Equality Impact Assessment
1. Name, rank and job title of Equality Impact Assessor:
Mr D. Singh, Equality Scheme Coordinator, NP&P, HQ South
2. Clearly state the rationale of the function under consideration.
The non-statutory function is: Strategic (Force) Independent Advisory Group (SIAG)
Policy.
1.0
Rationale
1.1
Thames Valley Police is committed to providing a policing service that
recognises and meets the needs of all communities within the Thames
Valley.
1.2
The Force is able to provide a more effective and responsive service by
capturing the views of individuals, organisations and communities at both
tactical and strategic level. Independent advice is especially valuable in
relation to critical incidents, major incidents and in developing policies and
procedures.
1.3
The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry recommended the involvement of local
people in policing. One of the responses to that recommendation was the
establishment of Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs).
1.4
IAGs have been acknowledged as good practice by her Majesty’s Inspector
of Constabulary (HMIC) in their report ‘Policing London-Winning Consent’
and ‘Winning the Race’. ACPO guidelines recognise that IAGs have the
potential to help to prevent events developing into critical incidents.
1.5
TVP will establish IAGs both strategically, at Force level, and on each Local
Police Area (LPA).
1.6
The ACC Neighbourhood Policing & Partnerships is responsible for the
establishment and maintenance of the Force-level Strategic IAG, and for any
other Force-level IAGs that may be arranged. LPA Commanders are
responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the LPA IAG on their
area.
3. State the intention of the function.
2.0
Intention & Aim
2.1
This policy provides guidance on the setting up, administration and
maintenance of IAGs, at both Force and LPA level, and clarifies the remit
and role of Independent Critical Incident Advisors as set out in the ACPO
guidelines (March 2011). Local arrangements for LPA IAGs are likely to vary,
reflecting differences between LPAs.
2.2
The aim of an IAG is to maximise the trust and confidence of the diverse
community of Thames Valley, or locally across an LPA in the TVP area through the extension of communication, and capturing and acknowledging
the range views on policing issues within the community.
4. The purpose of this Equality Impact Assessment:
To have due regard to the requirements of s.149 Equality Act 2010:
(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct
that is prohibited by or under this Act;
(b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant
protected characteristic and those who do not share it;
(c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant characteristic
and persons who do not share it.
5. Assess the likely impact of the function on the basis of quantitative
and (or) qualitative evidence on the following protected
characteristics.
Age
It is usual to have members of an IAG in the 30+ age range; it is unusual for there
to be a member of such a group who is a teenager, for example. There may be a
range of factors that inhibit (not prohibit) such engagement.
Disability
The Force has facilities electronic (loop induction), structural (wheel chair access)
and human resources (sign language) to address a range of disabilities.
However, in the present context of diminishing budgets (throughout the entire public
sector) the Force will need to decide, on the merits of each individual case, whether
a facility, such as paying for a sign language interpreter, is justifiable
Gender Reassignment
No negative impact.
Marriage and Civil Partnership
No negative impact.
Pregnancy and Maternity
No negative impact.
Race
No negative impact.
Religion or Belief
No negative impact.
Sex (formerly gender)
No negative impact.
Sexual orientation
No negative impact.
6. Equality Impact Assessor’s rationale and conclusions under the
public sector equality duty: s.149 Equality Act 2010
The Strategic (Force) Independent Advisory Group (‘the SIAG’) function is a nonstatutory function. The meetings are not open to the general public.
Meetings of the SIAG are private meetings between the Force and independent
(non-contractual) advisors.
It is arguable that the principal aim of the SIAG is in the interest of the Force:
‘[T]o provide a more effective and responsive service by capturing the views of
individuals, organisations and communities at both tactical and strategic level.
Independent advice is especially valuable in relation to critical incidents, major
incidents and in developing policies and procedures.’
(See 1.0 Rationale, para. 1.2)
A further aim, running in parallel to the principal and equally important, is the task of
the advisors to:
‘[I]dentifying community issues to inform operational Police Commanders’ decision
making’ so that the police are ‘more likely to secure/retain the consent and
confidence of the community.’
(See 3.0 General Principles, para. 3.2).
In other words, it is in the police’s interest, in the context of the SIAG and its
functions, to fulfil the Public Sector Equality Duty listed under s.149 Equality Act
2010 – by bringing together a diverse body of experience, opinion and knowledge to
inform police-decision-making processes.
7. Set out the arrangements for reviewing and (or) monitoring of the
function.
5.0
Monitoring and Review
A full review will be carried out not more than 24 months after adoption of
this document by the Head of Equality & Diversity Unit who will consider:
Changes in legislation
Court rulings – Domestic, European and Human rights
Examples of good practice from other forces or other organisations
Changes in Home Office circulars
Developments with ACPO Policy Unit
Representations made by individuals and relevant organisations
Relevant Equality Legislation
8. Equality Impact Assessor’s name and position:
Mr D. Singh, Equality Scheme Coordinator, Diversity Unit, NP&P, HQ South.
Date completed: 19 November 2013
9.
ACPO function owner’s signature
Date:
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Date
Author
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This template was created on 24 May 2011 by the Equality Schemes Coordinator, Diversity Unit, Headquarters South,
Thames Valley Police©