Political Opinion

  1. Definition
  2. Equality Law
  3. Policy & Guidance
  4. OU Resources
  5. External Resources

Definition

2 people discussingPolitical opinion is an equality category in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, and may include:

  • Opinions relating to the conduct of the government of the state, or matters of public policy, or the absence or supposed absence of any, or any particular political opinion
  • Opinions such as membership of the ‘broad left’ of a trade union.

As defined in the Fair Employment and Treatment Order (FETO) 1998 2 (4) - "a person's political opinion does not include an opinion which consists of or includes approval or acceptance of the use of violence for political ends connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland, including the use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear."

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Equality Law

Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (Applies in Northern Ireland)

This law prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds of political opinion and applies to the fields of employment, higher education and goods, facilities and services.

Political opinion is not simply confined to covering Northern Ireland politics but has been held to include opinions such membership of the ‘broad left’ of a trade union.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Applies in Northern Ireland)

The protected characteristic of political opinion is subject to the duty placed on public authorities (which includes the OU) to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:

  • Between persons of different age, religious belief, political opinion, racial group, marital status or sexual orientation.
  • Between men and women generally.
  • Between persons with a disability and persons without.
  • Between persons with dependants and persons without.

This entails more than the elimination of discrimination and requires proactive measures to be taken to ensure equality for people of different racial groups in our policies and decision-making.

In addition, public authorities have a duty to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between people of religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

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Policy & Guidance

Equality Scheme

Protected characteristic

Political opinion is one of the protected characteristics within our Equality Scheme

Equality action plan

Actions in our Equality, Diversity and Widening Participation Action Plan set out our plans to achieve our equality objectives and widening access and success strategy priorities. 

Recruitment Guidance

The University’s Effective Recruitment and Selection Guide for Selectors provides practical advice on fair, efficient and effective practice in the recruitment and selection of all categories of staff, in line with our equality and diversity policies. OU staff can view the guide on the Human Resources intranet site.

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OU Resources

Equality and Diversity Annual Reporting

Equality and diversity annual report

The University’s Equality and Diversity Annual Report provides information about significant achievements and developments in the past year. It provides insights on our work to mainstream equality across all our functions and on specific projects and activities that aim to advance equality as well as promote and foster good relations.  View the reports

Reports to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

The annual reports to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland include progress of activities related to Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.  View the reports

Employee Assistance Programme

OU staff have access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is a support/counselling service provided by Wisdom Health Assured for the OU.  The EAP covers a range of issues such as sickness, family issues, finances etc.

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External Resources

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland 
Browse under ‘NI equality legislation' (scroll down to bottom of page) for information about equality law related to Political opinion. 

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photographer: Andy Pini