McPhail Watmore Associates Ltd
Equality Impact Assessment Training
Check it works for everyone, before it goes live
An equality impact assessment is how you check that a policy, plan or decision works fairly for everyone, before it causes a problem rather than after. Our practical training gives your people the skills to carry out equality impact assessments with confidence, so you embed equality from the very start and demonstrate the Public Sector Equality Duty is being met.
What is an equality impact assessment?
An equality impact assessment, sometimes called an EIA or EqIA, is a structured way of reviewing your projects, plans, policies, procedures and practices through a diversity lens. It asks a simple question with real consequences, who might this affect, and could it inadvertently disadvantage particular groups?
It is easy to overlook the needs of specific groups without meaning to. The assessment process minimises that risk, and at the same time identifies where you can build on what is already working for greater positive impact. Done well, it helps you get it right first time, which adds real value and avoids costly corrections later.
Get it right first time
Who are you missing? How could changes benefit different groups? What have you overlooked in service or building design?
These are the questions a good assessment surfaces, before decisions are locked in.
Why equality impact assessments matter
For public sector organisations, and organisations providing services of a public nature or to the general public, equality impact assessments are a practical way of demonstrating that the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010 is being delivered. That matters for compliance and for defending decisions if they are ever challenged.
More importantly, the process ensures the needs of specific groups are not inadvertently overlooked. All organisations can benefit from this approach, not only those under a legal duty. Embedding equality from the outset is simply better practice, and better business. We also offer equality impact assessments as part of our Diversity Research and Analysis consultancy.
What our training covers
- What an equality impact assessment is, and when one is needed
- How the Public Sector Equality Duty applies to your work
- Reviewing policies, plans and practices through a diversity lens
- Identifying where particular groups might be disadvantaged, and how to address it
- Spotting opportunities to build on current successes for greater positive impact
- Documenting your assessment so it stands up to scrutiny
What our clients say
“
I had a great day yesterday, and learnt so much!
I will be meeting with our managers all next week, and I am sure that their learning will influence how we move forward.
Thank you for your energy and commitment.
Chief Officer
Age UK Torbay
“
The training on the day both myself and HR Director, were pleased to find it engaging and practical, with clear and relatable hospitality specific examples aligned to the law.
Assistant Learning & Development Manager, People and Culture
Four Seasons
“
Experience was really good – workshop activities made me think of things that would impact me – all topics were enjoyable
Employee
Redbridge Council
Trusted by organisations across
Higher Education•
NHS•
Government•
Finance•
Legal•
Housing•
Charity
Who this training is for
This training is essential for anyone who designs or reviews policies, plans and services, policy leads, service designers, EDI leads, and decision makers in the public sector or in organisations delivering services of a public nature. It is equally valuable for private and voluntary sector organisations that want to embed equality from the start.
We work with organisations across the UK, including higher and further education, the NHS, national and local government, finance, legal and professional services, housing and the charity sector.
Our approach and credentials
All of our training is bespoke. We take time to understand your organisation, your sector and the challenges your people face, then build the session around real examples they will recognise. Sessions can be delivered in person or online.
Our consultants are experienced practitioners drawn from the public and private sector. McPhail Watmore Associates was established in 2000, and our founder Fiona McPhail is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD with 30 years' experience in HR and equality, diversity and inclusion. You can read more about our team on our About page.
Established 2000
Over 25 years of training and consultancy
Chartered FCIPD
Founder led, 30 years' experience
Charter assessors
Investors in Diversity, Disability Confident Level 3
Seven consultants
Public and private sector practitioners
Frequently asked questions
What is an equality impact assessment?
It is a structured review of a policy, plan, service or decision to check how it affects different groups of people, particularly those who share a protected characteristic. It identifies where a proposal might inadvertently disadvantage a group, and where it could be improved to deliver greater benefit, before the decision is finalised.
When do we need to carry out an equality impact assessment?
Public sector organisations, and those delivering services of a public nature, should assess new or changing policies, practices and decisions that could affect people differently. It is good practice to assess at the design stage, and again when reviewing existing services, so equality is considered from the outset rather than added afterwards.
Is this only for the public sector?
No. The Public Sector Equality Duty applies to public bodies and those carrying out public functions, but any organisation benefits from embedding equality from the start. The process helps you avoid overlooking groups, improve services, and make fairer, better evidenced decisions, whatever your sector.
Do you deliver the training in person or online?
Both. Every session is tailored to your organisation and can be delivered on site or remotely. Get in touch and we will talk through what works best for you.
Talk to our team
Whether you want to book a session or discuss what would work best for your organisation, get in touch to discuss your training needs.