Equality impact assessment (EIA), also known as ‘equality analysis’, is a way for public authorities such as Universities to check that their policies, practices, functions, procedures and services do not disadvantage, exclude or otherwise unlawfully discriminate against certain people or groups of people, and that they make a contribution to equality and diversity wherever possible.

An EIA helps the University to identify whether policies have or may have a differential or adverse impact on groups which are protected by law against discrimination. Protected characteristics include: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex and sexual orientation. We can then make any necessary changes to make sure there is no unlawful discrimination at the University.

The process is carried out on new and existing policies and it also helps us to identify where a policy can have a positive impact on the diversity of our workforce and student body and help us to fulfil our Equality & Diversity Vision.

Our approach to EIA’s will help us to strengthen our work to promote equality. It will also help to identify and address any potential discriminatory effects before introducing a policy and reduce the risk of potential legal challenges.

If you require advice or support in relation to completing an EIA, then please email Mona Patel (Equality and Diversity Officer) at: mona.patel@mmu.ac.uk or call 0161 247 3301/6417.

In addition, we have comprehensively updated and revised our guidance and supporting documents, which you can download on the right.

For other queries, please email equalities@mmu.ac.uk