Department of Health: Equality Impact Assessment

Equality Works was commissioned to conduct an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) of the renewed Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England (ASE) 2007.

EqIA is a legal requirement on public bodies as part of the public duties on Race, Gender and Disability. In line with Department of Health Guidelines and general good practice, this assessment also includes an analysis of the possible impacts on other equality strands – sexual orientation, religion or belief, age and socio-economic background/social class.

After a rapid programme of literature review and analysis we presented the EqIA results in a report which summarised the findings and made recommendations for continued improvement. We drew on Impact Assessment guidance from the three existing equality commissions (race, gender and disability) and from the Department of Health to develop the report.

We made key recommendations, which relate to:

• Understanding and differentiating between equality target groups;
• Undertaking effective and inclusive consultation with these groups;
• Undertaking Equalities Monitoring;
• Surfacing ‘hidden harm’ (domestic violence, elder and child neglect etc);
• Advice and training for professionals and service providers.

Overall, the report highlighted key statistics and research in respect of each equality ‘strand’ and also provided commentary on the potential adverse impacts and opportunities to promote equality from each proposed action.