Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

Equality legislation requires public authorities to conduct Equality Impact Assessments on policies and practices. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic and evidence based process which verifies that the University’s policies and practices are equality proof and not discriminatory.  EIAs should be initiaited at the start of any process to avoid potential rework resulting from not taken full equality considerations at an early stage. 

All new or reviewed policies need to go through this process to guarantee that we are not discriminating against any particular group and to highlight areas of good practice where we are promoting equality of opportunity and to identify any gaps.

All Colleges, Schools and Services that have the lead responsibility for developing and revising policies are required to understand and implement this process.

The University has developed a policy and process for conducting Equality Impact Assessments. This has been developed by the Equality and Diversity Unit and is unique to the University of Glasgow. The EIA Policy and Guidance was approved by the Equality and Diversity Strategy Committee in 2008, and updated following the implementation of the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality Impact Assessment Policy and Guidance outlines the following;

  • What is an EIA? 
  • The relevant legislation. 
  • What evidence is required when conducting an EIA? 
  • Benefits of completing an EIA. 
  • Support and guidance available from the EDU.

The guidance, along with the Equality Impact Assessment Form, provides a step by step process for conducting an EIA, and is illustrated with case study examples.

If you are applying for a grant and the funder requires you to submit an EIA as part of your application, this should be considered at the very start of your application process. 

If after reading the guidance and reviewing the form, you require any further information or advice, please contact the Equality and Diversity Unit as soon as possible in the process.

Please ensure you allow at least 3 weeks lead in time when submitting your completed EIA for sign off - EDU may be unable to sign off EIAs at short notice.  

You can also view Completed Equality Impact Assessments.