Equality Impact Assessment Training
Equality Impact Assessments - Social Housing
Maryhill Housing
Background
Maryhill Housing is a charitable, community-based housing association operating in Maryhill and Ruchill in north west Glasgow. Housing Associations are not “listed authorities” in terms of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010, and are not obliged to produce equality impact assessments.
Nevertheless, Maryhill Housing recognise that equality impact assessments can be used as a form of continuous improvement and better anticipating the needs of stakeholders, and asked us to work with them on their template and in facilitating sessions with decision makers.
Approach
Staff had demonstrated an existing high level of sensitivity towards the implications of equality and diversity, and from the outset we focused on promoting equality impact assessments as a positive tool which will enable a more systematic approach to meeting the diverse needs of stakeholders.
Process
The equality impact assessment inhouse template was revised and tested. Case studies were developed, including one on a Housing Allocations Policy. Draft materials were submitted to the client with notes, and client feedback enabled the production of highly relevant, tailored equality impact assessment training. To increase impact, we made the sessions highly interactive and relevant to the sector.