Equality Impact Assessment - Cultural Strategy

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

The council has drafted a revised cultural strategy to cover the years 2008-2012. This replaces the previous strategy.

What are the aims/purpose of the function?

To improve the quality of life for all local residents by increasing opportunities to participate in cultural activity

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

Yes. While activities are universally available, it is recognised that access to these activities is influenced by a number of factors. Equality and diversity issues may act as barriers to participation and the Cultural Strategy seeks to identify priority groups through monitoring and analysis

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.

A comprehensive consultation exercise was carried out prior to the publication of a cultural strategy. This included  focus groups, consultation with representative organisations, publication on the website and consultations with young people.

The evidence was published with the committee report which accompanied the Strategy when it was approved by the Executive Committee. This included a specific questionnaire for young people.

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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?

Information on participation levels in sport provided evidence of low take up from women/ girls and people with disabilities. Further work is required to drill down into the specific priority groups in these categories (eg is participation less amongst girls from particular BME communities, what barriers are there for people with different additional needs – eg learning or physical disabilities

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

There is no justification for participation levels to be lower amongst priority groups. The Strategy aims to ensure that barriers to access are removed and that cultural activities are promoted to groups which are currently underrepresented.

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.

Monitoring of activities with particularly reference to identifying lower participating groups within priority groups. For example identifying and responding to differing levels of participation within BME  groups and between people with learning or physical disabilities and other additional needs.

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

The impact and outcomes arising from the Cultural Strategy will be reviewed quarterly by the Cultural Network, which reports through to the Sustainable Communities Group of the local Strategic Partnership.

Assessment completed by:

Name: Scott Herbertson

Service: Cultural Services and Lifelong Learning

Date: 15 05 2008