The County Council carries out Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) when it is planning significant changes which will affect local residents. An example of change would be whether and how services will be provided. Change will always make more of a difference for some groups than it will for others. It is important that we understand how different groups (for example, older people and children) will be affected by our proposals. If we find that our proposals will affect particular groups more than other's we will consider whether we can do things differently to bring about any improvements for them.

It is important that the assessments we complete are thorough and accurate. The Council's Equality and Diversity Manager provides any support and guidance our staff may need when carrying them out. 

Equality Impact Assessments Already Undertaken

See below to read Full Equality Impact Assessments that the Council has carried out. 

• Programme Support - Community Reablement (PDF)
• Provider Services - Co-ordinator Restructure (PDF)
• Children with Disabilities - Voluntary register for children with disabilities (PDF)
• Living Well Service – Cessation of service (PDF)
• Health Commissioning and Contract (PDF)
• Closure of Schools Library Service (PDF)

Race Relations Case Law recognises English Romany Gypsies, and Irish Travellers as ethnic minorities. These do not include New Age Travellers. English Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers have the same rights to race relations protection as other recognised ethnic minority groups, but most rights are available to all under the Human Rights Act 1988.

Public bodies have a legal duty to promote equality and racial harmony between these groups and others in everything they do, including decision making. Public bodies must also look to Human Rights legislation. This does not mean that Gypsies and Travellers receive special treatment - rather their needs should be balanced against those of the settled community.

The risks of unauthorised encampments

The Policy Towards Travellers is a joint policy, agreed by Worcestershire County Council, the six District Councils and West Mercia Police Authority to determine how encampments set up within Worcestershire are responded to.

Useful links on Gypsies and Travellers

Joint Unauthorised Encampment Protocol (PDF)

The Council is committed to promoting equality and diversity, and ensuring that all appointments are made based on the suitability of a candidate to the role only.

We are a 'Disability Confident Employer', which means we will guarantee an interview to any candidate with a disability who shows that they meet the essential criteria for the advertised role.

In line with the "Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, we do not automatically reject applicants with a criminal record. Every application will be considered individually, taking into account the nature and circumstances of the conviction and the type of work applied for. You will not be asked to disclose 'spent' convictions unless the work requires access to children and vulnerable adults.