EIA screening Pages

Answer the screening questions below in the order presented and follow the guidance provided after each question. The screening process supports proportionate, evidence-based decision-making and helps determine the appropriate level of Equality Impact Assessment (EIA).

Things to consider

When answering these questions, you must consider the protected characteristics defined under the Equality Act 2010: 

  • Age 
  • Disability 
  • Gender reassignment 
  • Marriage and civil partnership 
  • Pregnancy and maternity 
  • Race 
  • Religion or belief 
  • Sex 
  • Sexual orientation 

In addition, the University expects consideration of agreed marginalised groups, where relevant, such as (but not limited to): 

  • Carers 
  • Part-time workers 
  • Staff in Grades 1–5 
  • Early Career Researchers 

 

You should also consider intersectionality, recognising that individuals may experience overlapping impacts across multiple characteristics or circumstances. 

Screening questions

Does this new or revised policy, practice, service or function have the potential to impact staff, students, service users or other stakeholders?

If NO, a formal Equality Impact Assessment is not required. 

You must record the rationale for this decision and keep it under review. 

If YES or UNSURE, please continue to Question 2. 

Is it possible that different groups of people could be affected differently by the policy or function?

If NO, a formal Equality Impact Assessment may be required.

You must record the rationale for this decision and monitor impact during implementation. 

If YES or POSSIBLE, equality considerations must be made to ensure compliance with Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).

Continue to question 3. 

Will the policy or function impact a large number of staff, students or service users in a significant or material way?

If YES, a full Equality Impact Assessment is required.

If NO, continue to question 4. 

Could the policy or function have a substantial, targeted or disproportionate impact on people from one or more protected characteristic groups or marginalised groups?

If YES, a proportionate or full Equality Impact Assessment is required, depending on the level of risk and impact identified. 

If NO, a formal Equality Impact Assessment may not be required; however, informal equality considerations must still be undertaken and recorded. 

This should include: 

  • Considering whether the policy or function may have minor or indirect impacts on specific groups and whether mitigation or reasonable adjustments are appropriate. 
  • Considering whether the policy or function presents opportunities to advance equality of opportunity, promote inclusion, or foster good relations between different groups. 
  • Reflecting on any potential implications for lawful freedom of speech or academic freedom, and how these have been considered and balanced alongside equality duties. 
  •  You must keep a written record of the considerations, decisions and any adaptations made, and ensure the policy or function is monitored and reviewed as it is implemented or as circumstances change. 

Key principle:

An Equality Impact Assessment is not a one-off or tick-box exercise. Where a decision is taken that a full EIA is not required, the rationale must be documented, and the impact should continue to be reviewed in line with policy review cycles and emerging evidence.