8. Equality Impact Assessments
An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a way to assess the impact of new or existing policies / services on particular groups of people, to find out if there is a positive or negative outcome and make reasonable changes where possible. It is an opportunity to identify possible disadvantages, decide if they are discriminatory and the extent to which discrimination can be eliminated, minimised or justified.
Equality Impact Assessments are an effective way of improving policy development and service delivery, making sure that we consider the needs of the community, identify potential steps to promote equality and do not discriminate. EIAs look at the nine protected characteristics as detailed in the Equality Act 2010, these are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender Reassignment
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race
- Religion and Belief
- Sexual Orientation
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
All staff should conduct an EIA when:
- Considering any new or changing activity
- Developing or changing service delivery
- Procuring services
- Developing projects
- Developing a policy / procedure / guidance or changing or updating existing ones
- Arranging an event or function
View the guidance and advice document for Equality Impact Assessments.
