Equality Impact Assessment Form
Part 1 – Initial Screening
1. Officer(s) & Unit responsible for completing the assessment:
Corporate Services Division: Property Department - Richard Brunt; RA Wood.
Departmental Level Equality Impact Assessment:
This assessment has been developed to identify key issues that have the potential to impact on each of the equality strands at the departmental level. The
assessment highlights areas of activity within the Property Department in which there is a potential high risk of an adverse impact and is used to determine
whether a full assessment is required, or whether timely and proactive measures can be implemented to mitigate, manage or resolve the risk of an adverse
impact.
2. Name of the department, policy, strategy or project:
Corporate Services Division: Property Department – Property Strategy.
3. What is the main purpose or aims of the department, policy, strategy or project?
To provide a comprehensive range of property services including repairs and maintenance, adaptation, improvement, estate, asset and energy management to
enable efficient and effective operation of the 24 hour emergency service.
4. Who will be the beneficiaries of the department, policy/strategy/project?
Derbyshire Fire Authority (DFA), Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS), the populations of Derbyshire, its visitors, neighbouring Counties, County, City and
Borough Councils, other emergency services and voluntary organisations and partner agencies.
5. Has the department/policy/strategy/project been explained to those it might affect directly or indirectly?
The Property Department – Property Strategy has been explained to internal stakeholders via Strategic Leadership Team meetings, Corporate Asset
Management Group Meetings, Fire Authority Meetings, the Corporate Asset Management Plan and Capital Strategy, the Service intranet, Policy, Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP) and Business Plans.
Elements of the outturn from the Divisional Strategy relating to the Property Department have been explained and marketed via the media and via internal
channels, with partners and stakeholders. Specific reference has been made to Community Fire Stations which have been explained within the Corporate Plan,
the IRMP and through the media.
6. Have you consulted on this department/policy/strategy/project?
Consultation has taken place about the Corporate Services Divisional Strategy and the Property Department – Property Strategy with external stakeholders via
the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) consultation process and the Corporate Planning process which sets out the direction for the Service and how it
7.will
Please
the following
table and give
reasons/comments
where:
meetcomplete
the inherent
risks to Derbyshire
and its
National, Regionalfor
and
Local objectives. The Property Department – Property Strategy is tailored to meet
those needs and those objectives and as such is consulted internally with elected members and representatives from the interdependent divisions and
departments via SLT, Member working groups and Fire Authority Meetings.
All records from these meetings are held on the Service Internet and FireView.
(a) The department/policy/strategy/project: Corporate Services Division – Corporate Services Strategy – Property Department.
Equality Target
Group
(a) Positive Impact
High
Low
(b) Negative
Impact
High
Reason/Comment
Low
OVERVIEW
The Property Department provides services that interface with internal and external
stakeholders and as such has the potential to impact both positively and negatively. The
principle areas that impact on target groups have been discussed opposite the relevant
target group and will provide the focus for attention when the department develops
future projects. The department will be measured against the delivery of projects and
achievement of the objectives set out in this assessment.
It is recognised that the areas of potential or actual impact will require further
consultation and that where possible, relevant policy and procedures will be highlighted
for future consultation/review. Policies developed by the Property Department will take
into account the overarching divisional assessment and its specific departmental
assessment.
It is also recognised that where areas of greater knowledge are required to develop
suitable and sufficient EIA’s, that consultation that is targeted will serve to meet that
need.
To ensure that the Service benefits from any of the proposed consultation, clear terms
of reference and evaluation criteria will be drawn up to ensure that lessons learned can
be derived from and implemented as a result of the process.
This assessment is linked to the Corporate Services Divisional assessment and its
strategy which sets out the direction for the Division and how it will underpin the
Service holistically in ‘Making Derbyshire a Safer Place to Live Work and Visit’ and in
’Achieving Excellence’.
The assessment has highlighted the following real or potential areas for impact:
The development, adaptation and maintenance of Service premises and grounds should
account for the mixed gender workforce, commensurate with the user group’s specific
needs. This may vary within the defined use patterns of these premises which can be
categorised simply as:
Gender



Office use – normal office hours.

Office use – out of hours.

Training use – normal office hours.

Wholetime Fire Stations – 24/7 use.

Day Staffing Fire Stations – Mon – Fri 0800 – 1900, reverting to retained cover
outside of these hours and,

Retained cover at which attendance is governed by organisational need and
prompted by a pager call in conjunction with a 2 hour training period every
week on a locally agreed mid-week evening.
The areas of importance being facilities that provide ablutions, changing areas, rest
areas, locker security and waste disposal, all of which would have the potential to
impact on male, female and transgender employees.
Consideration to be given to achieving gender segregation via single, self contained
facilities that reduce the risk of exposure to and adverse impacts to users.
For new building work, early consultation at design or pre-design stages would mitigate
risks and potential remedial costs.
Implementation of a full assessment of provision against need will inform future
decision making concerning the design and provision within fire service premises.
A key objective arising from this assessment is one of consultation, feedback and
lessons learned that can be implemented to resolve existing impacts and prevent
future such impacts.
Procurement of goods and services via contractors, consultants and suppliers with a
record of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that possess exemplary ethical codes of
conduct.
Develop strategy, policies and procedures for procurement and develop an approved
list of contractors and suppliers using vetting procedures that account for CSR issues.

Ethnicity/Race

Undertake full assessment of procurement strategy, policy and procedures.
A key objective arising from this assessment is one of consultation, feedback and
lessons learned that can be implemented to resolve existing impacts and prevent future
such impacts.
Equality Target Group
(a) Positive
Impact
High
Negative
Impact
Low
High
Reason/Comment
Low
The property department has overall responsibility for compliance with legislative and
regulatory compliance of property stock including maintenance, adaptations and new
building. The requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 Part III:
Service Provision, place a duty on the Fire Authority to ensure that all buildings that are
classified as public buildings providing a service are fully accessible to all groups,
requiring reasonable adjustments to be made to existing buildings and new buildings
be constructed in accordance with Part M of the Building Regulations 2004.
Disability


Additionally, a requirement exists in the DDA 1995 Part II: Employment for employers
to make reasonable adjustments for people with a disability that enables them to
continue with or undertake new employment with an employer. This is evaluated on a
case by case basis.
Currently, there is no formal distinction between buildings that are classified as public
and those that are not. This situation currently leaves DFRS open to criticism. Despite
this, capital budgets have been set aside and to some extent expended to make
adjustments to prominent buildings that are enjoyed by the public on a regular basis.
Produce, manage and update a register of buildings that are public and that have
reasonable adjustments made.
The principal risk of impact arises with the type of building and its designated use.
Formal categorisation and management protocols will address risks in the short term
and enable longer term planning to address the physical alterations. This, in
conjunction with local management of annual community events at these premises will
serve to address accessibility issues through a generic EIA linked to site-specific
accessibility issues.
The attached table (Appendix 1) identifies the status of the building stock by premise in
terms of accessibility and makes recommendations for those which should be
designated as public and those which should not.
Due to limited information, this assessment identifies that segregation, sufficiency and
appropriateness of facilities for male, female and transgender employees and visitors is
an area in which due consideration is required..
Consideration to be given to achieving gender segregation via single, self contained
facilities that reduce the risk of exposure to and adverse impacts to users.
LGBT


For new building work, early consultation at design or pre-design stages would mitigate
risks and potential remedial costs.
A key objective arising from this assessment is one of consultation, feedback and
lessons learned that can be implemented to resolve existing impacts and prevent
future such impacts.
Age
Faith/Religious groups
(please specify)




Due to limited information, a key objective arising from this assessment is one of
consultation, feedback and lessons learned that can be implemented to resolve existing
impacts and prevent future such impacts.
Despite the nature and extent of use of Service buildings/premises by such a diverse
workforce, there are no formal provisions for employees to practice their particular
religious beliefs at work. Whilst this has not been raised formally, it is possible at a very
limited cost for a provision to be made that constitutes a ‘clean’, suitable room in
which there are no artefacts, literature, signage or other material that supports or
promotes a particular religious belief or faith. With appropriate signage, privacy and
limited furniture, such a room could be used for traditional study and by any individual
in pursuance of their belief or religion.
Due to the limited cost implications, the need for study space and the risk of changing
circumstances, this can be put into action.
Linking with the Community Safety Division for management rules and the HR Division
for appropriate policy and procedures, local management that precludes food from
being consumed in such rooms and within reasonable proximity, ablutions available for
users, all religious beliefs/worship could reasonably be practiced in such a room in
isolation.
A key objective arising from this assessment is one of consultation, feedback and
lessons learned that can be implemented to resolve existing impacts and prevent
future such impacts.
8. Please give a brief description of how this department/policy/strategy/project benefits the equality target groups identified in the above table, i.e. promotes
equality?
The Property Department – Property Strategy benefits target groups in the context of the design, development or adaptation of the building stock. With
appropriate evaluation of what has been undertaken and in-depth consultation with target groups, the opportunity exists to enhance this further utilising the
evaluation of consultation feedback to inform future action plans.
9. If there is a negative impact on any equality target group, is the impact intended or legal?
Negative impacts have not manifested to-date; however there is a recognised propensity for that to happen. As such, the recommendations of this assessment
(consultation) should be programmed and implemented within the Corporate Planning process as a priority. The impacts that have been recognised are not
intended and can be managed within the governing legal frameworks.
If the negative impact is not intended, discriminatory and/or high in impact, complete part 1 and move on to the full assessment.
10. What actions could be taken to amend the department/policy/strategy/project to minimise the low negative impact?
The main areas for action are consultation, evaluation, learning and remedy in conjunction with the development of management rules and Standard
Operating Procedures.
11. If there is no evidence that the department/policy/strategy/project promotes equality, equal opportunities or improves relations within equality target
groups, what amendments could be made to achieve this?
The process of consultation in conjunction with the promotion of best practice directly to target groups and in the general media will improve relations.
12. How will the department/policy, strategy or project be implemented including any necessary training?
The Corporate Services Divisional Strategy in relation to the Property Department will be implemented in accordance with the strategy model attached to this
assessment and it will be monitored via the performance management framework to ensure that EIA objectives are aligned to strategic objectives and that
Service EIA Issues
Gender
Segregation
Responsible
Division
Corporate
Services
Responsible
Departments
Property
Approved List of
Contractors
Corporate
Services
Corporate
Services
Service Plan Links
Timetable
Undertake full
impact
assessment
concerning gender
segregation to
inform future
design and
adaptations.
Assist
Procurement
Department with
strategy, policy
and procedures.
March 2010
Procurement
Undertake full
impact
assessment
December 2010
Procurement
Develop
guidelines for an
approved list of
contractors.
April 2010
Undertake full
impact
assessment
concerning CSR
issues.
December 2010
Develop approved
list of contractors
December 2010
Community Safety
Division
Procurement
Action
Procurement
Property
Property
September 2010
Consultation
Disability Access
Corporate
Services
Property
Faith/Religious
Beliefs
Corporate
Services
Property
Develop, manage
and update
register of public
buildings
Develop template
scheme for
faith/religious
belief/quiet study
room. Implement
in new buildings.
December 2010
Review existing
building stock and
implement
retrospectively.
2012
October 2010
Seek guidance
concerning
faith/religious
beliefs and
suitability of
proposals.
Ad hoc public
use and
Community
Events.
CSD
Consultation
Corporate
Services
Property
Undertake a full
impact
assessment of use
of premises for ad
hoc events to
ensure that
reasonable
temporary
adjustments are
provided.
Establish
procedures to
ensure that
Property engage
in mixed gender
consultation for all
new projects.
December 2010
Full Assessment necessary:
Yes  (In parts where necessary as outlined in action plan)
Date Completed: March 2009
Signed by Line Manager: R Wood Property Manager
Signed by: Area Manager HR: Judi Beresford
Approved by SMT
Please return a hard copy and electronic copy to the Race & Diversity Unit once completed.
The original signed hard copy & the electronic copy should be kept within your unit for audit purposes.
Appendix 1. DFRS PROPERTY ACCESS
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
New Area Office and station
recently completed. New
building is DDA compliant
None
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
Office Accommodation
East Area Office, Ilkeston
South Area Office, Ascot Drive
North Area Office, Chesterfield
West Area Office, Buxton
Alfreton Fire Safety Centre
Swanwick Court – SDD Offices
None
Station to be demolished and
redeveloped in 2009-2010.
New station to be DDA
compliant
Y
None
New Area Office and station
currently under construction
and due for completion
summer 2009. Will be fully
DDA compliant
Y
None
New Area Office and station to
be redeveloped in 2009-2010.
New building will be DDA
compliant
Y
None
None
Y
None
None
Ground floor is partially
DDA compliant with
ramped access to main
entrance, appropriate
parking bays and
accessible W.C. facility
Leased first floor office
accommodation has no
lift access or
accessible W.C.
Y
Y
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Corporate Services – Ripley
Disabled parking bay
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
Access ramp to main entrance
Y
Old Hall
Disabled parking bays and
ramped access to main
reception. Induction loop,
high visibility stair nosings
None
Y
Command & Control
Level access
None
Y
Restaurant
Ramped access and main
entrance auto opening
doors, accessible W.C.
None
Y
Hostel
Level access to ground floor
None
Y
Property
The Lodge
Training Centre
Workshops
Occupational Health
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
None
None
Level access to main
entrance. Auto opening
doors. Accessible W.C.
Connecting access ramp to
Restaurant, Command and
Control and Old Hall
None
Access ramp to main
entrance. Auto opening
door. Disabled parking bay
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
Y
Y
None
None
N
None
Y
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Comments
Public Building
Disabled parking bay. Access
ramp to main entrance.
Disabled W.C.
None
Y
None
Station to be demolished and
redeveloped 2009-2010. New
building to be DDA compliant
N
None
New station to be constructed
2009-2010. New building to
be DDA compliant
N
Y/N
Wholetime Station
Alfreton
Ascot Drive
Buxton
Chesterfield
Ilkeston
Kingsway
None
New station building recently
completed and fully DDA
compliant
None
New station under
construction. Due for
completion summer 2009. To
be DDA compliant.
N
None
Y
None
N
Property
Long Eaton
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
None
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Parking bays. Level access to
main entrance. Disabled W.C.
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
N
Nottingham Road
New station recently
completed and fully DDA
compliant
Y
Staveley
New station recently
completed and DDA compliant
Y
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
Retained Stations
Disabled parking bay and level
access to main entrance
Ashbourne
None
N
Bakewell
None
“
N
Belper
None
“
N
Bolsover
None
“
N
Bradwell
None
“
N
Chapel en le Frith
None
“
N
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Clay Cross
None
“
N
Clowne
None
“
N
Crich
None
“
N
Disabled parking bay and level
access to main entrance None
N
Dronfield
Duffield
Modern station with level
access and disabled W.C.
Modern station with level
access and disabled W.C.
Disabled parking bay and level
access to main entrance
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
N
None
Hathersage
None
None
N
Heanor
None
None
N
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Comments
Public Building
Melbourne
None
None
N
New Mills
None
None
N
Ripley
None
None
N
Shirebrook
None
None
N
Whaley Bridge
None
None
N
Y/N
Property
Wirksworth
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
None
None
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
N
Property
Brief Description of DDA
Alterations carried out
Programmed DDA
Alterations
Comments
Public Building
Y/N
Day Staffing Stations
Disabled parking bay and level
access to main entrance
N
Matlock
None
Glossop
None
“
N
Swadlincote
None
“
N