Example: Assessing the impact of proposed changes A local authority is considering withdrawing funding from a project which supports the needs of older people in ethnic minority communities, many of whom do not speak English. As part of its impact assessment of the proposed policy, it considers the provisions it would need to put in place within its mainstream social work services in order to ensure that the same clients would be able to access these services or other voluntary sector service provision in the future, and how it would be able to monitor this access. Option 3: Continue the policy this means that you adopt or continue with the – policy, despite the potential for adverse impact. As part of the impact assessment, you should clearly set out the justifications for doing this, and how you believe that decision is compatible with your obligations under the duty. In cases where you believe discrimination is not unlawful because it is objectively justified, it is particularly important that you record what the objective justification is for continuing the policy, and how you reached this decision. Option 4: Stop and remove the policy if there are adverse effects that are not – justified and cannot be mitigated, you should consider stopping the policy altogether. If a policy leads to unlawful discrimination it should be removed or changed. For guidance on what is unlawful discrimination, refer to the Commission’s guidance and Codes of Practice on the Equality Act concerning employment, goods and services and equal pay, which are available on our website. Having determined potential impact and identified the action required to address any issues which have arisen, authorities must then take action to implement any necessary changes. You may find it helpful to develop an action plan setting out the actions which have been identified, the individuals responsible for implementing the actions, and the timescales for completion. The result of the assessment and the reasons for it will then need to be brought to the attention of the if that is not the person assessing the policy.
Example: Assessing the impact of proposed changes A local authority is considering withdrawing funding from a project which supports the needs of older people in ethnic minority communities, many of whom do not speak English. As part of its impact assessment of the proposed policy, it considers the provisions it would need to put in place within its mainstream social work services in order to ensure that the same clients would be able to access these services or other voluntary sector service provision in the future, and how it would be able to monitor this access. Option 3: Continue the policy – this means that you adopt or continue with the policy, despite the potential for adverse impact. As part of the impact assessment, you should clearly set out the justifications for doing this, and how you believe that decision is compatible with your obligations under the duty. In cases where you believe discrimination is not unlawful because it is objectively justified, it is particularly important that you record what the objective justification is for continuing the policy, and how you reached this decision. Option 4: Stop and remove the policy – if there are adverse effects that are not justified and cannot be mitigated, you should consider stopping the policy altogether. If a policy leads to unlawful discrimination it should be removed or changed. For guidance on what is unlawful discrimination, refer to the Commission’s guidance and Codes of Practice on the Equality Act concerning employment, goods and services and equal pay, which are available on our website. Having determined potential impact and identified the action required to address any issues which have arisen, authorities must then take action to implement any necessary changes. You may find it helpful to develop an action plan setting out the actions which have been identified, the individuals responsible for implementing the actions, and the timescales for completion. The result of the assessment and the reasons for it will then need to be brought to the attention of the if that is not the person assessing the policy.
assessing-impact-and-public-sector-equality-duty-guide-public-authorities.docx