Equality impact assessments (EIAs)
We have recently introduced a new process for carrying out equality analysis or equality impact assessments (EIAs) on our policies and service changes or development proposals.
Carrying out equality analysis, for example by undertaking an
EIA, is a way of considering the effect of the decisions we make on
different groups of people in the community we serve. It
enables the trust to assess the equality implications of decision
making on patients, service users and employees to ensure the best
outcomes.
Undertaking equality analysis ensures that whenever the trust
takes a decision which has implications for patients, service users
or staff, due regard is given to 'protected characteristics' in the
decisions taken by the trust. This helps us to meet our
duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality
Duty (PSED).
There are nine protected characteristics. People who share
these characteristics have traditionally faced
discrimination. These characteristics relate to age,
disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race,
sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage and civil
partnership.
As a public body, the trust must have due regard to the need
to
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
and other conduct prohibited by the Equality 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
Conducting equality analysis enables the trust comply with the
public sector equality duty by giving us a framework to consider
and address any unintended consequences for different groups of
people and to identify if the decision will be effective for all
concerned. It helps us to treat patients and staff fairly and
improves the way we work.