Equality and Diversity

Equality Impact Assessments

Directorates/Departments are required to undertake Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) on the relevant policies and service functions in relation to equalities. At present, under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 as amended by the Equality Act 2006, race, disability and gender equality impact assessments are the relevant equality categories covered by statute, however, legislation on religion, age and sexual orientation now requires these categories to be considered when conducting an assessment.

There are many ways the Council identifies opportunities for improving its service delivery. These include analysis of public feedback or complaints, service and best value reviews, performance management arrangements and the Comprehensive Performance Assessment. Equality Impact Assessments are built in as an integral part of continuous service and performance review. Assessing for the impact on equality is an aspect of delivering service improvements and contributes to the aforementioned corporate framework and processes.

The Equality Impact Assessment process enables services to document equality deliberations and conclusions and show transparency and accountability to the wider community.

What is an Equality Impact Assessment?

Equality Impact Assessment is a process of systematically analysing a policy or service function to identify what effect or likely effect will follow from the implementation and/or operation of the policy or service function for different groups in the community.

Equality Impact Assessment is concerned with identifying the equality consequences of particular policy initiatives/service functions and ensuring that the needs of the community are addressed and, as far as possible, any negative consequences for a particular sector of the community are eliminated, minimised or counterbalanced by other measures.

Why do we need to carry out an Impact Assessment?

The key purpose of Equality Impact Assessment is to help the Council to promote all aspects of equality and where identified resolve possible cases of direct, indirect or institutional discrimination. The process should reveal aspects of policies or service delivery that may “unwittingly” exclude or negatively impact upon sections of the community and which therefore by definition remain invisible and unchallenged for years.

By fully integrating Equality Impact Assessments into service reviews and planning processes, equality of access, treatment and opportunity are mainstreamed into public policy.

For further information, please contact:
Policy & Projects Officer, Equalities
Chief Executives Department
Civic Offices
Broadway
Bexleyheath
DA6 7LB

Equality Impact Assessments by Directorate

Chief Executive's Department

Committee and Scrutiny (57KB, PDF file)
Corporate Policy (104KB, PDF file)
Legal Services (52KB, PDF File)
Performance Team (133KB, PDF file)

Children & Young People’s Services