Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are an important tool in demonstrating how we as a Council have paid, and are paying, due regard to the public sector equality duty.
Equality assessments form part of the information provided to decision makers within the Council and are available as part of the relevant committee report or cabinet member decision. 

Equality Act 2010

Under the Equality Act 2010, public bodies such as the Council are under a duty to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The Act explains that ‘due regard’ for advancing equality involves:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages experienced by people due to their protected characteristics.
• Taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people.
• Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.

The Essential guide to the Public Sector Equality Duty explains how public authorities can meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Cared for and Care experienced

Sefton recognises cared for and care experienced as an additional protected characteristic. Children and young people who have had prolonged contact with the Sefton’s social care services will now be on an equal footing with people in these other groups This is part of our commitment to actively listen to the voices of people with care experience and consider their needs when creating new policies. 

In recognising ‘care experienced’ as a protected characteristic, the Council will actively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people in the same way they would ensure voices across the spectrum of age, gender, race and disability are heard. It will ensure that all decisions the Council make, the policies they set and the services they commission always consider the specific needs of care experienced young people and the impact on them.