An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a way of analysing whether an existing or proposed policy, procedure, practice or service does, or may, have an ‘adverse impact’ on some sections of society, i.e. from those with protected characteristics. The ‘adverse impact’ may often be the result of not taking into account the needs of women or men, black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, people’s religion or belief, sexual orientation or age, and those who are married or in a civil partnership those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth as well as those who have gone through gender reassignment.
The Council will continue to screen its Policies, Plans, Strategies and Procedures and consider how relevant they are for the various protected groups. The degree of ‘relevance’ will be used to prioritise those that require a full impact assessment which will involve consultation on the relevant policy with individuals or those who represent the interests of people from a protected group to determine the effect they will have on particular groups in the borough.
Where adverse impact is identified an action plan will be implemented to redress the potential or actual discriminatory practice identified. The action could include changing the way we deliver some services, commissioning research or improving data collection.
We are committed to ensuring that we systematically use the results of EIAs to inform policy development and service design and delivery. The details of the completed assessments will be published on the Council’s website.
For further information on Equality Impact Assessments please speak to the Council's Consultation & Communication team on 01372 732000.