. This initiative has effectively sought to address this issue. 

The Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC) is an executive non-departmental public body which has general oversight of matters connected with recruitment, training and terms and conditions of employment of officers in the 26 district councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

One of the key areas for the Commission is to address diversity and equality within local government. As part of this remit it introduced initiatives to address the long standing issue of under representation of women in local government, particularly in senior grades.

In 2005, LGSC undertook an analysis of the composition of the local government workforce which showed that: there were no women Chief Executives; only 16% of second tier posts were held by women; 14 of the 26 councils had no women in senior posts; in the non-traditional sectors only 7% of posts were held by women; and female elected representatives accounted for only 22% of elected member representation. 

What lgsc did

The Commission agreed to develop a proactive strategy. A stakeholder analysis was carried out and key partner organisations were identified and agreed to come together to form a Women’s Development Steering Group to guide the change process. This major change also required the ownership by the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland, by elected representatives and the five main political parties.

‘The Women in Local Councils – making a difference’ initiative was launched in January 2006. It created: A Declaration of Principles, endorsed by all councils; a ‘network of Gender Champions’; a Gender Action Plan for each council; a calendar of events and development; a dedicated website; and The Women in Local Councils.

It appointed 37 champions to maximise the profile of the initiative and participation in the programme. 

Impact

  • Increased representation of women at all levels in councils
  • Councils more representative of the communities which they serve
  • There are now 3 women Chief Executives (an increase of 12% since 2006)
  • 26% of second tier posts are now held by women (an increase of 10% since 2006)
  • 19 councils now have women in Chief Executive or Director posts (an increase of 27% since 2006)
  • More women applying and being appointed to senior posts in councils
Local Government Staff Commission - Workplace Diversity Award 2010

From the Local Government Staff Commission: Lorna Parsons; Diana Stewart; Jane Morrice and Kate Lagan with John Heaslip, Chief Executive, BITC and Alastair Hamilton, CEO Invest NI

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