Equality analysis, the successor to equality impact assessments, still needs to be completed to demonstrate that the public authority has shown due regard to the three arms of the equality duty, to

• End discrimination (harassment and victimisation)
• Promote equality of opportunity
• Foster good relations

What is an equality analysis?

A way of assessing whether what your organisation does (its policies, plans, procedures, services and strategies) has an effect on the equality target groups. The re-branding of equality impact assessments as equality analysis is to help improve the quality of these documents so that they contain sufficient information to be used for business planning.

How do you do an equality analysis?

Again, no set method exists but the best examples often use different degrees of statistical analysis, stakeholder consultation, research and action planning.

 What groups do you include?

The nine protected characteristics mentioned in the Equality Act 2010 should be included (although marriage and civil partnership only have a right to non-discrimination in employment). Best practice dictates the inclusion of other seldom-heard or marginalised groups. 

Is there a business case for doing an equality analysis?

Yes, as cutting services to disadvantaged groups often leads to more complex social problems in the not-too-distant future.

We have to make cuts to our services; what are we expected to do?

If your equality analysis shows that there is a differential impact on a particular equality target group, then acknowledge it. Try and mitigate any negative effects and give a commitment to doing this. Now is not the time for pretending that there is no discrimination. If there are positive effects say how these will be enhanced.

Would you like some free information on how to do equality analyses?