Equality impact assessments are an important part of our commitment to meeting the needs of all of our communities. These assessments support staff to consider the needs different people have and make sure that these can be met. The assessments will often include the views of people who use the service.

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to have due regard to:

• Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
• Advancing equality of opportunity; and
• Fostering good relations.

We have to do these things in relation to the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The first arm of the duty, i.e. "eliminate unlawful discrimination", also covers marriage and civil partnerships.

The Equality Act 2010 does not explicitly require us to complete equality impact assessments. However, we are continuing to use the equality impact assessment process. This process helps us to understand the probable impacts of a proposal on any or all protected groups. If we find that our proposal is likely to affect some people in a negative way we can look for ways to reduce or remove this effect. We provide the equality impact assessment to members or officers making a decision and include any major implications in the text of reports so that those making decisions are able to give proper consideration to our equality responsibilities.

If the evidence we look at suggests that a policy or activity will have little or no impact on protected groups we might not carry out a full equality impact assessment. We will record such a decision and the evidence on which it was based. We will include this information in reports going to decision makers in the same way as for a full equality impact assessment.

From August 2012 we are publishing all completed assessment documents. Prior to this, summaries are available, although the full assessments can be provided on request.

We have grouped them under the council's objectives below. There are also assessments for our internal processes and personnel procedures. If you are unable to find what you are looking for please e-mail equality@northyorks.gov.uk. 

• Equality impact assessments - ensuring good access for all
• Equality impact assessments - maintaining and enhancing our environment and heritage
• Equality impact assessments - helping all children and young people to develop their full potential
• Equality impact assessments - helping people to live in safe communities
• Equality impact assessments - improving health and wellbeing and giving people effective support
• Equality impact assessments - promoting a flourishing economy
• Equality impact assessments - human resources and internal procedures

For more information on equality impact assessments undertaken by the Council, please contact the customer services centre on 0845 8 72 73 74.