We use equality impact assessments to try to make sure we deliver services fairly.
These assessments help us consider the needs different people have and make sure that we can meet these needs. The assessments will often include the views of people who use the service.
The equality act 2010
The law states we must:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
- promote equality of opportunity; and
- encourage good relations.
We have to make decisions fairly and consider the 'protected characteristics' of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The term 'eliminate unlawful discrimination' also covers marriage and civil partnerships.
We do not have to do equality impact assessments but we have found the process helps us to understand the impacts of a proposal on any or all protected groups. If we find that our proposal is likely to affect some people in a negative way we can look for ways to reduce or remove the impact.
Publishing our equality impact assessment reports
We publish all of our completed reports. They are available under the following themes of:
- ensuring good access for all;
- helping all children and young people to develop their full potential;
- helping people to live in safe communities;
- human resources and internal procedures;
- improving health and wellbeing and giving people effective support;
- maintaining and enhancing our environment and heritage;
- promoting a flourishing economy;
- budget report 2016-17; and
- budget report 2017-18