Equalities impact assessments
Equalities impact assessments are a powerful tool, which can identify - and address - any potential for discrimination before new policies and services are introduced.
Race equality impact assessments were launched in May 2003 and have proved so effective that the process has been extended to cover all areas of equalities including disability, gender, age, faith/religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic circumstances.
Revised guidance and templates were launched in December 2010 to provide officers with comprehensive guidance on undertaking equality impact assessments to ensure that plans are developed to mitigate against any negative impact and that the opportunities for positive impact are acted upon.
Corporate equality impact assessment panel
We have established a panel to review equality impact assessments of major council policies and projects which is now recognised in our constitution. The panel is chaired by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety and includes elected members from all three main political parties plus representation from trade unions, Lambeth First (our Local Strategic Partnership) and community groups.
The panel meets once a month to review and provide independent scrutiny and challenge to major policies and projects. Feedback from the panel ensures equalities considerations are at the heart of major policy and project development within the Council.