Equalities

We have developed a tool to assess the impact of proposed strategies and policies on equality and diversity issues, sustainable development, the Welsh language and health and wellbeing (including child poverty).  

The Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) tool is applied to all our strategic policy and practice decisions and ensures we fulfil our obligations concerning:

• equality and diversity,
• sustainable development,
• the Welsh language, and
• health and wellbeing issues

The IIA should be completed as early as possible during the policy development process. It asks the lead officer responsible for the policy or practice being assessed a series of questions relating to each of the themes set out above. The officer is asked to consider whether the policy or practice concerned will have a positive, negative or neutral impact.

Where a negative impact is anticipated the IIA requests further information regarding the steps that have been taken to mitigate the effects.

What are we trying to achieve and why is it important?

It is important that the things we do improve equality and diversity, sustainable development, use of the Welsh language, and health and wellbeing. It is also important that any negative impacts are minimised. It is possible to carry out separate impact assessments for sustainable development, use of the Welsh language, and health and wellbeing but we recognise that an integrated approach is more effective. Combining the various assessments will not only take less time, but it will also ensure that negative and positive impacts are not viewed in isolation because often they are interrelated. Consistent use of the tool will improve quality of life in Pembrokeshire.

Integrated Impact Assessments are published as part of the papers for the relevant decision-making committee (i.e. Cabinet and Council). 

Dan Shaw

Corporate Planning Manager
01437 775857