Equality Mainstreaming Supports for the Further Education and Training Sector
Expressions of Interest
The Equality Mainstreaming Unit is seeking expressions of interest from providers of
further education, training and labour market programmes who wish to avail of
support from an equality expert to carry out an equality mainstreaming project.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm, Monday, 7th July 2014
Introduction
The Equality Authority has secured funding from the European Social Fund through
the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme for an Equality
Mainstreaming Unit in the Equality Authority. One of the objectives of the Unit is to
support providers of further education and training and labour market programmes
to promote equality and combat discrimination in how they plan and deliver
programmes.
When planning and delivering further education and training programmes, a focus
on equality is beneficial to service users, as well as staff. It enables organisations to
be compliant with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2011 and the Equal Status
Acts 2000 – 2012, and to understand and respond to the needs of diverse service
users.
A focus on equality not only helps organisations to promote equality and combat
discrimination but also to become more efficient. It enables resources to be targeted
where they are most needed and helps to identify programmes that work better or
that need improvement.
Equality mainstreaming strategies can help to identify whether policies and
programmes can accommodate diversity across the nine grounds covered by the
equality legislation and identify any specific barriers experienced by learners,
mitigating any potential negative impact.
Investing in equality will also support providers to be compliant with FETAC Quality
Assurance standards.
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Equality Mainstreaming Supports
The Equality Mainstreaming Unit (EMU) has established a panel of equality experts
who can be made available to providers of further education, training and labour
market programmes to support the institution to develop and deliver an equality
mainstreaming project.
We are now seeking expressions of interest from providers of further education,
training and labour market programmes, including ETBs, INTREO offices, Local
Employment Service Offices and Training centres, etc.) who wish to avail of this
support. Depending on organisational need, an equality expert can be made
available for a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 12 days. The cost of the expert’s
support will be borne by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit.
Organisations that have not previously availed of equality mainstreaming supports
from the EMU are encouraged to apply as well as those that have previously been
beneficiaries of support.
It should be noted, however, that organisations which have previously availed of
EMU equality mainstreaming supports are required to demonstrate in their
application that their proposed project will be focused on implementation of
equality action plans that they have developed through previous rounds of funding.
For the purpose of this expression of interest, an equality mainstreaming project will
include at a minimum:

Equality training for staff and management in order to agree and implement
an equality action plan (N.B.: Any equality training should promote at a
minimum an understanding of the impact of discrimination on learners or
potential learners across the 9 grounds covered by the equality legislation)
For FET providers who may have existing equality action plans, equality supports
may be used to roll out equality mainstreaming training to tutors, front-line staff and
managers with a view to effectively implement the equality action plan.
Other actions that may take place as part of an equality mainstreaming project are:
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Positive action measures for learners from one or more of the nine equality
grounds, with a view to improve educational outcomes;
The implementation of equality proofing of specific programmes, policies or
procedures, in order to improve equality outcomes for learners;
Equality screening or equality impact assessments of specific programmes,
policies or procedures;
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
The improvement of data collection with a view to implement equality data
monitoring.
Actions should aim at embedding equality into:
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the design of programmes;
the delivery of programmes through direct supports to tutors
organisational policies and their implementation (e.g. advertisement of
courses, bridging courses, recruitment and selection of learners, provision of
supports for learners’ such as reasonable accommodation, or language
supports);
methodologies in learners’ evaluations and assessments (e.g. alternative
forms of assessements for learners requiring reasonable accommodation or
specific language and literacy supports;
monitoring of learners’ participation across the nine grounds;
the promotion of the equality competency of staff and learners across the
institution;
actions to support and equip tutors to address racism, homophobia,
transphobia or other forms of harassment and discrimination in the
classroom.
Engagement and consultation with learners would also be welcome.
The Equality Authority has developed a number of resources and good practice tools
on equality mainstreaming and will require interested organisations to apply these
tools instead of creating new ones.
The Equality Mainstreaming supports are not intended for the creation of new
toolkits but to test, adapt and apply already existing ones. See a list of useful tools
and resources at Appendix 1.
An outline of FET Mainstreaming Supports implemented between 2013-2014 is
included in Appendix 2.
Project Implementation and Verification
Successful applicants will be circulated with the contact details and background
information about the experts on the Panel from whom they can select.
The costs associated with the project will be provided directly to the selected
Equality Expert by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit through funding secured under
the European Social Fund through the Human Capital Investment Operational
Programme 2007-2013.
“Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the
European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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A small amount of funding will also be available to the successful applicants (on
receipt of original invoices to cover light refreshments and room booking costs
associated with training meetings or focus groups related to the project. Successful
applicants must agree these costs in advance with the Equality Mainstreaming Unit.
Further Education and Training providers will be required to provide the following:
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Evidence of actions undertaken through the equality mainstreaming supports and
trail of vouched expenditures such as participant sign in-sheets, training materials
used, records of meetings held, etc.
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Submission of a comprehensive project report to the EMU.
The Equality Authority will provide ongoing technical support throughout the
implementation of the project through liaison with the nominated equality expert
and staff from the provider organisation. In case of circumstances outside of the
expert’s control, the FET provider should make all efforts to complete the project
and maintain contact with the FET expert through one or more project leaders.
The Equality Mainstreaming Unit will reserve the right to be involved in steering
groups and committees set up for the implementation of the project and will provide
technical assistance and expertise to ensure that a strong equality dimension is
consistently incorporated throughout the project actions.
Expressions of Interest
Interested organisations are required to submit an expression of interest no longer
than 2 A4 pages by 5.00 pm Monday 7 July, 2014. Expressions of Interest should
outline the following:
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Details of the planned equality mainstreaming actions including expected
outputs and where relevant, numbers, level and function of staff and/or of
learners to be targeted (e.g. an interactive equality training session should
not have more than approx. 15 people per session).
Previous record of engagement with equality issues.
If applicable, evidence of equality action plans previously produced under
EMU funding and evidence of an added value to previous equality projects.
Types of programmes, practices or policies to be reviewed, proofed or
changed from an equality perspective.
Demonstration of an organisational commitment to integrate an equality
mainstreaming approach into policies and programmes, i.e. by including
confirmation or evidence of senior management willingness to take action on
equality.
Clear commitment to share relevant project learning with the Equality
Authority and within the Further and Adult Education Sector and with Labour
Market programmes providers.
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European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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
Evidence of organisational capacity to implement the project, including
evidence of organisational capacity to implement the project within the
established timeframe.
The criteria for assessment of the Expressions of Interest are :
A. Nature of the project (35 /100)
The nature of the project will be assessed through the following:
 The quality of the project proposal (i.e. clear objectives, clear methodology and
outputs)
 Whether the project will focus on one or more of the nine grounds
protected by the equality legislation, and a brief rationale for the same.
 For providers who have previously availed of equality mainstreaming
supports, whether the project proposal demonstrates added value and
progression from previous actions funded.
 A clear focus on supporting staff in the promotion of equality and the
prevention of discrimination, with regard to organisational policies as well
in the classroom.
B. Capacity to integrate an equality mainstreaming approach into the project (35
/100)
The equality mainstreaming focus of the project will be assessed through providing
evidence of the following:
 A clear understanding of how the project is linked to the promotion of
equality into policies, programmes and services within the organisation
 A clear demonstration of the capacity to implement equality actions as a
result of this project
 An outline of the expected impact on learners covered under one or more of
the nine equality grounds.
C. Leadership to drive forward and sustain project in the future (20/100)
The project leadership will be assessed through the following:
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Demonstration of an active commitment, support and participation of senior
management to the equality project.
Demonstration of the willingness and capacity to maintain a commitment to
equality mainstreaming beyond the life of the project.
D. Value for money (10/100)
“Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the
European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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The project value for money will be assessed through the following:
 Number of expert days requested vis-a-vis the types of actions and scale of
the project proposed.
 Outline of the potential of the project to impact on organisational practices
and outcomes for learners.
Closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest
The closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is 5.00pm on Friday, 4th July
2014
Expression of Interests should be returned to Ursula O’Meara by email:
[email protected]
Please use the subject line ‘Equality Mainstreaming Supports for the Further
Education and Training Sector’.
For further information or queries contact:
Stefania Minervino
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (01) 4173374
“Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the
European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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Appendix 1
Useful Tools and Resources
Mainstreaming-Equality-in-the-VEC-Sector-New-Tools-for-Embedding-Equality
http://www.equality.ie/en/Events/Past-Events/Mainstreaming-Equality-in-the-VECSector-New-Tools-for-Embedding-Equality.html
Guidelines for conducting equality impact assessments on IVEA and VEC plans,
policies and programmes
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/Guidelines-forconducting-equality-impact-assessments-on-IVEA-and-VEC-plans,-policies-andprogrammes.html
Equality Benefits Tools – Employment
http://www.equality.ie/en/Good-Practice/Equality-Benefit-Tools/
Equality Benefits Tools – Your Service Users and You
http://www.equality.ie/en/Good-Practice/Equality-Benefit-Tools/
Equality Action Planning Framework
http://www.fess.ie/images/stories/Equality/Equality_Action_Planning__WEB.pdf
Working-for-Travellers'-Equality-Equality Mainstreaming Toolkit
http://www.equality.ie/Files-2/Working-for-Travellers'-Equality-Equalitymainstreaming-toolkit-for-enterprise-and-employment-programmes.pdf
Equality and Diversity and Grounds for Action: Building a Culture of Equality in Our
Society. A Citizenship Education Resource for Transition Year and Key Stage 4
http://www.equality.ie/en/Good-Practice/Equality-and-Diversity-and-Grounds-forAction-Building-a-Culture-of-Equality-in-Our-Society-A-Citizenship-EducationResource-for-Transition-Year-and-Key-Stage-4.html
Spotlight on Stereotyping - A Resource for Teachers of Civic, Social and Political
Education
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/Spotlight-onStereotyping.html
Reasonable Accommodation of People with Disabilities in the Provision of Goods
and Services
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/ReasonableAccommodation-of-People-with-Disabilities-in-the-Provision-of-Goods-andServices.html
Guidelines for Employment Equality Policies
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European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/Guidelines-forEmployment-Equality-Policies-in-Enterprises.html
Guidelines for Equal Status Policies
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/Guidelines-forEqual-Status-Policies-in-Enterprises.html
Embedding Equality in School Development
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/EmbeddingEquality-in-School-Development-Planning.html
Equality Status Policy Guidelines Local Government Services Board
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/LocalGovernment-Services-Board-2008-Equal-Status-Policy-Guidelines-and-Template.html
Equality-Impact-Assessment-Initial-Guidelines-for-the-City-and-CountyDevelopment-Boards
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/EqualityImpact-Assessment-Initial-Guidelines-for-the-City-and-County-DevelopmentBoards.html
An-Equality-Proofing-Template-for-the-City-and-County-Development-Boards
http://www.equality.ie/en/Publications/Good-Practice-Publications/An-EqualityProofing-Template-for-the-City-and-County-Development-Boards.html
Equality Screening Toolkit for the Public Sector
(please contact the Equality Mainstreaming Unit for a copy of this document
Other useful publications and conference proceedings are available at:
http://www.equality.ie/en/Equality-Mainstreaming/Equality-MainstreamingUnit.html
“Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the
European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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Appendix 2: FET Equality Mainstreaming Supports/ Projects funded in between
September 2013 and June 2014)
FET Provider
1. Coláiste Dhúlaigh
College of Further
Education
2. AONTAS
Community
Education
Network (CEN)
3. Carlow Institute of
Further Education
4. Cavan Monaghan
ETB - Adult
Education
5. Clare VEC
(Limerick and Clare ETB)
6. Limerick VEC
(Limerick and Clare ETB)
7. Co. Dublin VEC
(Dublin and Dun
Laoghaire ETB)
Description of Actions/Supports
Equality Mainstreaming training with college departments
and students with a specific focus on mental health. Focus
groups with staff and learners on the interface between
minority group status and mental health; meetings with
management and feedback from training discussions to form
the basis for the college equality action plan; action plan
agreed by management.
Survey Monkey re: equality issues and initiatives in adult
community education. Training needs assessment, design and
delivery of an equality training module to CEN Members,
AONTAS staff and board. Review of an Equality Policy.
Equality expert liaised with individual CEN members to
develop equality actions and plans.
Equality Audit through Focus groups, interviews, students’
feedback, survey on equality and review of policies (informed
by the FESS Equality Audit and Action Planning Framework).
Training design and delivery and identification of future
equality actions.
Focus groups for equality action planning, training for tutors
in relation to assistive technology and inclusive learning;
review of equality policy.
Training on reasonable accommodation in assessment and
assistive technology for tutors in Adult Ed, Community Ed and
Youthreach, review of relevant policies and procedures on
reasonable accommodation, identification of new actions for
the already existing equality action plan.
Steering group/ team worked on an agreed concept of
equality in Adult education; equality proofing of VTOS, BTEI,
Adult Literacy, Community Education and Youthreach
programmes using the FESS Equality Action Planning
Framework, equality training and action planning, review of
skills and tools to ensure implementation of equality actions.
The aim of the project was to develop an equality based
admissions framework for Youthreach and Adult and
Community Education. The work included delivery of equality
training for those not familiar with the concept and
introduction to equality planning. This was followed by a
number of facilitated consultations which culminated in the
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development of an admissions framework which included an
admission policies and draft codes of practice. Both policies
were adopted by senior management and codes of practice
will be piloted during the coming academic year.
The aim of the project was to support the development of
8. Dun Laoghaire VEC equality mainstreaming through the delivery of equality
(Dublin and Dun
training and action planning for staff within Sportsreach and
Laoghaire ETB)
Adult and Community Education. This was followed by a
number of facilitated consultations (in conjunction with staff
from Co Dublin VEC) which culminated in the development of
an admissions framework which included an admission
policies and draft codes of practice. Both policies were
adopted by senior management
9. Further Education The project focused on programme delivery and built on the
and Support
already existing FESS Equality Action Planning framework by
Services (FESS)
adapting specific templates for the equality proofing of some
programme modules. Guide and templates piloted with
Wicklow VEC and Co. Cavan VEC Adult Education service;
train-the-trainers session and dissemination plan devised.
10. Longford Women’s Focus groups on equality; design and delivery of equality
Link
mainstreaming training, including equality action planning;
focus group on implementation of the equality action plan,
including allocation of responsibilities for the plan and
specific actions.
11. St. Catherine’s
Equality training for tutors and coordinators; consultations
Community
with staff and learners; review of policies from an equality
Services, Carlow
perspective with tutors and coordinators; drafting and
dissemination of the equality action plan.
12. Westmeath VEC
Equality training for management; development of an Equal
(Longford-Westmeath Status policy and Employment Equality Policy; revision of the
ETB)
dignity and respect policy; development of a work plan for
the Access Officer; training on the FESS Equality Action
Planning Framework and initial Equality proofing of 2 key
areas; design of a survey for equality monitoring and
community mapping; identification of next steps.
13. Cavan Institute
Equality awareness training for students’ representatives and
board of management; equality workshops for the Equality
Working group; equality audit of facilities, programmes and
policies by the expert, in consultation with staff and students;
revision of the current equality action plan and identification
of next steps.
“Funded by the Equality Mainstreaming Unit which is jointly funded by the
European Social Fund 2007-2013 and by the Equality Authority”
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