Why monitor
Monitoring tells us how effectively our services are being delivered, whether all customers are receiving an equal service and the level of our customer’s satisfaction. It is the process we use to:
highlight possible inequalities
investigate the underlying causes
remove any unfairness or disadvantage
We have a statutory duty to carry out EIAs under Race, Gender and Disability legislation.
Equality Impact Assessments
One of the ways we monitor equality in our services is by carrying out Equality Impact Assessments (EIA). These must be undertaken when developing new functions (policies/ activities etc) or reviewing existing ones.
EIAs are similar in nature to a gap analysis, health and safety check or risk assessment. All are used to assess areas of our services and help provide insight into areas that have room for improvement. To do this we must make sure we think carefully about the likely impact of our work on equality target groups and improve our functions by identify any unmet needs which lead to discrimination. Discrimination is classified as:
Direct Discrimination
Discrimination is when you are treated differently (e.g. less favourably) because of for example your gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and so on.
For example:
Indirect Discrimination
Applying a provision, criteria or practice which disadvantages people because of their gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and so on. (not purposely)
For example:
Meeting our equality requirements means making sure that the individual needs of different people are taken into account. This involves thinking about the consequences of our functions on equality groups and making sure that, as far as possible:
What is a function?
A ‘function’ is any activity of EHL. A policy is any prescription, whether formal or informal, written or customary, on how a function should be carried out. The Home Office have defined a policy as:
‘any practice or written document which sets out a course of action, guiding principles or procedure which is adopted and implemented by us.’
This also includes all functions undertaken by our Board, contractors and customer working group
Equality Groups
These are women; men; black and minority ethnic people; young people and children; older people; disabled people; lesbians; gay men; bisexual people; trans people and people from different faith groups, families
Equality Strands (areas)
Equality areas, or strands as they are commonly called, are:
Gender
This category covers men (including boys), women (including girls) and transgender people.
Race
Group of people defined by race, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins”
In addition, Romany Gypsies, Jews and Sikhs have been explicitly recognised by the courts as constituting racial groups for the purposes of the Race Relations Act.
Disability
“A mental or physical impairment that has an adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities that lasted for 12 months, or is likely to last for more than 12 months or for the rest of your life”
It includes those with hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disability, learning disability or mental health problems. This act also covers people who have such illnesses as HIV infection, cancer depression, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Age
Covers all ages.
Religion & faith
“A religious belief includes some form of collective worship, a clear belief system or a profound belief affecting a way of life or view of the world”
Non-belief is also covered by the Regulations. Examples include: Buddhism, Christianity (Protestant, Catholic etc.), Hinduism, Islam/Muslim, Judaism, Sikhism, Atheist, Agnostic, any other religion.
Sexual orientation
Defined as:
- Orientation towards persons of the same sex (gay/lesbian)
- Orientation towards persons of the opposite sex (heterosexual)
- Orientation towards persons of the same sex and the opposite sex (bisexual)
The six strands are inclusive of all people; and all are covered by discrimination legislation.
We are also required by legislation to monitor all our services by Race, Gender and Disability. We will were possible using information collected from our customer audit monitor by all six equality strands.
Barriers to accessing services Discrimination legislation is all about removing barriers to accessing services, so all customers can access our services if and when required. EIAs help identify barriers so we can find alternative ways of providing our services. Barriers include for example:
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Learning difficulties
- Literacy issues
- Disabilities
- Not being able to speak, read or write English
- Not being able to attend or access services due to religious or culture issues
- Work, caring or childcare responsibilities
- Stigma – i.e. LGBT people may not feel comfortable attending the same meetings as heterosexual people
Considering alternative solutions
Following is a list of examples showing how we can make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers when provide our services.
Issue
Female customers primarily have responsibility for children and may be restricted to attend Area Panel meetings due to the times they are held.
Solution
Consider provision of childcare/reimburse childcare costs
Ensure there are opportunities to get involved at evenings and weekends as well as during the week.
Ensure mechanisms for engaging from home
Provide community (local) engagement opportunities (i.e. community notice boards/ family fun days)
Issue
Due to cultural religious issues some female customers may not be able to attend Area Panel meetings without a male chaperone
Solution
- Hold female only meetings – including female only staff
- Ensure there are opportunities to get involved at evenings and weekends as well as during the week.
Issue
Non English speaking customers may not attend Area Panel meetings due to lack of understanding, confidence or awareness
Solution
Provide information about Area Panels in alternative languages
Provide information about the options of interpreters
Hold BME surgeries in partnership with other local organisations
Issue
Religious belief may restrict customers from attending meetings as they clash with religious commitments
Solution
- Ensure meetings are held in non-religious venues
- Ensure Area Panel meetings are held at times that do not clash with religious prayer times
Issue
Visually impaired customers cannot read the documents/information we send them
Solution
Provide the information in an alternative format such as large print, audio or digital talking book.
Issue
Customers with a disability may not be able to attend Area Panel meetings due to lack of confidence travelling on public transport
Solution
Provide complimentary transport for disabled customers attending consultation/Area Panel Events
Issue
Disabled customers cannot get in and our of the bath
Solution
Instal disabled adpatation in property
Issue
Muslim customers cannot access high street mortgages which in effect could prevent them from obtaining their property under the Right to Buy
Solution
Include information about alternative muslim mortgages (Shariah morgages) to ensure all eligable customers can access the Right to Buy
If you would like to view our EIA template or complated EIAs please click on the links to the left. If you would like more information about Equality Impact Assessments please contact Traci Gasson using the link below.
