Equality Impact Assessments Chris York (Policy and Projects Officer)

EIAs align with our aims and values E & D Policy MHA – until recently virtually no experience in EIAs Undertook a large-scale screening exercise (ASB) Then another one (tenancy management) Wrote a lean EIA guidance

Designed to be a manual for staff Explains the reason for an EIA When they should be completed Who should complete How to complete

The three stages: Screening Action Plan Assessing the Impact

Desk top exercise Data – internal and external sources Use data that is easily accessible Be mindful of low samples Any service user data is key information Utilise Tai Pawb for advice/support Can co-opt internal support too Decide if a full impact assessment is necessary

Create a project plan to work out how the assessment will be organised, resourced and carried out Identify and fill gaps in evidence to offer a fuller review of the impact of the policy/procedure/ service on protected characteristics Engage with individuals likely affected by the change (consider incentivising) Decide what to engage on, based on the data.

Engagement could involve:  Meetings  Focus groups  Written consultation  Phone calls  Surveys  Engagement with representative groups (such as local disability groups) Storyboard Compile feedback from the engagement exercises and add to the screening template

Use Tai Pawb screening template Project Group makes the final decisions about changes to be made. Monitoring – EIA itself can act as a mechanism to do this. Publicise changes

ASB Easy Read guide Increase font on the back of leaflets Redevelop our pre-tenancy risk assessment Provide details on tenancy before sign-up at welcome stage and offer stage Put a list of all the tenancy related support we offer on a prominent place on out website

Changed ASB policy to include looking and staring as a form of possible harassment /intimidation Crib sheet – differences of main religions Publicise use of portable hearing loops Highlight incident logs can be in preferred language Sentence offering different languages on leaflets translated

It was daunting to start It took time to build knowledge Difficult to get buy-in Like most things, planning is the key Began by writing a project plan

Have a strategy from the start EIAs are a good way to engage with service users you might not normally be involved with EIAs have to be meaningful and outcome focused Consultation with service users is key Go back to those involved at the end