When we make changes to policies or processes, it may seem that the changes impact everyone equally. However if we consider the changes more closely, we may find that they impact certain groups of people differently.
An Equality Analysis focuses on the impact of a change on each of the protected characteristics and whether it is putting someone with one or many of the protected characteristics at an unfair disadvantage.
By carrying out an Equality Analysis, the owner of the policy or process change will benefit from
- identifying areas of impact that may not have been otherwise considered
- thinking of possible ways to mitigate any negative impacts
- a way to show how equality considerations have been considered and addressed
This New Toolkit sets out the University’s framework and guidance for undertaking an Equality Impact Analysis (EIA). It is designed to assist staff who will have to undertake an Equality Impact Analysis in the course of their work.
Changes being proposed through policy, strategy, committee papers, project
management or other methods need to be analysed from an equality
perspective and the results considered before decisions are made. Where
negative impacts are identified, consideration needs to be given to mitigating
those negative impacts.
The findings of the analysis need to be documented and reported to the
University Executive group (EG) where there are financial implications and to
the Joint Staff Negotiation and Consultation Committee (JSNCC) or steering
groups that are responsible for considering information before making
decisions and making changes.
This Toolkit sets out the steps that will need to be undertaken in order to carry
out an Equality Impact Analysis.
All staff that need to carryout Equality Impact Analysis can access Equality Impact Analysis Training via staff training Moodle
For any further advice please contact equalityanddiversity@kent.ac.uk.