We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and meeting our statutory obligations under the Equality Act (2010), so Mersey Care employs a comprehensive system of Equality Analysis (EA), also referred to as Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs).

This ensures any proposed service, strategy, policy, function, or similar directive is systematically analysed by us under support and direction from our EDI function. The process identifies what effect, or likely effect, it may have on the people who come into contact with the organisation, such as service users or our colleagues.

The aims of carrying out the impact assessments are to:

  • Identify whether communities or people with protected characteristics are excluded from or disadvantaged by any of the services or employment opportunities offered by Mersey Care
  • Ensure the organisation engages with service users and stakeholders, and increases participation through the consultation process
  • Ensure that our colleagues consider alternative measures that may address any adverse or differential impacts
  • Promote and embed equality of opportunity in the policies and practices of the organisation
  • Help us to fulfil our legal duties under current equality legislation
  • Help us to realise our vision, values and culture of restorative justice, civility, and respect.
  • Asserting that Human rights remain our highest priority and we always consider these alongside the protected characteristics.

Strategies, policies, improvement initiatives, services and functions.

We recognise the vital role it plays in ensuring that health inequalities and barriers are identified and eliminated. The resulting equity and fairness are core qualities and values to be embedded within the organisation.

Changes to public sector duties brought about by the Equality Act (2010) mean our Trust must demonstrate that we understand and recognise the diversity of people within the communities we serve. This is achieved through collecting and analysing both relevant and quantitative evidence which must then be used to inform service design and delivery.

We have a robust EA process and our EA templates are designed to support effective equality analysis, whilst demonstrating the evidence that was considered, when making decisions and how any changes will be monitored.

We have an EA training programme on our Learning and Development portal to support all our colleagues and bespoke training can be provided where required.