Equality impact assessments

We have a legal responsibility under the Equality Act 2010 to give due regard to equality when exercising our public functions.

This means we must consider how best to:

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it

This legal responsibility is known as the Public Sector Equality Duty. Some people refer to the duty as equality impact assessments (EqIA).

What do we mean by public functions?

A public function includes:

• Planning, changing, delivering, and commissioning services
• Developing policies, strategies and procedures
• Maintaining and improving premises
• Buying equipment
• Workforce management and political decision-making

Where to find equality impact assessments

Each report considered by the County Council, the Cabinet or committees explains whether a proposal will impact on people with protected characteristics and the findings of any equality impact assessments.