Our policies and services do not always affect everyone in the same way. Sometimes the effects on particular groups or communities can be unfavourable or unfair.
An equality impact assessment (EIA) is a tool which can be used to assess the impact a policy (or procedure), service (or function) or decision is having or is likely to have on ‘protected groups’. It is a tool which will help us to improve our services and employment policies and practices. It will help to ensure that when decisions are made they take into account any impact on equality. It is a tool to be applied in helping the council to meet its legal duties.