Analysing the effect of our policies on equality

In April 2011 the University adopted a new method of assessing its policies to identify any positive or negative effect on particular groups of people. The University's new approach is based on the principle that responsibility lies with the Head of Department or Section who 'owns' the policy. Policies are initially assessed using an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) pro-forma (.docx). Guidance on completing an EIA pro-forma (.docx) is also available.

Those policies identified as requiring further more detailed analysis are assessed by an Equality Impact Review (EIR) Panel who report their findings and recommendations to the Equality and Diversity Committee using an Equality Impact Review (EIR) report pro-forma (.doc). Guidance on the process for conducting an EIR (.pdf) is also available. Assessments completed using the new method will be posted on this web site.

In addition, all papers considered by the University’s Council must include a completed cover sheet which asks the author of the paper to comment on what assessment of the impact on equality and diversity has been conducted.

If you require further information or guidance on completing an EIA, please email diversity@essex.ac.uk

The following policies have been assessed using the new Equality Impact Assessment pro-forma:

• Adverse Weather policy
• EIA Adverse Weather policy (.docx)
• Annual Review of Academic and Research Staff
• EIA Annual Review of Academic and Research Staff (.docx)

Following consideration of this assessment, it was recommended that a full Equality Impact Review be carried on the Annual Review Procedures for Academic and Research Staff. This is currently in progress and the Panel are due to report their findings to the Equality and Diversity Committee in November 2012.

• EIA Equality Policy and Strategy 2011-14 (.docx)
• Policy for the protection of under 18s and vulnerable adults
• EIA Policy for the protection of under 18s and vulnerable adults (.docx)
• EIA Grievance Resolution Procedure (Support Staff Grades 1-6) (.docx)
• EIA University Residence No Smoking Policy (.docx)
• EIA Disciplinary Procedure (Support Staff Grades 1-6) (.docx)
• EIA CCTV Policy (.docx)
• EIA Security Policy (.docx)
• EIA Access Agreement 2012 (.docx)
• EIA Cadenza: University of Essex CPD Framework  (.docx)

Prior to 2011 the University conducted Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) on 'areas of operation'. Details of completed EIAs and subsequent reports on the progress made towards achieving the recommendations can be found below.

• Impact Assessment on GTA/Demonstrator Recruitment and conditions of service
• Progress report on EIA recommendations(.doc)
• Impact Assessment on Recruitment and Selection of Staff
• Progress report on EIA recommendations (.doc)
• Impact Assessment on Admission of Students
• Progress report on EIA recommendations (.docx)
• Impact Assessment on Student Disciplinary Regulations (.pdf)
• Progress report on EIA recommendations (.doc)
• Impact Assessment on the Progress and Retention of Undergraduate Students (.doc)
• Progress Report on EIA Recommendations (.doc)