Together for Health (November 2011)

1. Together for Health (November 2011) ‘Wales must do more to tackle the poor health that blights so many lives, particularly in our most disadvantaged communities and among our poorest citizens.’

2. What are the principles and requirements of equality and human rights legislation?

3. The Equality Act 2010

4. The Public Sector Equality Duty for Wales

5. Assess the impact of proposed policies and practices on your ability to comply with the general duty Monitor the impact Publish an assessment report setting out: The purpose of the policy or practice being assessed A summary of the steps taken to assess the likely impact of the policies and practices A summary of the evidence considered as part of the assessment process The results of the assessment Any decisions taken following the assessment Equality Impact Assessment

6. Is the purpose of the decision you are considering clearly set out? Has the EqIA considered all available evidence? Have those likely to be affected by the proposal been involved and engaged? Have potential positive and negative impacts been identified? Think about the EqIA conclusion that is in front of you – do you think the course of action suggested is justified? Key Questions for You

7. ... concluded the actions of the councils were  “unlawful” by Judge Martin McKenna on grounds that the local authorities have failed to fulfil their obligations on equality towards vulnerable people in society. Gloucester and Somerset - Libraries

8. ‘... there were flaws in the equality impact assessment which the local authority had conducted. Among other things, it contained no evidence-based information about the specific impact on disabled people of the proposals; it did not explain the nature of the "substantial" needs that would be excluded from funding by the revised eligibility criteria or what the detriment would be to disabled people; it did not state how many disabled people would be detrimentally affected; the suggestions made in it for mitigating the effects of the proposal were therefore made without a proper understanding of the potential detriment. Thus, although the assessment was provided to members, it did not provide the analysis and the information which they needed to discharge adequately their s.49A duty.’ Isle of Wight Council

9. No EqIA was carried out before the decision was made “the tie-in is, of course with the lack of consultation. ... the point is that if only the Secretary of State had consulted with them they would have been able ... to highlight those special equality considerations to him” Failure to carry out an EqIA was unlawful Building Schools for the Future

10. Don’t fall at the Equality Hurdle!

11. Improve quality of equality information Ensure it is routinely used in policy and service development and delivery Put equality at the heart of VFM considerations Ensure your needs assessments cover all the ‘protected characteristics’ Move away from process and focus on measurable outcomes Make information about your progress more accessible EHRC (The Regulator) Expects Health Organisations to: