An equality impact assessment (EqIA) is a tool aimed at improving the
quality of local health services by ensuring individuals and teams
think carefully about the likely impact of their work on different
communities or groups. It involves anticipating the consequences of the
trust’s polices and services on different communities and making sure
that any negative consequences are eliminated or minimised and
opportunities for promoting equality are maximised.
An EqIA consist of two main parts:
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an initial screening process, and
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a full assessment, if the initial impact has identified a possible adverse/ negative impact.
We have a legal requirement to ensure that this organisation does not
discriminate against a particular group or individual due to
race/ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith/belief, or sexual
orientation.
A negative or adverse impact is an impact that could disadvantage one or more equality groups or communities.
A positive impact is an impact that could have a positive effect on
one or more equality groups, improve equal opportunities and improve
relationships between communities
We undertake equality impact assessments because:
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we need to - if we are to full meet the needs of the diverse
community that we serve, and ensure services are provided equitably and
are genuinely accessible to all.
-
we have to - all public bodies must undertake impact
assessments of their policies and functions, as set out in equalities
legislation. Equality impact assessments are not optional.
-
we want to - equality impact assessments support the delivery
of policies and functions of our organisation; this in turn contributes
to better health, closer partnership working and greater value for
money.
Download our guidance and template
The equalities team at NHS Tower Hamlets have developed a template
EqIA, and guidance on completing the form which are available to
download below. We also offer training and workshops to staff that will
be carrying out impact assessments.
