The purpose of an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) is to improve the way in which agencies provide services throughout the Shetland community, by making sure there is no discrimination in the way they are provided, and that, where possible, equality is promoted and diversity is taken into account.
The SIC's EQIA focuses on assessing and recording the likely equalities impact of any service, strategies, policies or project. It encourages individuals, teams and partnerships to think carefully about the ways their work could affect those living in Shetland and, where necessary, to take action to improve their services, policies and projects.
It involves anticipating the consequences of services, policies and projects on equality target groups, and making sure that, as far as possible, any negative consequences are eliminated or minimised and opportunities for promoting equality are maximised, by:
- taking account of the needs, circumstances and experiences of those who are affected;
- identify actual and potential inequalities in outcomes; including unlawful discrimination;
- consider other ways of achieving the aims of your policy in order to minimise or remove any possible adverse impact.
Shortened Equality Impact Assessment Form
What are the Steps to the Equality Impact Assessment?
What are the Equality Target Groups?