Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Equality Works is currently providing EqIA workshops to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This training is taking place within the context of a wider implementation programme which has already included revision of EqIA guidance, initial training and a mainstreaming process. The EqIA workshops are aimed at staff who are responsible for policy changes, projects and programmes and include staff from Defra’s Executive Agencies as well as the core business.

The workshops are designed to enable participants to:

• Establish the business case for carrying out an equality impact assessment;
• Explain terminology relating to discrimination and impact assessments;
• Explain the key steps to carry out a full equality impact assessment;
• Understand linkage to Defra policy making cycle and Project quality assurance process; and
• Understand the minimum standards for equality impact assessments in Defra.

The training programme is supported by Defra’s Permanent Secretary, Helen Ghosh, who also acts as Diversity Champion.