Equality Impact Risk Assessments (EIRA)

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• Equality Impact Risk Assessments

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What is an EIRA?

An EIRA is a tool that allows us to make sure that we don’t discriminate against people and where possible, that we promote equality. It is a structured way of examining the effects of a policy, procedure, service or project on people and to identify and reduce, as far as possible, any areas of discrimination risk. EIRAs allow us to access whether introduction of new policies or existing policies could have negative impacts on people because of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality. At the same time we try to identify opportunities to improve our approach to equalities and diversity and they provide an opportunity for us to promote equality and good community relations.

Why carry out EIRAs?

Undertaking EIRAs will enable us to improve services by talking to and involving employees, people in the community and people from equality groups. Conducting EIRAs also ensures we think carefully about the likely impact of our work on everyone who lives, works and visits South Derbyshire.

How are these done?

Policies are initially ranked into high, medium or low impact depending on the outcome of the screening process. Full equality impact assessments are then undertaken to determine whether any changes need to be made. Our external Values and Attitudes Group, which is made up of voluntary and community groups from across the District, have scrutinised these EIRAs.

What have we done so far?

As at 31 December 2009, 57 EIRAs have been completed covering a wide range of our services. The timetable for 2010 shows those EIRA that we intend to complete over the next 12 months. You can view a summary of the assessments we have done so far by using the links below.

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