An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a way to assess
the impact of new or existing policies / services on particular groups of
people, to find out if there is a positive or negative outcome and make
reasonable changes where possible. It is an opportunity to identify
possible disadvantages, decide if they are discriminatory and the extent to
which discrimination can be eliminated, minimised or justified
Under
the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010 everyone has the right to
be treated fairly and with dignity and respect. NHS Somerset is committed to ensuring that all patients and staff
are treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity to access care
or carry out their work regardless of their age, race, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, disability or marital status.
The
Equality Act 2010 (the Act) prohibits direct or indirect discrimination,
harassment or the victimisation of people with the following ‘protected characteristics’’. Age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation. The
public sector Equality Duty (part of the Equality Act) requires public sector
organisations to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of
opportunity and foster good relations between people with ‘protected
characteristics’ and those without.
At times it will be clear that some
policies do not impact on protected groups. Complete the EIA screening form if you are confident a
policy has no differential impact and it may not be necessary to do
a fully Equality Impact Assessment.
Guidance and forms are available here:
Copies of completed Equality Impact Assessments can be found at these links:
