Standard Equality Impact Assessment Awareness Training Lynn Waddell Equality and Diversity Project Manager Tel No

Equality Impact Assessments (EQIA) What are they? EQIA is a method by which the organisation can examine activities and services to ensure that there is no potential for discrimination against a particular (equality) group incl. age, disability, gender, race and ethnicity, religion and belief and sexual orientation. The aim of an EQIA is to appraise policies, functions, and service provision in a structured way. It will ensure individuals and teams to think carefully about the likely impact of their work on all (equality) groups and take action to improve services, policies, strategies and provision.

Why complete an Equality Impact Assessment? To remove unfairness and disadvantage To remove unfairness and disadvantage To ensure equality issues are mainstreamed To ensure equality issues are mainstreamed To engage with key stakeholders To engage with key stakeholders To comply with legal duties To comply with legal duties

What is Equality and Diversity? Equality is…. Creating a fairer society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. It is mostly backed by legislation designed to address unfair discrimination and resulting inequalities based on membership of a particular group. Diversity is…….. The recognition and valuing of difference in its broadest sense. It is about creating a culture and practices that recognise, respect, value and harness difference for the benefit of clients, members of the public and members of staff

Public Sector Equality Duty The Equality Act 2010 introduces a single equality duty The Equality Act 2010 introduces a single equality duty Replaces the existing 3 public sector equality duties – race, disability and gender Replaces the existing 3 public sector equality duties – race, disability and gender Was to come into force in April 2011, but is currently out for further consultation. EQIA however is a key component of the duty Was to come into force in April 2011, but is currently out for further consultation. EQIA however is a key component of the duty

Equality Act 2010 General Duty to: Eliminate discrimination Eliminate discrimination Advance equality of opportunity Advance equality of opportunity Foster good relations Foster good relations Applies to ‘protected characteristics’ Covers public authorities listed in schedule 19 Applies also to public functions. Specific Duties: still under debate

Protected Characteristics Equality Target Groups Cross Cutting Issues Age Age Disability Disability Gender Reassignment Gender Reassignment Race/Ethnicity Race/Ethnicity Religion/Faith Religion/Faith Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation Sex (Male/Female) Sex (Male/Female) Marriage and Civil Partnership Marriage and Civil Partnership Pregnancy and Maternity Pregnancy and Maternity Women & Men Women & Men Black & Minority Ethnic People Black & Minority Ethnic People Children & Young People Children & Young People Older People Older People Disabled People Disabled People Lesbian Women Lesbian Women Gay Men Gay Men Bisexual People Bisexual People Transgender People Transgender People People of different Faith & Religious backgrounds People of different Faith & Religious backgrounds Poverty Poverty Mental Health Mental Health Homelessness Homelessness Involvement in the Criminal Justice System Involvement in the Criminal Justice System Marital Status Marital Status Language or Social Origins Language or Social Origins Protected Characteristics'

When do I need to do an EIA? An SIA must be carried out on: all new/revised policies functions and service developments all existing policies, functions or service developments through a programme of revision where substantial evidence exists that individuals from minority groups could be effected (adverse impact) there is significant public concern when writing a policy or piece of guidance All work projects/reviews that: are of ‘relevance’ to equal opportunities are primary high level functions (for example, policies that affect large numbers of people and key changes to the way NHSFV delivers services

What is Discrimination? Direct Discrimination: Less favourable treatment based on a difference such as age, disability, gender, race, religion and belief or sexual orientation Indirect discrimination: When the effect of certain requirements, conditions or practices, although applied equally to all, have an adverse impact on a specific group. Victimisation: Where a person is singled out for using their rights to complain. Harassment: Includes any unwanted behaviour that has the effect of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Workshop – Thinks about what you would need to do to organise the Olympic Games

Consider the data and research 3 Assess the relevance to equality & diversity 6 Make a decision 8 Publish the results of the assessment 4 Consult/ involve 5 Consider your options for action 7 Make arrangements to monitor & review 1 Identify the Aims & Objectives Outcome process 2 Secondary phase EQIA Initial screening

EQIA Flow Chart

Any Questions?