Equality Analysis Assessments

Today is; Overview of our legal duties of Public Sector Duties which require us to undertake this work Covers everything we do – policies, service re-design, leaflets etc…. Protected characteristics ‘race, sex, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief & pregnancy’ & local demographics.

What are they ? Must publish information on the effect that its policies and practices have had on people who share a protected characteristic Demonstrate how it furthered aims of the of general duty (eliminate discrimination, advance opportunity, foster good relations) Evidence of the analysis they have undertaken & the information they considered Details of the engagement.

History of equality analysis assessments Many policies, procedures, service delivery & redesign failed to meet requirements of certain groups or excluded them Lawrence Enquiry ‘processes & attitudes which disadvantage particular groups’ Discrimination becomes inbuilt into our systems and policies Death by indifference report 2008 From impact assessments to ‘analysis of the effects on equality’.

Why do we need equality analysis assessments ? Death rates for men from colorectal cancer nearly 10% higher than women Discuss the above statistic – what could be the possible causes of this ?? Data analysis….DNA rates, how are they referred? At what point ? would conclude that the current system is less effective for males than females & identify causes & reduce these health inequalities.

Reasonable Adjustments & Positive Discrimination The law states that we must ensure we consider adjustments for disabled people. What examples can you think of for reasonable adjustments ?

As a service provider/employer we must ; Where relevant we must demonstrate that we have consulted with groups. Involvement for people with disabilities – more favourable treatment Where are we going to start ????????

Equality Analysis Assessments Step 1 – mapping exercise Step 2 – screen policies for relevance (initial analysis on equality) Policies & Resources – Key Resources. 10c (policies) & 18 (18d-1 leaflets)

Screening for relevance Look at any data – statistics, complaints, concerns, DNA rates Eligibility criteria which disadvantage groups Access to services being reduced/denied Look at the wording/layout Promote positive relations Involvement & consultation…..at the start !!

Discussion Point Read the data sheet How could this effect your service & policies ? Could you need to look at making changes ? What other evidence could you consider ?

Screening for relevance Read the policy – can you identify any potential positive or negative impacts ?

Screening for relevance If any relevance you would undertake a full equality analysis assessment If policy has been amended to reduce adverse impact – include this in your document control If no relevance complete initial equality analysis assessment & indicate no impacts

Step 3 – FULL EQUALITY ANALYSIS Determine if the policy has an adverse impact Further data gathering & consulting Investigate why ? Eliminate or justify

Step 4 Ensure mechanisms for regular EA’s Allocate responsibilities for re-assessment Step 5 Publication – compile all the analysis & final decisions – sign off Publicity

Service Delivery No aspect of individual’s association with any group should prevent them from accessing healthcare services; Service Impact assessments Clinic/ward impact assessments Non clinical impact assessments List of all policies & protocols – signed off