EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS – FOR DEVELOPING INCLUSIVE DELIVERY Gwyn Jones – Policy Officer W.C.B.C.

What we used to do? With hindsight we realise how primitive our old system was. A few members of staff who had knowledge of the policy would be involved. It was a tick box exercise There was no external challenge There was little reference to data/ monitoring

What changes have we made Input from Equalities Manager has been invaluable Gave advice on how to make the process more effective. Helped staff realise the benefits of carrying out E.I.A. (helps formulate good policy & practices) Focussed our attention on the purpose of a thorough E.I.A process and the value of monitoring and data to make the exercise meaningful.

The Process Overhauled the process for conducting an E.I.A. Larger groups with staff who have no knowledge of the policy (critical friends with a fresh pair of eyes). Aims to avoid poor practice going unchallenged (I know what that means!) We have involved outside agencies if policies are particularly contentious (Tai Pawb). We have widened our consultation process to get more data. So, we’re speaking to more people.

What benefits have we identified Patience is needed - the process can take time. There are benefits to carrying out impact assessments as policies go through the Committee process. Important way to challenge if Members make some contentious proposals, especially when supported by hard data highlighting possible consequences of actions. E.I.A. can be the basis of focussing attention on the potential results of policy decisions. Also a good record of showing the progression of the policy development process. Sometimes we have found it useful to carry out more than 1 EIA.

Benefits (cont.) When findings have been identified we highlight these as actions and include completion and/or review dates in the E.I.A. We realised the importance of having good quality data and robust monitoring systems in place. We have found that access to good quality data is essential to carrying out a meaningful EIA. You can’t have one without the other.

Monitoring and Data Having a good monitoring system and a making good use of data is the most important lesson we’ve learnt. Monitoring & data are invaluable. Monitoring & having a good supply of data are the key stones to producing good impact assessments and developing inclusive policies. You don’t know if your policies are excluding groups if you don’t know who your target audience is. You don’t know who your audience is if you have no monitoring, data or consultation feedback.

Monitoring & Data You don’t know what the affects of a policy change may have on members of the public if you don’t know who is out there! Run the risk of producing policies that work for you and few others. Even no data can be positive. It gives you a starting point! We have used data gaps to identify where monitoring needs to be put in place and recorded this during the EIA process Don’t be afraid to put pen to paper. Record all findings and proposed actions, with timescales. It then becomes a meaningful working document

Monitoring & Data As we have progressed we have learnt that data can come from a variety of sources. Data from monitoring systems Data gathered from consultation feedback (paper form or through Tenants’ & Residents’ Associations, Tenants’ Assembly, Tenant/ Member Partnership etc.)

Summary Gathering more data, leads to speaking to more people. Using formal and informal channels of consultation broadens your contacts. More data can help to challenge decisions Data and monitoring can help identify the consequences of actions (avoid excluding groups). Knowing who your audience is will help shape more meaningful policies if data, consultation feedback and monitoring are used effectively. We are setting up a Corporate system for carrying out E.I.A. via I.T. It is the intention to publish a summary of the findings of individual EIAs on the Council’s website for information. Any questions? Address:-