In April 2004, Newington Housing Association was designated a public authority for the purposes of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Since this time the Association agreed to work in partnership with other housing associations in respect to section 75, under the housing movements umbrella body, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act places significant duties on public authorities regarding how they carry out their functions. These duties relate to the promotion of equality of opportunity on grounds of:
. age
. marital status
. disability
. political opinion
. race
. religious belief
. sex
. sexual orientation
. people with or without dependants

and promoting good relations between people of different:
. racial groups
. religious belief
. political opinion

These duties on public authorities include the production and review of equality schemes, conducting equality impact assessments and including consultation as an integral part of the policy-making process.

The Equality Commission

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is an independent public body established under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Commission's general duties include:
. working towards the elimination of discrimination
. promoting equality of opportunity and encouraging good practice
. promoting affirmative / positive action
. promoting good relations between people of different racial groups
. overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of the statutory duty on public authorities.
. keeping the relevant legislation under review

Equality Scheme

Each organisation's equality scheme is an important document. It is a statement of a public authority's commitment to fulfilling its statutory duties and a plan of its performance. NHA in partnership with the other housing associate of the views the Association received. In October 2005 our Equality Scheme was approved by the Equality Commission.