Equality Impact Assessment - ICT Strategy

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Function being assessed:

ICT Strategy 2009 – 2012

Is this a new function or a review of an existing function?

New (Draft) Strategy

What are the aims/purpose of the function?

The ICT Strategy 2009 – 2012 sets where we are now, our vision for 2012 and how we are going to get there. The ICT unit will provide high quality, cost effective service to help improve the performance, effectiveness and efficiency of the Council and improve and extend access and customer service provision. This Strategy defines the strategic direction for Information Technology (ICT) in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan and Strategic Priorities. It will provide the necessary guidance for further developments to meet the specific requirements of the One Council Programme.   

Is the function designed to meet specific needs such as the needs of minority ethnic groups, older people, disabled people etc?

Race: The Strategy has a neutral impact on people of different ethnic backgrounds.

Disability (including physical/sensory, mental Health and learning difficulties):ICT supports inclusion, giving similar life changes to all, e.g. where users require specialist equipment, such as larger screen where there is a visual impairment, then that need would be supported.

Age: The strategy has a neutral impact on people of different ages.

Sexual Orientation: The strategy applies equally to all but is not expected to impact specifically on this group.

Religion and Belief: The strategy applies equally to all but is not expected to have a specific impact on a particular group in this regard.

What information has been gathered on this function? (Indicate the type of information gathered e.g. statistics, consultation, other monitoring information)? Attach a summary or refer to where the evidence can be found.

Age/Race (Young Living)

Disability We have undertaken independent reviews to measure how accessible our website is. See below for details. The report said the Council was doing well in meeting accessibility requirements. Those areas highlighted for improvement have now been addressed.

Does your analysis of the information show different outcomes for different groups (higher or lower uptake/failure to access/receive a poorer or inferior service)? If yes, indicate which groups and which aspects of the policy or function contribute to inequality?

Disability: The Survey on Disability will highlight what the problems were and what adjustments needed to be made to rectify these.  

When we implemented CRM, we worked with the Equality Standard Steering Group to develop a business case for the inclusion of key monitoring data on the Council CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) to ensure that we communicated with residents in a format that most appropriate to their needs.

Council Website

On the Council website, we pride ourselves on ensuring information is accessible for our customers. See http://www.kingston.gov.uk/index/accessibility.htm for details. We also proof read and check every public webpage priority to publication to ensure it meets accessibility standards. As well as accommodating the requirements of screen readers and similar technologies, we also have other facilities available such as larger text and links to free translation services.

Are these differences justified (e.g. are there legislative or other constraints)? If they are, explain in what way.

No

What action needs to be taken as a result of this Equality Impact Assessment to address any detrimental impacts or meet previously unidentified need? Include here any reasonable adjustments for access by disabled people. Include dates by which action will be taken. Attach an action plan if necessary.

• Increase monitoring of data and using that as a way of improving usage to ensure increased access from communities.
• There may be some language and cultural barriers to the use of the website. These should be explored through consultation with ethnic minorities.
• Monitor usage of the website by equality target groups – maybe through a website survey.
• Some groups (e.g. Gypsies and travelers, those from low income backgrounds) may have limited access to ICT this impact can be mitigated by working with the Libraries and Community Centres to promote facilities and making facilities more available.

Also information needs to be put in directly on CRM.

When will you evaluate the impact of action taken? Give review dates.

Yearly – 2010 (March)

Assessment completed by:

Robin Noble

ICT Group

26 February 2009