Equality, diversity and inclusion – ESRC

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Equality impact assessments

An equality impact assessment (EIA) is an evidence-based approach designed to help organisations ensure that their policies, practices, events and decision-making processes are fair and do not present needless barriers to participation or disadvantage any protected groups.

What the assessment covers

When completing an EIA we need to consider the full range of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which includes:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion or belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

The benefits of EIAs

UKRI is committed to promoting equality of participation in all our activities, whether they are related to the work we do with our external stakeholders or our responsibilities as an employer. As a public authority we are also required to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations when making decisions and developing policies.

To do this, we need to understand the potential impacts of our activities on different groups of people. The EIA is a tool designed to help with this process.

Areas where EIAs are used

EIAs are used across the range of functions, activities, and decisions we are responsible for, including:

  • strategic decision-making
  • funding policies
  • arranging strategy and funding panels
  • conferences, workshops and meetings
  • training courses
  • employment policies
  • recruitment and selection activities

ESRC has an EIA working group which meets fortnightly to advise on EIAs. Training sessions and materials are also provided to undertake the process.

Equality impact assessments are linked from the relevant funding opportunities on the funding finder.

Last updated: 29 November 2022

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