What is Analysis?
Equality Analysis is a way to make sure individuals and teams think carefully about the likely impact of policies, procedures, strategies, functions and services, to identify any unmet needs, and to provide a basis for action to improve services where appropriate.
It systematically assesses and records the actual, potential or likely impact of a service, policy or project - or a significant change in a service, policy or project - on different groups of people.
The consequences of policies and projects on particular groups are analysed and anticipated so that, as far as possible, any negative consequences can be eliminated or minimised and opportunities for ensuring equality can be maximised.
Why do we conduct Equality Analysis?
The purpose of Equality Analysis is to make sure we do not discriminate in the way we provide services and employment and that, where possible, our services do all they can to promote equality and good relations between different groups.
To understand why Equality Analysis is necessary requires an understanding that 'equality' is not about treating everybody the same.
For example, providing a service for everybody only on a Friday would adversely affect certain religious groups; and altering funding arrangements for community and voluntary sector groups would disproportionately impact on particular communities.
Equality means making sure that the individual requirements of different people and different communities are taken into account.
How do we conduct Equality Analysis?
Equality Analysis is carried out by commissioning or drawing on existing research/data and/or monitoring information, and community consultation.
The first part of the assessment - pre-screening - is used for a preliminary screening of the policy, service or project.
If a potential impact on a particular group is identified in pre-screening, the service, policy or project in question will undergo a more in depth assessment.
Local Authorities have a legal responsibility, for example under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to assess our policies and functions, and to set out how they will monitor and any possible negative impact on race equality.
They also have to consult on proposed policies and train their staff about this law, and have a positive duty to promote good relations between communities.
