Equality Impact Assessments

611 (WDC)

Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 23-28

The SHIP represents West Dunbartonshire Council’s five year plan for the delivery of affordable housing across the council area.   The development of new homes can help improve access to housing

The SHIP seeks to address the impact of inequality and discrimination

In particular, our design standard and requirement for at least 10% of homes to be suitable for  wheelchair users represents a particular opportunity to ensure that our homes will benefit our tenants and communities.

The SHIP notes the need to tackle child poverty and supports children's and young people's rights by ensuring supply of suitable housing.

604 (WDC)

Review of Terms and Conditions - Removal of Group Life

EIA 604 details the likely impacts of the proposals; this shows potential negative impacts for female employees in terms of current workforce being eligible for scheme. However this is a propionate means of achieve a legitimate aim of reducing costs.

603 (WDC)

Review of Terms and Conditions - Removal of Notice Period for critical roles and change to 8 weeks’ notice period for all grades

EIA 603 details that there are no negative impacts of this proposal.

602 (WDC)

Review of Terms and Conditions - Removal of Incremental Progression at 6 months

The primary aim of this proposal is to ensure equality in pay progression.

New appointments, promotions or re-gradings between 1st October and 31st March, receive their first increment on the new salary scale six months from their effective date of appointment.

This proposal seeks to align annual incremental progression.

601 (WDC)

Review of Terms and Conditions - Removal of Alternating Shift Allowance

EIA 601 details the likely impacts of the proposals; this shows potential negative impacts for female employees as there are currently more in receipt of the allowance than males. However, this proposal won't have a disproportionate impact on gender pay gaps as those in receipt is broadly reflective of the council workforce gender split.

600 (WDC)

Allowances for enhanced working and reduction in public holidays

Details the likely impacts of the proposals; this shows potential positive impacts for female employees and negative impacts for male employees in terms of earnings when taking overtime into account. However this is a propionate means of achieve a legitimate aim of reducing costs and reducing pay gaps.

594 (WDC)

Workforce Planning Strategy & Framework

Details how  the strategy provides an opportunity to align work with our Equality Outcomes for 21-25, in terms of workforce diversity in the areas of disability and ethnicity, and reducing occupational segregation in terms of sex.  As Workforce plans are developed any change to proposed policy, process or procedure will be individually EQIA where relevant.

593 (WDC)

Discretionary charges for planning services

introduced in line with The Town and Country Planning (Fee Applications)(Scotland) Regulations 2022

EIA 593 details some small differential impacts of charging impacts that can be mitigated. The Council will follows its Communicating Effectively to ensure accessibility of advice and Exemptions have been introduced where allowed to account for potentially disadvantaged groups, and have been set at an affordable* rate for development types likely to be undertaken by individuals (*when compared with the overall costs of a development project). Many of the fees are also optional.

590 (WDC)

Planning Enforcement Charter 2022

Effective communications is highlighted as an area that is especially important, therefore following the Council's Communicating Effectively guidance will help ensure clear communications with disabled people and those for whom English is not a first language.

548 (WDC)

Strategic Risk Report 2022-2027

EIA 548 notes the positive impacts of an approach to risk that integrates considerations on equalities, human rights health and social and economic impacts that is aligned with the content of the new Strategic Plan.

532 (WDC)

Artizan Centre redevelopment September

The EIA identified a range of positive impacts for equality groups. 

There are likely to be significant positive impacts in terms of Health and Socio-Economic Impact. It is hoped that as a result of the project the town centre will become more vibrant and provide wider range of services and facilities for the local residents.

527 (WDC)

Working 4U - West Dunbartonshire Council Community Learning and Development  Three-Year Plan Sept 21 – August 2024

EIA 527 highlights a range of positive impacts. This includes focus on people  with lived experience of addictions, disabled people including mental health, pregnant women, young people, BME people, parents with children living in poverty with a recognition that the impact of living with limited access to resources has emotional, social and health impacts which are complex.  A commitment of training and support to staff within the 3 year plan ensures service users’ needs are met. 

524 (WDC)

People first

The proposed approach is  co-ordinated and more impactful when addressing areas of equality and discrimination, for example  to ensure that cumulative impacts of policy and practice are properly assessed to strengthen positive outcomes.

523 (WDC)

Working 4U - West Dunbartonshire Council Benefit and Debt Information and Advice Service Three-Year Plan April 2022 – March 2025

EIA 523 highlights a range of positive impacts .

This includes specific focus on people  with lived experience of addictions, disabled people including mental health, pregnant women, young people, BME people, parents with children living in poverty with a recognition that the impact of living with limited access to resources has emotional, social and health impacts which are complex.  A commitment of training and support to staff within the 3 year plan ensures service users’ needs are met. 

522 (WDC)

Short term lets

This policy is to be introduced as it is mandatory legislation prescribed by the Scottish Government. It will help protect local residents from nuisance and insure that guests can stay in short term accommodation that is safe and run by fit and proper individuals. Any impacts are likely to be positive.

518 (WDC)

Respect at Work Policy and Procedure

The policy and procedure sets out how to resolve concerns involving bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation promptly and constructively. An accompanying Toolkit providing support and guidance to managers and employees will be developed.

515 (WDC)

Review of WDLT Class Instructor Pay Rates

Ensuring that we offer competitive pay supports the goal of increasing workforce diversity, as well as aiding the sustainability and appropriateness of services. Particular potential positive outcomes have been identified in terms of ethnicity, sex and disability in EIA 515. Engagement with local equality groups through the West Dunbartonshire Equality Forum will be pursued.

513 (WDC)

Interim Change to Pay Frequency

511 (WDC)

Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) - Year 3 Update

The aim of the policy is to create positive impacts to all homeless households, but it is recognised that to do this equality considerations must be taken into account to meet different needs and circumstances. Section 2 of EIA 511, details potential positive impacts for a number of groups and actions to support. No negative impacts have been identified.

510 (WDC)

Grant Application to Alexander Cross Cameron trust Fund

The beneficiaries of the funding are members of a group set up to enable older an disabled people in the area the opportunity to have collective experiences out with the confines of their own home and normal environment and with the company of others.

507 (WDC)

Working 4U - No One Left Behind - Employability 3 Year Plan for West Dunbartonshire

The plan focuses on supporting those that would, under normal circumstances, face obstacles or barriers preventing them from full participation, including people with limited qualifications and/or work experience, people with lived experience of addictions, disabled people and including mental health, BME people, parents, those aged 50+, young people. The plan provides details on the types of services we will deliver, who will deliver them and how they will be accessed with specialised support available to support people with specific barriers to participation.  

505 (WDC)

Procurement of six new MUGA pitches over the next three years

The EIA notes positive impacts especially for disabled and younger people, and in terms of Human Rights, Socio-economic and health impacts.

503 (WDC)

SHIP 2021 (Strategic Housing Investment Plan)

The SHIP represents West Dunbartonshire Council's five year plan for the delivery of affordable housing across the council area. The development of new homes can help improve access to housing and in doing so seeks to address the impact of inequality and discrimination in terms of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion/belief age their social or economic status or whether they are transgender.

Our design standard and requirement for at least 10% of homes to be suitable for residents in wheelchair represents a particular opportunity to ensure that our homes will benefit our tenants and communities.

The annual update provides an opportunity to ensure that our ambitions reflect latest best practice and confirm that there will be an overall benefit to residents of West Dunbartonshire and the local economy. The implementation of the SHIP supports the Council's key strategic priorities, and we will carefully continue its impact.

501 (WDC)

Developer contributions

The policy requires that equality issues should be considered in the identification and design of projects making use of developer contribution funding.

500 (WDC)

Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Antonine Wall) World Heritage Site Supplementary Guidance

The policy has a range of potential positive impacts both in of an opportunity for community empowerment and engaging with underrepresented groups, and in the eventual
final shape of places; no groups with the protected characteristics are disadvantaged by these impacts. The guidance will inform future impact assessments of planning proposals.

499 (WDC)

Violence and Harassment Convention

The International Labour Organisation's Violence and Harassment Convention (ILO C190) 'recognises the right of everyone to a world free from violence and harassment, including gender based violence and harassment'. WDC has signed up to this convention.

The impact of this has been assessed as having a positive impact for employees, in terms of protected characteristics.

497 (WDC)

Active & Sustainable Travel Strategy and Action Plan (ASTSAP)

There will be positive impacts for various protected groups and across human rights and health and social/economic areas as detailed in the Equality Impact Assessment.

Furthermore, we want to take this forward in a way that ensures public transport, active and sustainable travel alternatives are more fair and equal, considering alienated minorities and notably those in poverty - so it can empower women and those with disabilities, etc. to make Sustainable travel choices and improve the local economy.

Pregnancy Loss Scheme

Positive support for all employees and enhances statutory benefit of paid leave for those who experience a loss before 24 weeks.

492 (WDC)

Digital Skills Support Framework

The approach has potential positive impacts across the board but especially for disabled people and some older people. Ensuring that proposals in this area are impact assessed before finalization will help equality proof them and a range of work across the council can be drawn upon to inform work, e.g. accessibility Community on Teams.

488 (WDHSCP)

Charging Policy for Non-Residential Care Services 2020/2021

The changes should contribute to overall clarity and accessibility of the policy. A range of potential positive for some groups, gender reassignment, Ethnicity, sexual orientation, and mix of positive and negative impacts for other groups which are detailed in section 2 of the EIA

451

Provision of Support Services for Women, Children and Young People Experiencing Domestic Abuse

This Direct Award aims to provide specialist support services aimed at women and young people who are homeless or in their own WDC tenancy and who are experiencing domestic abuse. It aims to positively impact on all protected characteristics and by addressing individual need and circumstances. However it is gendered approach to provision of services to women which reflects both local and national statistics for incidences of domestic abuse.

444 (WDC)

Working4U Young Persons Guarantee

We recognise the need to support wide access and we will plan and operate in a way that brings positive for the equalities groups noted in the EIA, e.g. disabled people, younger people, and people from BME groups. Council staff will have access to our providing access services training to support positive impacts.

442 (WDC)

Green Network and Green Infrastructure Supplementary Guidance

A wide range of potential positive impacts both as an opportunity for community empowerment and engaging with under-represented groups, e.g. disabled people, younger people, people from BME backgrounds,, and in the delivery and design of greenspaces, play parks, and green networks/infrastructure which enhance connections between places.

441 (WDLT)

WDLT Business Plan 2022/23

The business plan has a stated commitment to equality and inclusion; participation is lower for some groups, women, disabled people and BME people so explicit note of the centrality of equalities can help inform planning and practice. The trust is committed in encouraging and supporting use by currently underrepresented groups.

440 (WDC)

Draft Supplementary Guidance: Creating Places

The policy has a wide range of potential positive impacts both in of an opportunity for community empowerment and engaging with underrepresented groups, and in the eventual final shape of places; no groups with the protected characteristics are disadvantaged by these impacts. No negative impacts are identified.

438 (WDC)

Pilot of Equally Safe in practice Work Training

The pilot has potential positive impacts for a range of different groups, as noted in the body of the EIA. Assessment of the pilot will help inform the council's future work in this and other areas. It is important that impacts are thoroughly assessed to maximise benefits.

425 (HSCP)

Upgrade of Unpaid work Workshop

The proposed refurbishment will have a positive impact on the services to people undertaking unpaid work within west Dunbartonshire, particularly disabled people and those in digital and financial poverty.

This will allow us to open the service up to all without disadvantaging those restricted by marginalisation including economically.

423 (WDC)

LNCT Agreement No.28 - Guidance on self-funded sabbaticals

Younger teachers are less likely than older workers to meet the requirement, but this is a reasonable provision in pursuit of the overall aim.
There may be particular benefit for longer serving teachers.

420 (WDC)

Clydebank Town Hall Options Appraisal

An Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken and this highlighted that opening a public building seven days a week could be viewed as increasing access. However, opening an additional day would make only a marginal difference.

415 (WDC)

EIA 415: Queen Jubilee Holiday

No negative impacts identified via protected characteristics. Whilst there is data available for those working on flexible/compressed hours this is not broken down by protected characteristics therefore there could be a potential detriment to those individuals for not receiving a day in lieu for a non-working day.

However this is consistent with the council's annual leave policy. Positive impacts identified for pregnancy and maternity and social economic.

410 (WDC)

Clydebank Town Centre Development Framework

The Framework aims to improve Clydebank town centre with a particular emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. The Client group and consultants are aware of the need to consider Statutory Fairer Scotland Duty guidance when producing development options, the wider equalities requirements and accessibility requirements in terms of documents, including web content that may be produced. Any follow up developments or improvements will support fulfilment of these requirements to ensure they are addressed from the start.

407 (WDC)

Accidents and Violence at Work - A Manager's Guidance

This guidance notes links to other relevant polices that protect members of staff.  The guidance document has a positive impact as affected employees are not put at any financial detriment.

405 (WDHSCP)

Eligibility Criteria Policy for (Unpaid) Carers

This policy should be introduced due to the assessed benefits and absence of significant negative impacts identified through this equalities impact assessment (EQIA).  The group who completed the EQIA, made up of the manager from Carers of West Dunbartonshire, a carer rep, an HSCP Service Manager and an HSCP Service Improvement Lead who are all also members of the Carers Development Group which provided its endorsement of the policy, are satisfied that from the available data, the policy stands to make a more positive difference than negative.  Examples include advancing equity and equality through transparent and collaborative decision making, ensure, where appropriate, carers can access Self Directed Support options and services proportionate to their needs.  Work undertaken to deliver the policy will also see assertive approaches taken to engage seldom heard populations.  It was also recognised that some data was unavailable for some certain protected characteristics, both at a local and national level.  Efforts will be made to better understand any potential impacts on all protected groups and a monitoring framework is being developed to assist with this.     

404 (WDC)

Clydebank Town Centre Development Framework

The Framework aims to improve Clydebank town centre to benefit all with a particular emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. The Client group and consultants are aware of the need to consider Statutory Fairer Scotland Duty guidance when producing development options, the wider equalities requirements and accessibility requirements in terms of documents, including web content that may be produced. Any follow up developments or improvements will support fulfilment of these requirements to ensure they are addressed from the start.

402 (WDC)

Grant Application to Dumbarton Trust Fund

Friends of Levengrove Park are a voluntary group based in Dumbarton. The group have applied to Dumbarton Trust Fund for grant funding to create and operate a trishaw service in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton.

The suggested service for which the grant has been requested is seen as a positive step with the potential to alleviate isolation for a number of groups including older and disabled people.  No negative impacts were noted during the assessment.

394

(WDC)

Connecting Clydebank updated EIA

The updated equality impact assessment carried out has identified a range of positive impacts for equality groups. There are also likely to be positive impacts in terms of Health and Socio-Economic Impact. It is hoped that as a result of the project more people will be encouraged to make active travel choices. A series of interventions which can assist with this will be considered as part of the project's Behaviour Change Plan. An important element of this will be targeting equality groups.

389 (increased call centre capacity)

Increased Call Centre Capacity

Review of call data has shown there has been an increase in calls and queue times during the past months.  This proposal will allow resourcing in the Contact Centre to be increased which will have a positive impact overall on the ability to reduce call queue times and so respond and deal with calls from tenants more quickly.    It will be especially advantageous to older people, people from some minority ethnic groups, women and disabled people, who tend to be less digitally included and more likely to rely on telephone communication. 

388 (WDC)

Housing allocations policy review

The revised policy brings benefits overall, and especially for disable people and younger people.

Based on the feedback from survey monkey results it is recommended that the following policy changes be approved: Feedback from Stage 1 of the consultation helped to shape the service that the Council would adopt keeping tenants more involved in the allocation processes and consultation in Stage 2 on proposed changes fed into the draft policy that was developed and submitted to committee for approval.

386 (WDC)

Regeneration Fund Scottish Marine Technology Park

This is a basic physical infrastructure project.  There may be some beneficial socio-economic impact significantly further down the line in subsequent stages of the development of the site through the creation of employment opportunities and increased economic activity in West Dunbartonshire.

380 (WDC)

Admissions and Placing Requests Policy (PP5.1)

The policy complies with the requirement that all children have the right to education.  Where applications exceed the number of school places, authorities have to use a fair process to make practical, objective decisions and ensure that applications are considered on their merits before a final decision is made.  There is potentially some differential impact in terms of religion in some very limited potential sets of circumstances that might arise, but this is in pursuit of a legitimate aim, is proportionate and is within the law.  We have identify positive impacts in terms of disability and for women, as noted in the EIA.

379 (WDC)

Community Planning Support from Argyll and Bute Council

This proposal is relevant and therefore has been impact assessed.   The proposal supports the centrality of Community Planning in furthering Public Sector Equality Duty, and 'building back better'.  Since starting to provide support the staff from Argyll and Bute Council have recognised the need and worked with us to place equality considerations centrally in Community Planning.  The proposed arrangement will help ensure that this continues to be the case.

377 (WDC)

Restart Service Plan for the reopening of Clydebank Town Hall as an events venue

Reopening services is an opportunity to ensure that these are as accessible and inclusive as possible, and better meet the needs of the most disadvantaged groups.   Groups who should particularly benefit from re opening are disabled people and women.

376 (WDC)

Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) - Year 2 Update

Every local authority must have one and report to the Scottish Government, our 4 aims are;

• Deliver a Whole Systems approach to the prevention of homelessness;
• Enable service users with low or no support needs to access settled housing quickly;
• To develop interim housing options which enable independent living and housing sustainment; and
• Implement a Housing First model which enables the most excluded service users to achieve housing sustainment...

There are no negative equalities impacts due to this update to our RRTP however preventing and responding to homelessness has a significant positive impact on individuals and communities.  There are some potential positive impacts for some groups as note in EIA 376.  Our overall strategy for homelessness aims to tackle current health and other inequalities.  Our RRTP highlighted some key groups where we have higher homelessness presentations from and therefore have created policies to allow for further positive impacts such as a targeted Youth projects and a Domestic Abuse Policy.

368

Pilot of Equally Safe in Practice Training

This is pilot aims test the approach of the training.  It is not intended as full scale role out to the entire council

The pilot has potential positive impacts for a range of different groups, as noted in the body of the EIA.  Assessment of the pilot will help inform the council’s future work in this and other areas.  It is important that impacts are thoroughly assessed to maximise benefits.

367 (WDC)

Housing Team Restarting Community Based Services (Covid-19)

To fully deliver Housing Services to Tenant in Dumbarton and Vale area.  To offer front facing support to tenants and enable resources to facilitate this.

The ASB team support all people across West Dunbartonshire.  This groups membership is made up of people from equalities groups; most notably disabled people, older people and women.  The Covid-19 pandemic meant that how support was delivered had to change - becoming more remote and virtual.  However, this support did continue.  

As we restart community based services in adherence with Scottish Government guidelines (meeting out of doors, maintaining social distance) and offering virtual meeting space there are risks that some groups will not have the same level of access to our services as before.

The risks are outweighed by the positives of physical response to acts of ASB and to build on the spirit of cooperation so evident during the pandemic.   We will ensure that we follow the Council's updated 'Communicating Effectively' guidance to maximise accessibility and inclusion.

We will ensure that staff training is up to date in regard to the equality aspects of their work including accessibility of services.

363 (WDC)

Work styles exercise

To look at longer term working arrangement of employees with regard to returning to the office or opting to continue to work from home (be considered as a remote worker).

Employees are being allowed to choose which work style they would prefer where possible as such this reduces any negative socio economic impact.  The work styles exercise increases flexibility for individuals increasing work life balance and flexibility around home and family life. Managers are being encouraged to have regular 1-2-1s and wellbeing check ins with employees. There are particular potential benefits for women, disabled people and older people.

362 (WDC)

Pregnancy - no public facing role after 28 weeks

The proposal will have a positive impact on the health of women and children, including Black and minority ethnic women and will help to mitigate any risks that may be associated with COVID and pregnancy. The council will further mitigate risks by redeploying individuals into non front facing roles if this is not possible.

359 (WDC)

Wearing a face mask in communal areas

There could be a disproportionate impact on some disabled people however the Scottish government have attempted to mitigate this with an exemption card.  This decision was not a council one it was implemented by the Scottish government; We will ensure that services and staff are aware of best practice that must be followed locally to mitigate any potential negative impact.

358
(WDC)

Categorisation of employees, shielding category

Positive impact for disabled people as they will not move through absence procedures.

357
(WDC)

Reaction to Covid vaccine

Positive impact for individuals who have a reaction to the vaccine, 48 hours period of paid absence and will not count to wards an absence trigger means that individuals will not be disadvantaged by any Covid related absence.

355
(WDC)

Holding interviews by video conference

Overall positive impact potential employees will have less costs getting to and from interview, reasonable adjustments should be implemented for those who need them.  The Council's Communicating Effectively guidance must be adhered to.

354
(WDC)

Covid absences discounted for wellbeing procedures

Positive impact for disabled people as they will not move through absence procedures.

(WDC)

Climate Change Action Plan

In January 2021, the Council launched its new Climate Change Strategy (CCS) in response to the global climate emergency, setting a long term target for West Dunbartonshire becoming net zero by 2045, following a similar trajectory to the national target set for Scotland as a whole.

This Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) sets out the immediate and longer term actions the Council will take to respond to the climate emergency, both in relation to mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The continued review of the CCS and CCAP (annually, with a full update every 5 years) will allow us to improve the documents with regards to green recovery and Equality Duty needs. There are potential positive impacts for a range of groups and for Human Rights, especially in terms of increasing engagement, participation and empowerment – providing that Council service areas fully support climate change action, particularly to empower residents of West Dunbartonshire.. The action plan will encourage positive engagement with a full range of groups in West Dunbartonshire. This supports our Equality Outcomes on increasing participation.

351
(WDC)

Older people’s champion proposal

To consider the best way that the Council can bring a focus to equality for older people (defined for the purposes of policy by the Scottish Government as people of 50 and older) by examining the options.

Examination of the options suggests that the optimal route to add the most value is to introduce an Equalities Champion Role that covers older people and other protected characteristics.  This recognises the inter relatedness of elements such as age, disability, sex, ethnicity and the other protected characteristics.   It recommend approach is in line with the Council general approach to equality, and is well comes at a time were there is momentum around challenging discrimination, advancing equality and strengthening social cohesion.

348
(WDC)

ASB Team Restarting Community Based Services  (Covid-19)

To engage respond and address Anti Social Behaviour concerns raised by individuals and communities across West Dunbartonshire.  To offer front facing support to tenants and resident subjected to acts of ASB within West Dunbartonshire.

The ASB team support all citizen's across West Dunbartonshire.  This groups membership is made up of people from equalities groups; most notably disabled people, older people and women.  The Covid-19 pandemic meant that how support was delivered had to change - becoming more remote and virtual.  However, this support did continue.   As we restart community based services in adherence with Scottish Government guidelines (meeting out of doors, maintaining social distance) and offering virtual meeting space there are risks that some groups will not have the same level of access to our services as before.

The risks are out weighed by the positives of physical response to acts of ASB and to build on the spirit of cooperation so evident during the pandemic.   We will ensure that we follow the Council's updated 'Communicating Effectively' guidance to maximise accessibility and inclusion.

346
(WDC)

New Faifley Campus

Incorporating, Edinbarnet Primary, St Josephs Primary, Early Learning and Childcare Centre provision (Auchnacraig/Lennox), ASN provision (currently located at St Josephs Primary), Education Resource Centre, Community Library and Community space provision.

The recommendation to introduce this policy has been made on the basis that there is an anticipated positive impact generated for all protected characteristic groups, with the exception of Civil Partnership / Marriage as this was considered not applicable to the new build Faifley Campus  development. 

In particular all parents and carers who provide childcare provision, access to a campus facility which accommodates ELCC, Primary education  and access to Community facilities located within the one facility is beneficial.

The assessment has not identified any potential for discrimination or adverse impact and due regard has been paid to available opportunities to advance equality have been taken.

345
(WDC)

Digital Team Growth Bid

There are positive impacts overall, and some particular positive impacts for a range of equality groups; including older people, BME groups, disabled people.

344
(WDHSCP)

Domestic Abuse Questionnaire for women affected during covid-19 lockdown measures

WDVAWG partnership community consultation exercise  to capture the visibility and accessibility of specialist Gender Based Violence services in West Dunbartonshire during covid-19 lock down measures and  the experiences of women, children and young people accessing those services

A has identified particular barriers and solutions (see section 2) required to be addressed to ensure the  WDVAWG domestic abuse questionnaire can be fully accessed by all groups. Findings from the DA questionnaire will support the multi-agency partners of the VAWG Partnership to better understand the local need of Women and their children affected by domestic abuse so that resources can be focussed to the areas where they are needed most, this will ensure that all women, children and young people that have a need are informed of and have equal opportunity to access specialist GBV service information whilst maximising the prospect for early and effective.

342
(WDC)

Clydebank Can on the Canal Activity Centre

The project will create an activity centre in the heart of Clydebank, to provide outdoor activities, training and support for the most disadvantaged young people in the area. By bringing people and activity to the town centre it will also help revitalise the town centre economy. The activity centre will be run by Y Sort It and  will focus primarily on cycle activities and training for young people and families. The centre/activity space also be available for use for local community groups.

The EIA carried out has identified a range of positive impacts for equality groups.   There are also likely to be positive impacts in terms of Health and Socio-Economic Impact. It is hoped that as a result of the project more young people will have an opportunity to benefit from organised activities and cycling trips.   Other members of the community will benefit from provision of modern community facilities in the town centre.

332
(WDC)

Removal of Street Trees in Bell Street, McGregor Street and White Street, Whitecrook

Removal of the trees would provide safer passage for all, and be of particular benefit to  wheel chair users, mobility scooter users, anyone with an impairment affecting walking, those with visual impairments and people using prams and push chairs, likely to manly be women.  The removal would therefore be positive for disabled people, women and children, and for health.

324
(WDHSCP)

Reintroduction of Day Support Service

There should be positive impacts for disabled people especially, contributing to there health and human rights.   Through telephone discussion with Service users, carers and families and the easing of lockdown restrictions it is deemed appropriate and essential to reintroduce face to face support services at this time to reduce isolation, anxiety and allow for social interaction. Avoiding crisis and potential breakdown of home environment.  Building based support and group activities will be reintroduced when it is deemed safe to do so and in line with Scottish Government guidelines and Care inspectorate and Strategic agreement.

323
(WDC)

Connecting Dumbarton - Update Feb 2021

Identified a range of positive impacts for equality groups.  There are also likely to be positive impacts in terms of Health and Socio-Economic Impact. It is hoped that as a result of the project more young people will have an opportunity to benefit from organised activities and cycling trips. Other members of the community will benefit from provision of modern community facilities in the town centre. 

321
(WDHSCP)

Delivery of manual handling training

Training will support equality and inclusion and have positive impacts.  Training for staff in Manual Handling has been interrupted and prevented since March 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Previous external providers continue to be unable to provide this resource.  Senior management and line management identified and evidenced the required need to train 6 staff in Manual Handling Training for Trainers to enable them to deliver certificated training to learning disability staff team.  This adheres to mandatory and legislative training requirements and ensure continuous service delivery within West Dunbartonshire Council Learning Disability Service.

312
(WDC)

Procurement of Business Gateway Workshops, Webinars and Expert Help Services

We have assessed the services provided by Business Gateway against the various equality groups and issues they may face.  We believe that while not targeted specifically on any one group Business Gateway offers support to all groups to start up and grow a business.  Owning, running and growing a business can have a positive impact on members of all equality groups and wider society in general.  It can address in part at least some if the discrimination that members of the various equality groups face.

309
(WDLT)

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust Savings Options

WDLT don’t anticipate any major effect on protected groups and where possible it will accommodate pre booked sessions by utilising staff from other areas within the centre. 

The savings proposed are crucial for WDLT to ensure it balances its budget and maintains a sustainable service for the Council.  WDLT has given careful consideration to the proposed savings and has rejected the easy option of raising prices to increase income for the forthcoming year. 

Due to the impact of COVID pandemic the Leisure Trust anticipates a gradual return to growth within swimming pools over the first half of the financial year and will look to re-instate a full pool programme

308
(WDC)

Policy on Remote Learning

The policy is intended to provide clear guidance to teaching and support staff within schools to support the delivery of a remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence shows that COVID 19 and measures put in place across the UK have not impacted evenly across all protected groups.  The planning and operations of council services including education services will acknowledge this, and impact will be monitored.

By ensuring that the policy on remote learning explicitly recognises challenges and opportunities and support available there is potential to improve accessibility, for some disabled and BME people, whilst at the same time support staff., and ensuring recovery strategies are in place aiming to mitigate some of the impact of the pandemic on attainment, achievement, inclusion and wellbeing.

The Council recognises the diverse needs of learners, parents, guardians and carers.  We will ensure that language and communications needs are carefully considered and meet.  To do this we will make sure that the Councils’ ‘Communicating Effectively’ guidelines are highlighted to staff, including how to use both proactively and reactively the Language Line service for both spoken and BSL video interpreting.   We will ensure that translated material were these are required are supplied promptly, and an enhanced level of contact and communication is in place for families classified as vulnerable.

We will ensure that that staff have accessed appropriate training and support on providing remote learning and aware of the measures in place to mitigate any impact on protected groups.

306
(WDC)

Clydebank Town Hall revised improvement works

Having assessed all areas, there are a range of positive impacts from these improvement works (in terms of age, disability, ethnicity, Human Rights and Socio-Economic impact.  Further action may be taken to address and mitigate wider accessibility options where possible through detailed planning.

302
(WDC)

Involving You - WDC Tenant Participation Strategy 2021-24

The updated Tenant Participation Strategy aim is to develop and improve tenant participation and ensure that participation is meaningful  and inclusive for all tenants. This will particularly benefit some protected groups and a range of participation activities are provided to meet a range of needs and circumstances.

The Strategy also focuses on ensuring  good clear communication practices and empowering tenants to challenge and be involved in improving services for all tenants. There will be an overall benefit to all tenants ,future tenants and residents of West Dunbartonshire and the implementation of the TP Strategy will continue to support all of the Council’s key strategic priorities.

294 (WDC)

West Dunbartonshire Council Equality Mainstreaming and Outcomes Report 2021-2025

The proposal is relevant in terms of equality, human rights, health and social and economic (Fairer Scotland Duty) impacts.  

The assessment notes potential positive impacts in terms of health, impact on the local economy, upholding people's human rights and equality in terms of increasing workforce diversity and reducing occupational segregation. 

There are potential positive impacts for all relevant protected groups except marriage and civil partnership where we judge the impact to be neutral.  The policy has taken into account the well document effect on COIVD-19 of worsen the position of some already disadvantaged groups, and is designed to support sustainable recovery.

To gain the positive impacts suggested measures are noted including wider engagement with under represented groups in terms of employment, using the West Dunbartonshire Equality Forum, the Community Planning Partnership, and ensuring joined up working across relevant process such as the Community Empowerment Strategy.

292
(WDC)

Hybrid Council and committee meetings

The introduction of hybrid meetings could have a negative impact on those elected members who, due to underlying health conditions and those who have hearing impairments.  They may not be able to hear the full discussion in the chamber due to poor sound quality and/or their disability and therefore may feel that they are not able to participate as fully as those members in the chamber.

291
(WDC)

SHIP 2020 (Strategic Housing Investment Plan)

The development of new homes can help improve access to housing and in doing so seeks to address the impact of inequality and discrimination on persons regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion/belief age their social or economic status or whether they are transgender. 

In particular, our design standard and requirement for at least 10% of homes to be suitable for residents in wheelchair represents a particular opportunity to ensure that our homes will benefit our tenants and communities.

The annual update provides an opportunity to ensure that our ambitions reflect latest best practice and confirm that there will be an overall benefit to residents of West Dunbartonshire and the local economy.   The implementation of the SHIP supports the Council’s key strategic priorities, and we will carefully continue its impact.

289
(WDHSCP)

The re-opening building within Dalmuir Park to provide a service for Community Groups and Work Connect clients

Reopening services is an opportunity to ensure that services are as accessible and inclusive as possible, and better meet the need of community groups and clients.  Groups who should particularly benefit from re opening are Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Addictions and Autism.

By re-opening the building it will show great improvements in social interaction with regards to clients and community groups as well as enhancing mental and physical well being. It will benefit all clients to experience employment and training where possible which will then in turn provide opportunity to develop skills and chances of contributing to the local economy.

288
(WDC)

Updated West Dunbartonshire Empty Homes Strategy (EHS)2021-2024

The updated Empty Homes Strategy’s focus is to bring empty homes back in to use which will result in accommodation being available that would otherwise have remained empty without some form of intervention.  This could be of particular benefit to some protected groups, by helping maintain a range of properties, for example women and disabled people. 

The update also gives us an opportunity to ensure that our work is informed by best communication practice.  There will be an overall benefit to residents of West Dunbartonshire and the local economy.  The implementation of the Empty Homes Strategy will continue to support all of the Council’s key strategic priorities, and we will carefully monitor its impact.

286
(WDC)

Climate Change Strategy 2021

The Climate Change Strategy is intended to work towards positive engagement with all equality groups and the wider community, via partnerships, empowerment and engagement within and outside West Dunbartonshire.  The continued review of the CCS will allow us to improve the document with regards to green recovery and Equality Duty needs.  The assessment notes potential positive impacts for a range of groups and for Human Rights, especially in terms of increasing engagement, participation and empowerment.   

The strategy will encourage positive engagement with a full range of groups in West Dunbartonshire.   This supports our Equality Outcomes on increasing participation.

281
(WDC)

Community Budgeting Phase 5

The move to digital presents opportunities for some communities to present their projects in a way that is more comfortable for them, maintaining anonymity (should they choose) and confidentiality in voting for example, and not relying solely on face to face presentation skills.  This may be a particular advantage for some groups, who are less likely to have been involved in the past.

Through coproduction, networking and collaborative opportunities have been offered from community groups to support others learn new skills and develop their participation in CB5.  

The risks are out weighed by the positives of providing local communities the opportunity to both benefit from local funding and the chance to coproduce this process.  In addition empowering residents to vote as to how money is spent in their local area.

We will ensure that we follow the Council's updated 'Communicating Effectively' guidance to maximise accessibility and inclusion.

We will ensure that we follow the Council's updated 'Communicating Effectively' guidance to maximise accessibility and inclusion.

280
(WDC)

Model Complaints Handling Procedure

The changes provide an opportunity to ensure we reviewed accessibility and ensure we adopt the best practice possible, therefore impacts are likely positive in terms of equality and human rights, especially in terms of disability.

To support this, all staff involved in complaints will complete equality and human rights training, and Providing Accessible Services training and be aware of the Council’s Communicating Effectively guidance.  Complaints will be monitored by protected group to help assess impact.

279
(WDC)

Planning Enforcement Charter 2020

The proposal has been screened and is relevant in terms of equality and human rights.  Effective communications is highlighted as an area that is especially important, therefore following the Council's Communicating Effectively guidance will help ensure clear communications with disabled people and those for whom English is not a first language.

278
(WDC)

Academic Calendar for 2021-2022

Teachers are entitled to work for 195 days, 40 days leave, and 26 days unpaid leave during the academic year.  The start / end date of the academic year and the leave periods are agreed through consultation with Trade Unions and staff.  No equalities issues have been raised through the consultation process this year or in any of the previous years.

277
(WDC)

Revised Generic Head Teacher Job Profile

The requirement to hold the Standard for Headship is a legal requirement to ensure that suitably prepared and qualified teachers are appointed to head teacher posts.  The Scottish Government assessment of the impact of this requirement on all areas of protected characteristics is that it will have a relatively positive impact on offering opportunities for all.

274
(WDC)

Delay issuing of Council Tax Reminders due to impact of Covid-19

The proposal is design to alleviate financial pressure, on people negatively affected economically by COVID -19. 

The proposal will have the biggest positive impact and guard against negative impacts for the financially most vulnerable groups, among whom are disabled people, single parents the vast majority of whom are women and black minority ethnic groups, all these groups are more likely to be income deprived.

272
(WDC)

Restart of Active Schools Services

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts for school age children and for their physical / mental health and well-being.   The current restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced WDLT’s ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly for maintaining social distancing. However a meaningful service can still be delivered.

271
(WDHSCP)

Dumbarton day service reopen/ bubble supports

The service was closed due to covid-19 pandemic to ensure client safety.  This pilot will increase some opportunities for service users to reduce their anxiety and complete social isolation, contributing to positive health benefits, for disabled people and their families.  

Families are increasingly feeling the pressures of no respite from their caring role and this will support them to avoid crisis and potential family breakdowns.

Service re-open on a small scale will allow for testing how well the safety measures work. Reports on progress will be made to senior management team, care inspectorate in conjunction with following government guidelines.

269
(WDHSCP)

Community Connections- Reintroduction of Day Support Service

There should be positive impacts for disabled people especially, contributing to there health and human rights.   Through telephone discussion with Service users, carers and families and the easing of lockdown restrictions it is deemed appropriate and essential to reintroduce face to face support services at this time to reduce isolation, anxiety and allow for social interaction. Avoiding crisis and potential breakdown of home environment.  Building based support and group activities will be reintroduced when it is deemed safe to do so and in line with Scottish Government guidelines and Care inspectorate and Strategic agreement.

268
(WDLT)

Restart of Sports Development Services

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts in particular for younger people and for their physical / mental health and well-being.   The current restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced WDLT’s ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly for maintaining social distancing. However a meaningful service can still be delivered.   

267
(WDC)

Resumption of Waste Services, including collection and recycling centres

Restarting services will protect everyone in West Dunbartonshire, for more vulnerable groups for example older people and disabled people are especially this is especially important.  Restarting also supports the local economy and businesses.

266
(WDC)

Roads Service Return

Recommencing roads services is likely to produce a positive impact within West Dunbartonshire as road service can undertake routine maintenance and capital projects which will upgrade the local roads / footway networks and provide a winter maintenance service.   Restarting the service helps protect the mobility of some disabled people and supports the economy.   No negative impacts were noted.

To carryout these routine works and major projects roads have developed Risk Assessments, Safe Systems Of Works and Toolbox Talks which will enable to operate safety under NHS guidelines and Council guidelines.  

265
(WDC)

Communities Team Restarting Community Based Services

The Communities Team supports many community groups and organisations across West Dunbartonshire.  These groups membership is made up of people from equalities groups; most notably disabled people, older people and women. 

The Covid-19 pandemic meant that how support was delivered had to change - becoming more remote and virtual.  However, this support did continue.   As we restart community based services in adherence with Scottish Government guidelines (meeting out of doors, maintaining social distance) and offering virtual meeting space there are risks that some groups will not have the same level of access to our services as before.

The risks are out weighed by the positives of assisting communities to recover and to build on the spirit of cooperation so evident during the pandemic.   We will ensure that we follow the Council's updated 'Communicating Effectively' guidance to maximise accessibility and inclusion.

259
(WDHSCP)

Pavillion Cafe Reopening

It is imperative that the Pavillion Cafe returns to business as a matter of urgency.  Staff who are in the building preparing for re-opening are being questioned on hourly basis regarding re-opening and are struggling to make customers understand the reasoning behind its continued closure.  Staff are unable to work from home due to the nature of their role and are becoming increasingly concerned that service will not resume and this will impact on their future employment with WDC.  Initial financial projections estimated an approximate loss of £120K to date and it is imperative that some of this can be recouped before the end of the season.  Long term possible loss of customer base as people are opting to use alternative establishments.  Disabled access has been ceased due to café closure and there is potential for complaints around this.  When the service reopens to the public, this will be done bearing in mind the Council's 'Communicating Effectively' guidance.

258
(WDLT)

Leisure Centre Service Return

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts in particular for older people and children and for physical / mental health and well-being. The current restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced WDLT’s ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly for maintaining social distancing. However a meaningful service can still be delivered.   

257
(WDLT)

Community Facilities Service Return

(West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust)

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts in particular for older people and children and for physical / mental health and well-being. The current restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced WDLT’s ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly for maintaining social distancing. However a meaningful service can still be delivered.   

255
(WDLT)

Outdoor Recreation Service Return

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts in particular for older people and children and for physical health and well-being. The current restrictions introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced WDLT’s ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly for maintaining social distancing. However a meaningful service can still be delivered.   

249
(WDC)

Financial Support for Food banks

The policy will have a positive impact on several protected groups, those most vulnerable, most notably older people, disabled people and single parents most of whom are women.   The impact more widely will be to help alleviate issues caused by poverty.

245
(WDLT)

WDLT Furlough

Leisure centre closures and furlough of staff had no negative impact on protected characteristics and due to furlough employees were not left in financial detriment.

244
(WDC)

Direct Labour Organisation Furlough

No negative impact on any protected characteristics or social economic impact of furlough.

242
(WDC)

Resumption the registration of births in Dumbarton Registration Office following lockdown

The only negative impact on the resumption of the service is the increased risk of infection of covid-19 being spread.  A full risk assessment has been undertaken and a number of safety measures put in place to reduce the risk.

239
(WDC)

Remote Working Guidance

The assessment notes potential positive and negative impacts especially around sex, disability and health, and these need to be taken into account when planning, implementing and reviewing arrangements.

233
(WDC)

Greenspace Service Return

Recommencing the service is likely to produce positive impacts in for some disabled people and for health.  No negative impacts were indicated for these or other areas or groups.

The current restrictions introduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has reduced Greenspace's ability to provide the previous high level of service, mainly due to the numbers of staff shielding and the requirements for social distancing.   However by prioritising the areas identified in this assessment a meaningful service can be achieved.

231
(WDC)

WDC Town Centre Recovery Plan

The recovery plan is likely to have a potential positive impact on all of the community likely to use town centres including the elderly, school children, pregnant women, families with babies and young children, people with disabilities, all races and sexes. It is not considered that it will have any negative impacts.

There will be an ongoing assessment of the plan which will allow the situation to be kept under review.  It is hoped that outcomes from the recovery plan will bring renewed optimism to West Dunbartonshire's town centres and improve their health and vitality. Without intervention and change town centres will struggle to survive.

Preparing and implementing the recovery plan, with the support and involvement of all stakeholders including the various equality groups, will give them a chance to recover and hopefully grow into places where all people chose live, work, visit and invest in the future.

228
(WDC)

Resumption of stray dog service during C-19

Measures will be in place from the start to reduce mitigate risk to all affected individuals, and situation monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that risk are mitigated especially around the areas of sex, disability and health noted in the EIA.

227
(WDC)

Resumption of fly-tipping and public health nuisance service during C-19

Measures will be in place from the start to mitigate risk to all affected individuals, and situation monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that risk are mitigated especially around the areas of sex, disability and health noted in the EIA.

224
(WDC)

Closure of Offices/Schools C-19

Measures in place to address any detrimental impacts.  The situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis to check actual impacts, to inform practice.

223
(WDC)

Education Hubs C-19

Deep cleaning being carried out in schools, social distancing measures in place, those that are pregnant or extremely clinically vulnerable shielding.  Risks to individuals have been mitigated by the above measures.  The situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis to check actual impacts.

222
(WDC)

Roads & Neighbourhood adapting services in relation to C-19

Although certain protected characteristics will be affected disproportionately the use of shielding, PPE and social distancing will severely reduce risk in line with Scottish government health guidance.

219
(WDC)

Education Microsoft 365 Licences

The proposal is relevant to equality in relation to disability.  It is likely that the proposals may have some positive impacts in this area in terms of supporting the creation and checking of accessible documents.

218 (WDC)

Trade Union Learning Agreement

The policy aims to support fair access to learning.  There is potential for some specific positive impacts in terms of ethnicity, sex and disability, with identified actions to achieve this and monitoring to review progress.