About Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

CAMARADERIE IS THE key for the 136 employees working for the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI). This organisation gets its highest results in the My Team category and scores 73% overall, ranking it 36th out of all 75 public sector organisations in our list.

Employees say there is a strong feeling of family at work (69%), agree that teams are fun to interact with (76%) and believe that colleagues care about each other (78%).

An independent public body, established under the Northern Ireland Act of 1998, the ECNI and its staff stand for one simple ideal — to advance equality. The commission encourages awareness of and enforces anti-discrimination law ensuring people are treated fairly regardless of age, disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or political persuasion.

Some 67% of its staff have been in their jobs for five years or more and managers are usually promoted from within. Employees say that training is of great personal benefit to them (67%, a score bettered by just three other small organisations). They say their work is stimulating (71%), that jobs are good for their personal growth and the experience gained in their roles will be valuable in the future (both 74%). Staff also say that their managers are supportive (71%), caring about colleagues as individuals and talk openly and honestly to them (both 74%). Managers regularly express their appreciation for a job well done and make it clear what is expected of the workforce (both 76%).

Everyone has the right to request a flexible working option and the choices available include job sharing, home working, compressed hours, school term-only contracts and flexitime. Holiday entitlement begins at 25 days and moves up to 30 days, depending on length of service. External counselling is available through an occupational health programme.

Employees say they are happy with the balance between their work and home life (67%), that pressure in the role is not affecting their performance (70%) and that their health is not suffering because of the job (72%).

More than half the workforce earns £25,000 or more and maternity leave starts with 18 weeks at full pay. Other benefits include childcare vouchers, life assurance and discounted services. Employees also have a contributory pension scheme, where the commission pays in 16.5% of salary.

ECNI employees say work is an important part of who they are (74%) and they love working for the organisation (73%).

www.equalityni.org