The Inclusion Unit’s workshops significantly improved Terrence Higgins Trust’s approach to equality impact assessments, fostering deeper engagement, understanding, and a shift towards more inclusive and effective decision-making processes.

Background

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), a leading UK HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and sexual health charity, reached out to NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s Inclusion Unit for expertise in enhancing its Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Our mission was to foster a culture of inclusive decision-making within THT.

Action

Commissioned by THT, our team conducted interactive workshops to delve into the current EIA practices and explore areas for improvement. These workshops, tailored to service leads and directors, focused on:

• Understanding key equality legislation
• Principles of inclusive decision making
• Developing a robust EIA system
• Crafting thorough and meaningful EIAs

Impact

The workshops led to notable advancements in THT’s EIA process:

• Enhanced engagement: We observed a shift in perspective towards EIAs, with teams actively engaging rather than viewing it as a mere procedural task.
• Deeper understanding: There was a marked increase in the comprehension of EIA’s importance, particularly in aligning them with THT’s operational systems.
• Positive reception: Feedback highlighted the workshops’ vibrancy and the practical, actionable insights provided by our trainers.
• Impartial perspective: Bringing an external viewpoint was seen as beneficial for an unbiased assessment of the EIA process.

Future steps

THT is now moving towards integrating a more robust EIA corporate methodology. The Inclusion Unit will assist in this transition by evaluating the current position and recommending tailored actions. This comprehensive approach will encompass system and process enhancements, governance restructuring, documentation overhaul, and mentorship programs for EIA leads.

Feedback

“The Inclusion Unit listened to our requirements, fully researched our organisation to understand our values which certainly helped how the training was pitched. Feedback from colleagues across the organisation has been positive, with attendees feeling they gained confidence in EIAs through the training.”

Glenda Bonde | Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | Terrence Higgins Trust