APPENDIX 1
Memorandum submitted by the Northern Ireland
Court Service
The Committee wishes to know what forms of training
in relation to the issues of racism, homophobia and disability
are required, or are available for people working within the criminal
justice system in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Court
Service requires all staff, including new entrants, to attend
diversity training. This training encourages staff to consider
potential prejudices and outlines the organisation' s overall
expectations and standards of conduct. It focuses not only on
issues of race, sexual orientation and disability, but encompasses
all of the nine groupings identified in section 75 of the Northern
Ireland Act 1998 (ie gender, religion, politics, age, marital
status, and persons with and without dependents).
The Judicial Studies Board for Northern Ireland
has recently embarked on a programme of diversity awareness training
for the Northern Ireland judiciary, organised in conjunction with
the Northern Ireland Equality Conimission. The programme gives
the judiciary the opportunity to hear from a number of community
groups. Within the last few months presentations have been made
to the judges by representatives from the Northern Ireland Council
for Ethnic Minorities, Disability Action and the Coalition on
Sexual Orientation.
The Committee has also asked about action taken
by the Court Service to raise awareness of the "hate crime"
provisions in the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) (No. 2)
Order 2004 and the training provided within the Court Service
in response to the Order. The Northern Ireland Court Service has
issued a circular to all staff which provides guidance on the
hate crime provisions in the 2004 Order. The circular also provides
contact points within the organisation should staff have any queries
in relation to the new legislation. A copy of the circular has
been placed on the Court Service internet site so that it can
be readily accessed by staff.
All members of the judiciary who deal with criminal
cases have been made aware of the 2004 Order. The Judicial Studies
Board is currently considering the possibility of providing training
on the 2004 Order. It is anticipated that a training event will
be scheduled for early in the New Year.
Finally, the Committee has enquired whether
or not the Court Service intends to produce briefing material
about the 2004 Order for poeple working within the criminal justice
system. I am satisfied that the measures already taken by the
Court Service will ensure that staff are familiar with the provisions
of the 2004 Order. As the Department with responsibility for this
policy, the Northern Ireland Office should be able to advise the
Committee as to what briefing material has been produced for the
wider criminal justice system. I understnad they will write to
you separately on this issue.
17 November 2004
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