Equality Impact Assessment - What is it?
An equality impact assessment is a systematic process used to understand the effect of policies, services or proposals on priority equality groups. Assessment is a statutory requirement for certain public bodies under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the Disability Discrimination (Amendment) Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2006.
A full equality impact assessment also considers other existing and emerging legislation, regulations and guidance relating to equality target groups.
The purpose of an equality impact assessment is to identify or verify the effect that a project, strategy, policy, service or function might have on any of the equality target groups of disability, age, faith, gender, race, sexual orientation or low income earners. If there is potential for impact upon any of these groups, then there is potential for discrimination.
Equality is a developing area of law in which a detailed understanding of the statutory requirements is still emerging and where 'tests of reasonableness' in many cases, such as disability, are currently being set in the courts.
Relevant legislation includes:
Early consideration of likely equality issues and an understanding of the expectations of stakeholders and approving bodies is recommended.
Involvement of disabled people in design development of publicly funded projects is a statutory requirement from December 2006.
Methodology
An 'Initial Screening' will determine whether further assessment is required. If so, a methodology must be devised that is systematic and transparent and that involves the relevant stakeholders.
Only one major EqIA, on Crossrail, has been completed. The key steps can be summarised as:
Benefits
Key References