Management of Diversity Research Management of Diversity Research ProjectProject

Dr Billy Leonard

INCORE was set set up in 1993 by the United Nations University and the University of Ulster. Its overall function is to carry out research on:

- conflict resolution

- post conflict transition

- public policy matters in such situations

Management of DiversityManagement of Diversity

To assess policy needs in areas which could help manage diversity in NI

Funded by OFMDFM

Taking stock / scoping study

‘Cross cutting issues’

EducationEducation

Land ManagementLand Management

Participatory PracticesParticipatory Practices

EqualityEquality

CultureCulture

PolicingPolicing

‘Cross cutting issues’

Utmost importance of ‘managing diversity’ in next few years

‘language of diversity’ to be taken further e.g. we are not just talking about pluralism

we have more than a ‘two community’ diversity

OFMDFM vital as ‘driving force’

… continued

Need both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up approaches

European and International laws / conventions helpful in our context

responsibility taking importance balance with ‘rights’

measure of ‘shared ambition’

Education - ‘Options for consideration’

Assess effectiveness of Social, Civic & Political Education

review of teacher training for SCPE

investigate feasibility of a group driving forward ‘culture of tolerance’ in education.

… continued

Investigate more holistic vision of, nature of learning, education and inclusive society

review of religious education to assess how it reflects vision of pluralism, tolerance and diversity

examine how Higher & Further Education sector could contribute to management of diversity

Land Management - Options

Methodologies required for:

approach and consultative techniques for community involvement

ethno-graphic profiles of areas / communities

… continued

Avail of best international practice where race and planning insights are helpful e.g. GB & US

prioritise areas for pilot studies response strategy for private sector Travelling community issues

Participatory Practices - Options Research ‘Community

Link’ idea review functions of local /

central government and non-elected bodies

research feasibility of non-territorial elections

… continued

Clarify vision of civic society in N Ireland in time for review of Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement

several points made on ‘review’ issues e.g. Assembly to Civic Forum relationship.

Equality - Options

Research into language of equality with view to relatively detailed vision statement

research how to help in promoting ‘good relations duty’

research how to effectively evaluate Equality Impact Assessments

… continued

Research how to convey pro-active and multi-dimensional nature of equality and, responsibility taking in proposed legislation

consideration of measures in legislation applying to private sector

Culture - Options

Furnish ‘context friendly’ vision statement of cultural diversity

research model for ‘single-identity’ work to move to interdependence with other cultural groups

research how politics, history and religion impact upon culture - educational training material to be end product

…continued

Research methodologies for positively demonstrating culture and cultural identity in wider context

compile framework and criteria for funding bodies which integrates principles from above

Policing - Options

Comprehensive socio-political vision of policing be drawn up

this could be the basis of mission statement type documents and inform police training

PSNI and all bodies with responsibility for policing be designated under Sec 75 equality legislation

… continued

Police training to include sociology and social psychology concepts, different philosophies of policing - main emphasis ‘policing in and with society’

review research at appropriate time on how new structures are delivering transparent accountability

… continued

Critique of Police Act 2000 & implementation strategies to avoid difficulties in management of diversity context

consider how to continue the management of change from RUC to PSNI

… and in conclusion

Political w

ill The driving force

… there are two essentials