Equality policy 2024 to 2026

6.1 We will monitor progress against our equalities objectives via an annual action plan to benchmark performance. Learning and development in this area will be shared via an annual equalities report.

6.2 Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) will be used to ensure that the Council considers equalities issues and assesses the likely impact of its services, policies and decisions. It is possible to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment when there is a change or review to any aspect of the Council’s work and the focus may be policy; strategy; service; major project; or a group of services/policies. The completion of an initial screening template will determine if a full assessment is needed. This approach allows us to:

• Consider equality issues where it is relevant to do so. Where it is clear from the initial assessment that a policy or function will not have any effect on equality for any of the protected characteristics, no further action or analysis is required.
• Take a proportionate approach to comply with our duty. We give greater consideration where there is potential for substantial impact on discrimination or equality of opportunity for the public or our employees.

6.3 Sometimes this process is integrated into another process such as a service review or project implementation document, and sometimes the assessments are standalone documents.

6.4 If an assessment demonstrates an impact (adverse or otherwise) then the service will consider mitigations to remedy the situation.