Equality Audit
This can be a good fresh start.
An equality audit holds a mirror up to your organisation and
tells you where change is needed. I would start with a policy
review, and make sure that your policies are compliant with the
Equality Act 2010, and that they promote your commitment to
advancing equality and preventing discrimination.
Next, I look at the make up of your workforce. How diverse is
it? Does it reflect local and national indicators? Together we will
think of ways to encourage staff to disclose information about
their personal characteristics. Continuing on this data trend, I
will conduct a high level equality analysis of your key policies
and practices.
I then would like to speak to some of your staff. What is
it like to work with your organisation if, for example, you have a
disability? I like to go walkabout at this stage, and get a feel
for your organisation. I also like to review your physical premises
to think about accessibility and universal design.
I also want to know how you tell your staff that equality and
diversity is important to you. Is this covered at staff induction,
or other training? Then I will review a sample of your website and
communications documents.
The output of an Equality Audit is a long term action plan. The
proposed action will be effective, proportionate and will reflect
your business priorities.