Below you’ll find guidance on how to use Warwick's values to support completion of an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA). By embedding these values into EIAs, we ensure that our policies, decisions, and actions not only meet legal requirements but also align with our vision for a better world.
We’re ready to lead, go first, and bring the impetus for change. We have the ambition to break new ground and the rigor and commitment to deliver.
How to apply going forward and further in the EIA process:
Striving for better: When assessing potential equality impacts, push for improvements in how policies or initiatives impact all groups, particularly those that are disadvantaged or underrepresented. Don’t settle for 'good enough'; seek to achieve the best outcomes.
Confidently taking the initiative: Identify areas where changes to policy, practice, or services could lead to more equitable outcomes, even if this involves challenging current practices or assumptions.
Supporting each other to create positive change: Foster a collaborative approach during the assessment, where all stakeholders can openly share concerns about equality impacts and work together to find solutions.
Making a plan and making it happen: Ensure that your EIA results in concrete actions. If potential inequalities are identified, identify changes or mitigates to address them.
Learning from mistakes and moving on: Use past EIAs or equality-related issues as learning points. If previous policies resulted in unintended consequences for certain groups, take that into account and ensure that lessons are applied in the current assessment.
We’re not afraid to do new things or do things differently. We use our imagination and creativity to make positive change and we go beyond the status quo.
How to apply thinking freely in the EIA process:
Nurturing new ideas and backing people when they have them: Encourage stakeholders in the work to suggest creative or unconventional ways to mitigate negative equality impacts. Be open to new approaches that might better address the needs of diverse groups of people.
Going beyond the status quo: Challenge assumptions that may limit equality or maintain inequality. Don’t simply accept things as they are; instead, look for ways to improve and innovate in order to enhance fairness.
Making time for imagination and creativity: When working on an EIA, allow time to brainstorm innovative solutions for addressing potential inequalities. Don’t rush through the process — use creativity to identify impacts that others might overlook.
Thinking long-term and seeing the bigger picture: Consider the long-term effects of policies on different groups, especially disadvantaged or underrepresented communities.
Taking responsibility for what we say and do: Ensure that any identified inequalities or risks are acknowledged and addressed. Take responsibility for ensuring that the EIA is more than just a formality — it should lead to meaningful, accountable action.
Our ingenuity, energy, and resilience come from our diverse community. We actively seek out different perspectives to stimulate ideas and empathy. We’re always ready to respond and adapt.
How to apply thriving on difference in the EIA process:
Looking for different perspectives to solve problems and find solutions: Actively seek input from diverse groups of people when conducting your EIA. This includes consulting stakeholders who may be directly impacted by policies or changes.
Disagreeing in a respectful way: If there are differing opinions about the potential impacts of a policy, ensure that these disagreements are discussed respectfully, with the focus on finding the best solutions for all.
Thinking about things from other people’s point of view: Throughout the EIA process, put yourself in the shoes of different groups, especially those who are disadvantaged or underrepresented. Consider their specific needs, challenges, and potential barriers.
Showing kindness to others: Approach the EIA with empathy, recognizing that it’s not just about compliance but about improving people’s lives. Engage with those affected by potential changes in a way that is supportive and compassionate.
Valuing diversity of all kinds across our community: Use the EIA process as a way to celebrate and promote diversity. Ensure that policies, practices, services, and projects actively support a diverse and inclusive community by removing barriers and promoting equal opportunities.
We build partnerships and break down barriers inside and outside the university. We lead with compassion and strive to find the common ground that unites us.
How to apply creating connections in the EIA process:
Working together to make good things happen: Use the EIA process to strengthen connections between different departments, stakeholders, and communities. Collaboration can lead to better understanding and more inclusive solutions.
Challenging things that stop us working together or with others: Identify and challenge any structural or cultural barriers that may prevent effective collaboration or contribute to inequality within the institution.
Listening, learning, and building strong relationships: Engage deeply with the groups affected by your policies or initiatives. Listen to their feedback and use it to inform your assessment and decision-making.
Looking for ideas and inspiration in the world outside: Draw on best practices from outside the University to inform your EIA. Consider how other institutions or sectors have tackled similar equality issues and adapt these ideas to your context.
Communicating clearly without jargon: When discussing potential equality impacts or solutions, use clear, accessible language so that everyone understands the issues and proposed actions. This is especially important when engaging with external stakeholders or diverse communities of people.
Making a better world depends on all of us playing a part. We empower others inside and outside the university to create positive change.
How to apply sharing opportunities in the EIA process:
Inspiring, supporting, and giving people space: Ensure that the EIA process empowers disadvantaged or underrepresented groups to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed. Create space for their contributions and support their engagement.
Doing what we can to help others thrive: When assessing impacts, think about how the policy or initiative can help all groups — not just the majority — to thrive. Ensure that opportunities are shared equitably.
Recognising and celebrating success: Celebrate aspects of the work being assessed which promote equality and diversity as part of your EIA. Recognise successes and use them as a foundation to build further positive change.
Being generous with our knowledge and time: Share insights from the EIA process with others across the University. Encourage knowledge-sharing on best practices for equality and inclusion, and offer support to other teams working on their assessments.
Being proud of what we do and how we do it: Take pride in using the EIA process as a tool to advance equality and inclusion within the institution. Be transparent about how values have shaped your decisions and actions.
