Equality monitoring is the process of gathering equality information in relation to customers or staff to identify possible barriers and identify areas for improvement that would ensure equality of access both in terms of service delivery and employment opportunities. Equality monitoring should include gathering data in relation to race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion or belief and age. In addition, monitoring may also include gathering data, for example, about your relationship status, your residency status, whether you are a carer or if you are a single parent.
It is becoming increasingly important for us to monitor who our customers are, and to find out why certain people are not using services. By collecting monitoring information we will be able to provide evidence that we are reaching the people that need particular services and identify when they are not. This will enable us set realistic targets on how we are going to tackle under-representation of diverse communities.
Equality does not mean providing the same service for all customers or treating them all in the same way. It is about adapting the service, when and where appropriate or possible, to meet the needs of diverse communities.
All equality monitoring information is classed as personal data under the Data Protection Act and as so will be treated confidentially.
Equality monitoring questions are not mandatory and will not make any difference to the service you receive. However, by answering the questions you will help us to ensure that our services are fair and accessible to all.
The attached guidance has been produced to help our staff understand the principals of equality monitoring.