The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is calling for views from the voluntary sector on its draft Equality Scheme and Action Plan which is use to ensure equality and diversity in the sector.

The Commission, the independent regulator of Northern Ireland charities as of 2009, is entering a 13-week consultation ending on Friday 8 June to set out how it will fulfil its legal responsibilities to equality and diversity, including for disabled people. It has launched a survey as part of the consultation to ascertain if the draft is clear and effective. Its results will be published in a summary report.

The Equality Scheme encompasses religious belief, political opinion, race and ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability and dependents. The survey asks if actions outlined to promote good relations and positive attitudes in these areas are sufficient and if there are any further actions which could be taken.

It also asks for views on how the Commission assesses the impact of policies in these areas and if arrangements for ensuring access to information and services are sufficient.

“The Commission is firmly committed to promoting and supporting equality and diversity in regulating the estimated 7,000 – 10,000 Northern Ireland charities,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We are keen to hear the views of a wide range of organisations and individuals before the plan and scheme are signed off. The consultation provides an opportunity to influence and inform this important piece of work.”