Equality scheme - Impact assessments

A key part of the council's drive to deliver fully inclusive services is the Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

An Equality Impact Assessment is a structured way of finding out whether a policy (or proposed policy), service or strategy will have an adverse impact on any particular  group or sector of our diverse community.

In Wolverhampton we regard equality impact assessments as part of the normal process of policy development and review.

By ensuring that we have taken account of the needs of our different communities and the real and potential impact of our decisions on them our services will become more culturally and customer sensitive.

The council has produced written guidance for managers on carrying our an appropriate EIA and all reports to Members recommending the adoption of a new policy must contain a statement of how the proposed decision takes the needs of the different target groups into account.

When the council carries out impact assessments it can expect the following benefits:

• It will help us to take account of the needs, circumstances and experiences of those who are affected by the policies / service plans
• Enable actual and potential inequalities in outcomes to be identified
• Give consideration to different ways of achieving the aims of policies / service plans
• Assist in increasing public confidence in the fairness of our policies and services, and
• Help us to develop better and more inclusive policies and services in the future.

Summaries of completed Equalities Impact Assessments are to be listed by service areas and can be reviewed by using the menu on the left side of this page.

As of July 2008, Impact Assessments from Regeneration and Environment can be reviewed. Assessments from other service areas are being prepared and information will be added as it becomes available.

The Council would welcome any feedback that you may have on the actions or proposed actions set out in the Impact Assessments. Your comments or feedback can be made through the contact us page.