Equality Impact Assessment - Commissioning Strategy for People with a Learning Disability

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Function being assessed:

Commissioning Strategy for People with a Learning Disability

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

Review of an existing function

What are the aims/purpose of the function?

To set out the Royal Borough of Kingston’s Commissioning plans for people with a learning disability over the next 5 years. It will describe current services available in the Borough and identify future needs.

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

Yes, people with a learning disability aged 19+ and their carers.

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

The Commissioning Strategy uses local and national population data, performance indicators and other statistical information to describe the current use of support and services. It includes an analysis of needs to aid future planning.

There is significant evidence from Government (e.g. Valuing People, Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People, Putting People First) and the voluntary and independent sectors (e.g. Mencap, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities) to suggest that people with learning disabilities are an underrepresented group in our society and almost all experience prejudice, bullying, insensitive treatment and discrimination at some time in their lives.

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?

It is widely acknowledged that people with learning disabilities as a group are significantly underrepresented in the communities they live in. This issue needs to be addressed in itself as well as in terms of the groups within it.  

Population data suggests that there are a number of people with learning disabilities who are not accessing any services or support from the Council. Work needs to promote access to services and ensure that information is provided in accessible formats.

Gender – There is a higher incidence of learning disability in the male population. The profile in Kingston is in line with national trend. There is no evidence to suggest that there is a difference in take up because of gender.

Age – The Commissioning Strategy is concerned with adults with a learning disability, aged 19+ as this is when the service becomes financially responsible for them. The strategy addresses the need to work closely with children’s services, to identify the needs of the young people who may be needing our services in the future.  It also indicates the need to identify the support and services that an increasingly aging population will require.

Ethnicity – 10.3% of the 387 people with learning disabilities receiving services are recorded as being from a minority ethnic background. This suggests that people from a minority ethnic background are slightly underrepresented in services compared to 14% in the overall population (18+) of the Borough. This is addressed in the action plan attached to the commissioning strategy.

Sexual Orientation – It is not possible to conclude whether or not sexual orientation negatively impacts on access to services. Data is not currently collected about sexual orientation within this group. There is a Sexuality and Relationships Policy for People with Learning Disabilities for staff and accessible information about sex and relationships for people with learning disabilities themselves.

It is widely acknowledged that the notion that people with learning disabilities are sexual beings is either denied or feared. It is important that people with learning disabilities know about their rights around sex and relationships and that all staff know how to support them appropriately.  

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

There are no legislative constraints.

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.

The Commissioning Strategy contains an action plan detailing the Borough’s commissioning intentions for the next 5 years. See attached.

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

The Learning Disability partnership Board will review the strategy annually.

Assessment completed by:

Bethan Clarke

Learning Disability

13 May 2008