An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of systematically analysing a new or existing policy or strategy to identify what effect or likely effect will follow as a result of the implementation of a policy or strategy for different groups within the community.  It can also be used as a mechanism for analysing the impact of a whole service or one aspect of the service.

 

EIAs are concerned with anticipating and identifying the discriminatory or negative consequences for a particular group or sector of the community whether it is on the grounds of race, gender (including transgender), disability, religion/belief, sexuality or age.

 

This process enables counter measures to be taken, which mitigate, eliminate, minimise or balance those discriminatory or negative consequences.  The key purpose is to help identify discrimination, adverse impact and any gaps in policy formulation or service provision.

 

 

The purpose of an EIA is to improve the work of Cosmopolitan Housing Association (CHA) by making sure it does not discriminate either directly or indirectly and that, where possible, promotes equality.

 

It is a way to make sure individuals and departments think carefully about the likely impact of their work on residents, and communities; and take action to improve strategies, services, policies and projects where appropriate.

 

An EIA is not simply a one-off document written at the end of the policy process.  Used properly, it will help and strengthen the policy making process throughout.  You need to build evidence, gathering, writing and consulting with diverse groups to feed into policymaking from the beginning.

 

 

An EIA considers what effect the policies/services have on:

It is an intergral and essential part of the policy making and management processes, must inform and influence the decisions and actions CHA takes and needs to be based on sound evidence.