Equality Impact Assessment
Title of service or policy
Wellbeing College Pilot Project (Bath & NE Somerset) Commissioning
Name of directorate and service
B&NES Council and B&NES CCG Commissioning
Name and role of officers completing the EIA
Basil Wild
Contract and Commissioning
Andrea Morland
Associate Director Mental Health
Members of Health & Wellbeing Forum (Service Users, Carers,
Providers & Commissioners)
Date of assessment
17/01/2014
An Equality Impact Assessment is a process of systematically analysing a new or existing policy or service to identify what impact or likely
impact it will have on different groups within the community. The primary concern is to identify any discriminatory or negative consequences
for a particular group or sector of the community. Equality impact Assessments (EIAs) can be carried out in relation to service delivery as
well as employment policies and strategies.
This toolkit has been developed to use as a framework when conducting an Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) on a policy, service or
function.
1.
1.1
Identify the aims of the policy or service and how it is implemented.
Key questions
Answers / Notes
Briefly describe purpose of the
service/policy including
 How the service/policy
is delivered and by
whom
 If responsibility for its
implementation is
shared with other
departments or
organisations
 Intended outcomes
Commissioning of a Wellbeing College Pilot Project (Bath & NE Somerset)
Bath and North East Somerset Joint Mental Health Commissioning Strategy 2008-2012 states our
commitment to the development of mental health services in the community. As a joint NHS and Local
Authority commissioning partnership we are also committed to ensuring that all mental health care
pathways and services work in integrated ways to maximise people’s wellbeing, independence and
inclusion in their communities. The College will aim to meet nationally recognised outcomes, i.e. Adult
Social Care outcomes Framework domains 1,2 and 4; NHS Outcomes Framework domain 2; Public
Health Outcomes Framework around Health Improvement; and Guidance for Commissioning Public
Mental Health Services objectives 1, 3 and 6.
The key aim of the Wellbeing College is to coordinate the establishment and delivery of a “Wellbeing
College” Pilot Project, using existing service and community resources from a wide range of health,
social care and community organisations. It will test out a new model of service delivery and its value
and effectiveness in providing courses which improve health, mental health, social and wellbeing
outcomes for people (including carers) in Bath and North East Somerset. It will ensure these selfmanagement and early intervention courses delivered by participating organisations are of high
quality, and are successful in meeting needs under a college i.e. educative umbrella. It will also
develop and support peer support and peer tutor elements in the delivery of these courses.
The Wellbeing College Pilot Project is being put out to tender as a 2 year commission, and the
indicative expenditure across B&NES for the period 2014/16 is estimated at £280,000 plus estimated
costs for an independent evaluation of £20,000. It is jointly funded by B&NES CCG, B&NES Council
(Public Health and Adult Care).
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
1.2
Provide brief details of the
scope of the policy or service
being reviewed, for example:
 Is it a new
service/policy or review
of an existing one?
 Is it a national
requirement?).
 How much room for
review is there?
This new service was developed on a co-production basis by members of the Health & Wellbeing
Forum and the subsequent Wellbeing College Working Group. Members included local providers,
service users and commissioners.
An organisation to deliver an independent evaluation of the work and effectiveness of the College is
currently being commissioned. One of the key aims of the Wellbeing College Pilot Project will be to
develop, alongside this independent evaluation organisation and commissioners, a comprehensive
evaluation framework to measure:
- the impact of this course based, educative model in delivering individual and community
health, social care / value and wellbeing outcomes
- whether we can increase (to transformative levels) the numbers of local citizens engaged in
improving their health and wellbeing and increasing their inclusion and contribution to
community life
- the actual and potential value for money impact of the model across the community
- the experience of local citizens, participants and stakeholders in relation to the pilot
From this whole system testing and engagement evidence base, a report will be produced that
enables commissioners to assess the impacts of the pilot and the possibilities for the long term
sustainability of the model / approach. This in turn will inform whether a business case, options paper
and draft specification is developed to go ahead to full tender in 2016.
1.3
Do the aims of this policy link
to or conflict with any other
policies of the Council/NHS
B&NES?
NO.
2. Consideration of available data, research and information
The Wellbeing College Pilot Project specification states that a principal aim of the College is to Improve access to support through
an educative model that will enable an increased number of people within the community to have easier, less stigmatized and more
equitable access to a wide range of quality assured social, leisure, sport, health, work, training and volunteering courses which
support them to:
- develop their confidence and ability to manage their conditions
- maximise their wellbeing
- enable them to live independently with personally meaningful lives.
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
A purpose of the Pilot is to ascertain whether, by delivering services through a different “channel” – education in its broadest sense – we can
locate mental health, physical health, social inclusion and wellbeing within a non-stigmatising, empowering and wellbeing orientated context in
such a way that participants do not feel "I am just a mental patient / diabetic / asthmatic /too old " but rather "I have problems just like everyone
else, and can learn from, and with, others how to stay well and improve my wellbeing".
Commissioners aim for the pilot to:
- open up access to mental wellbeing courses for the general population
- open up physical wellbeing courses to people with mental health problems
- increase people’s choices of the type of support and information they receive
- enable people to engage with a wide group of individuals
- empower people to then tailor and deliver activities that meet their needs
- address equalities and awareness issues affecting access to and participation in community activities and services
One of the outcomes that will be measured is that difficulties service users experience in accessing socially engaged activities are identified,
and that service users are supported through this.
Equality objectives will be embedded and implemented using both internal monitoring, and the independent evaluation which will work across
organisations delivering courses, and which represent diverse communities. We will know we are achieving equality and human rights
objectives when:
• the proportion of people using Wellbeing College Courses is in line with both prevalence and the community profile;
• a diverse group of people choose to access Wellbeing College courses to improve their health and wellbeing;
and the take-up and successful participation in courses is unaffected by age, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marriage
and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or gender reassignment.
Key questions
Data, research and information that you can refer to
2.1
What is the equalities profile of the team delivering the
service/policy?
2.2
What equalities training have staff received?
2.3
What is the equalities profile of people using the
service?
This is not information we currently request from the service but from the
whole organisation. Commissioners will request a breakdown through
the new commission once the service has started and review on an
annual basis.
Details on compliance with mandatory training is requested through the
organisation not service specific. Commissioners will request a
breakdown through the new commission once the service has started
and review on an annual basis
The service has not yet been commissioned, but the courses will be delivered
and designed to meet the health and wellbeing needs of all adults resident
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
within B&NES.
Key information about the local population is as below:
Population at a glance
Census 2011 showed resident population to be 179,900 whilst the registered
population is almost 20,000 higher.
• Working age population is approximately 50% of B&NES
• 20% of population is over 65, this proportion is increasing with time.
 Population structure is similar to England but much larger % of 20-24 yr
olds.
 The Office of National Statistics (ONS) projects that the population of
B&NES will increase to 198,800, by 2026. This increase is expected to be
mainly in the older age groups; in particular the 80+ population is
projected to increase by 40% from 9,900 in 2010 to 13,900 in 2026.
Gender
 The gender profile remains largely consistent compared to previous
years, with a 49%/51% male/female split.
Age:
 The age profile is also largely consistent with the UK as a whole, except
for the 20-24 age range which is higher than average and represents the
significant student population in the area.
 The population increase – as above - is expected to be mainly in the
older age groups; in particular the 80+ population is projected to increase
by 40% from 9,900 in 2010 to 13,900 in 2026
Ethnicity
 Bath and North East Somerset is less ethnically diverse than the UK as a
whole but more so than the South West.
 88% of residents are likely to define their ethnicity as White British.
 ‘White other’ (3.66%) is the most significant non-white British ethnicity by
volume which is likely to include EU Accession state residents
 followed by “Asian Indian” (1.97%),
 “Other ethnic background” (0.96%) and
 “Black African” (0.9%)
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
Disability
 Consistent with the regional trend, from 2002-2008, the percentage
increase in DLA claimants in Bath and North East Somerset (34%) was
considerably higher than the national average (23.4%). .
 15.8% of the Bath and North East Somerset population of 183,000 have a
long-term illness, health problem or disability which limited their daily
activities and the work they did. (2001 Census)
 An estimated 7% of population (8603) aged 18-64 has a moderate
physical disability and 2% (2507) have a serious physical disability. An
approximate increase of 6%in the number of people with physical
disabilities is expected by 2030.
 Estimates of sensory impairment suggest 12% of the adult population
have moderate or severe hearing loss (in line with the South West and
England)
 Estimates suggest that approximately 2.6% of the adult population have a
visual impairment.
Sexual Orientation

2.4
What other data do you have in terms of service users
or staff? (e.g results of customer satisfaction surveys,
results of previous consultations)
the maximum estimate of lesbian gay and bisexual people living in Bath
and North East Somerset is 6% (ranging from 2% - 6%)
Mental health prevalence
Condition
Generalised anxiety disorder
Depressive episode
Mixed anxiety and depression
All phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic disorder
All neurotic disorders
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Estimated Prevalence rates
– all ages
5,465
3,249
11,097
2,194
1,459
888
20,717
Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
2010/11 JSNA data
8,337 have 2 or more psychiatric disorders.
There were 3735 adults accessing specialist NHS mental health services in
2009/10, and 2505 out of work benefit claimants with mental health as a
primary diagnosis against 1380 clients with primary MH diagnosis receiving
services by adult social services provided by the council in 10/11.
There are low hospital admissions generally, but these are high for elective
admissions for adults and those who self-harm.
Depression prevalence is high, with 12.8% for 2010/11 (national 11.2%).
This means that there are nearly 1000 more people diagnosed with
depression than we would expect from national rates. Psychosis in B&NES
in 2010/11 (for all ages) is the same as the national average (0.8%).
There are lower levels of awareness of problems such as depression and
dementia within BME communities.
The number of admissions for eating disorders in B&NES has increased
although this may be due to changes in diagnosis rather than an actual
increase in prevalence.
Admissions for self-harm are statistically significantly higher for both men
and women in B&NES (229 per 100,000) compared to the national average
(198 per 100,000)
Estimates suggest that Autism prevalence was 1666 in 2010, (1% of
population, men 1.8%). Increased prevalence of psychiatric disorder is
particularly marked for people with autism. 55% of those with autism have an
IQ below 70.
The Department of Health has developed health profiles for each of the local
authorities in England. One of the key points from the B&NES profile is that
we need to reduce harm associated with alcohol use.
Estimates suggest that B&NES has 7,021 people aged 18-64 dependent on
alcohol, at risk of associated conditions who could benefit from support. Of
these about 600 people are thought to have significant problems.
There are a lower number than national opiate and/or crack users (842, 7.1
per 1000 15-64 population, 8.9 nationally). The proportion of drug users who
complete their treatment free of dependency is generally lower in B&NES
than nationally
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
46% of people with a mental health problem also have a long term condition,
and 30% of people with a long term condition also have a mental health
problem. Chronic physical health problems have been shown to exacerbate
depression and vice versa.
Between 74-90% of adults are not currently taking enough exercise to
maintain their health
11% of the adult population have self-defined as a carer through the
Council’s Voicebox survey and there are 2,500 carers known to the Carers
Centre. Approximately 550 are carers of people with mental health needs.
Carers from BME groups and/or those who are living in secluded rural areas
of B&NES or those who have never had any contact with social services in
relation to their care needs have been identified as specifically significant
groups.
New Hope and St Mungo's carried out peer reesearch (Bridging the Gap)
around the issues for people with mental health needs in accessing services
and activities - this is available through www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/yourcouncil-and-democracy/local-research-and-statistics/researchlibrary/bridging-gap
2.5
Are there any gaps in the data, research or information
that is available?
2.6
If you are planning to undertake any consultation in the
future regarding this service or policy, how will you
include equalities considerations within this?
The completeness of equalities data held across all the currently
commissioned services varies. The commissioning process is designed
to embed the requirement to monitor performance of equalities across
all the service contract, and will also be an integral part of the work of
the independent evaluator.
As part of the commissioning process the outline specification was developed
jointly with members of the Health & Wellbeing Forum / College Working
Group, which include local providers, service users and commissioners.
The Commissioning / Assessment process asks providers to demonstrate
how they will drive up the numbers of people attending courses so they are
well attended and accessible, across the community. Service user
involvement is inbuilt into the delivery mechanisms.
An Independent Evaluator is being commissioned to establish a consistent
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
performance management and evaluation regime across the whole of the
project, including providers delivering courses. The results of this will lead to
ongoing service improvement and the development of a business case and
specification for a full tender in 2016.
3. Assessment of impact


3.1
The full detail of the local population is contained in the Joint Needs Assessment. This can be found at:
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/local-research-and-statistics/research-library/jointstrategic-1
Examples of potential negative or
Examples of what the service has
adverse impact and what steps have
done/will do to promote equality
been or could be taken to address
this
Gender – identify the impact/potential impact of the Women feature higher on the risk
Women are often dependent on public
policy on women, men and transgender people
indices for common mental health
transport, so ensuring the courses are
problems so the establishment of the
delivered close to public transport links
service will reach out to this group of
is essential.
clients.
Women also tend to be primary carers
Groups for women experiencing post
of children and older people so
natal depression are already being
ensuring flexibility of courses and
delivered in the community, and the
volunteering options will enable greater
approach could be adapted in the form
uptake.
of courses.
Peri-natal as well as post natal courses
All courses will be monitored for
may offer a protective factor against
effectiveness and accessibility both
future experiences of mental ill health.
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime
Men's mental health is a particular issue
as women are more likely to seek help
than men and to engage with support.
Targeted approaches will need to be
considered.
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
Transgender people
The ability to provide courses outside a
GP practice may positively encourage
this group of people to seek help.
Examples of what the service has
done / will do to promote equality
3.2
Disability - identify the impact/potential impact of
the policy on disabled people (ensure consideration
of a range of impairments including both physical
and mental impairments)
The courses will be delivered in a wide
range of accessible and DDA compliant
venues across the B&NES community,
and will take into account means of
transportation. The delivery of courses
will aim to reduce social isolation.
The broad spectrum of courses on offer
that address different aspects of health
and wellbeing will be attractive to all
people, and will be presented as
supportive mainstream activities with an
ethos of being non-stigmatising and of
aiming to reduce stigma.
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified.
Incidence of common mental health
problems may be prevalent in this
group so targeted approaches may be
necessary alongside other local
voluntary sector orgs.
Examples of potential negative or
adverse impact and what steps have
been or could be taken to address
this
Disabled people are more dependent
on public transport so ensuring access
to courses is easy is essential. The
Dial-a-Ride scheme is able to explore
opportunities to address transport
issues, although Dial a Ride can
present problems for people with
mental health issues. SWAN Volunteer
Transport Scheme could be an
alternative in some cases.
The local deaf community has
expressed a concern about ways in
which they can benefit from courses for
common mental health / wellbeing
problems. We have a specialist deaf
provision in B&NES and the new
service will need to address with
associated vol. sector orgs how to
increase uptake through appropriately
adapted provision.
People with long term conditions will
benefit from the availability of selfmanagement and peer support
elements of the courses
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
3.3
Age – identify the impact/potential impact of the
policy on different age groups
The broad spectrum of courses on offer
that address different aspects of health
and wellbeing will be attractive to all
age groups, and will be presented as
mainstream activities with an ethos of
being non-stigmatising.
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified. The
courses will be delivered with an aim of
reducing social isolation.
.
3.4
Race – identify the impact/potential impact on
different black and minority ethnic groups
The broad spectrum of courses on offer
that address different aspects of health
and wellbeing will be attractive to all
ethnic groups, and will be presented as
mainstream activities with an ethos of
being non-stigmatising, and of aiming to
reduce stigma.
All courses will be monitored for
Page 11 of 14
Older people can be socially isolated,
particularly in the more rural areas of
B&NES. All ages will benefit from
integrated health and wellbeing courses
delivered across the B&NES community
in accessible venues, and from the
social and peer support elements that
will be an intrinsic part of the delivery.
The College will offer volunteering
opportunities which provide social,
meaningful occupation, and peer
support aspects to all age groups. This
could be attractive to all age groups,
including young people who wish to
gain skills and experience as well as
the personal benefits of co-production.
The College will consider young people
from 16 onwards if being part of an
adult service is appropriate. Engaging
with younger people is something that
the College needs to test out. One
benefit of attracting younger people is
of having mixed age groups, although
this carries its own issues.
Migrant workers, and other people with
communication issues, may experience
accessing a course difficult. The polish
Community is the largest ethnic minority
population in B&NES. The College will
need to consider this, in particular
around developing a range of peer
support and volunteering options.
Targeted approaches to advertising and
Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
3.5
Sexual orientation - identify the impact/potential
impact of the policy on
lesbians, gay, bisexual & heterosexual people
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified.
The broad spectrum of courses on offer
that address different aspects of health
and wellbeing will be attractive to all
people, and will be presented as
mainstream activities with an ethos of
being non-stigmatising and of aiming to
reduce stigma.
Marriage & civil partnership
3.6
3.7
Religion/belief – identify the impact/potential
impact of the policy on people of different
religious/faith groups and also upon those with no
religion.
Socio-economically disadvantaged – identify the
impact on people who are disadvantaged due to
factors like family background, educational
attainment, neighbourhood, employment status can
influence life chances
Page 12 of 14
delivery may be necessary
Incidence of common mental health
problems as well as associated alcohol
use may be prevalent in this group so
targeted approaches to advertising and
delivery may be necessary
.
No negative impact anticipated
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified.
None known
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified. The
courses will be delivered with an aim of
reducing social isolation.
Putting on courses in, for example,
church halls, could be an issue for
some people and this needs to be
recognised in choosing venues.
Certain calendar dates, for example
religious festivals, could be an issue
and need to be taken into consideration
when arranging courses.
Common mental health and wellbeing
problems are more prevalent in areas
where people are economically
disadvantaged and/or there are high
levels of unemployment. It is therefore
important that the College focuses its
attention on areas of deprivation in
B&NES
Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
The College will offer volunteering and
peer support opportunities which
provide social, and meaningful
occupation aspects to all. This could be
attractive to people who wish to gain
skills and experience as well as the
personal benefits of co-production.
3.8
Rural communities – identify the impact / potential
impact on people living in rural communities
3.9
People with family and parental responsibilities
including carers
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime. The
College will have a remit to address
issues as they are identified. The
courses will be delivered with an aim of
reducing social isolation.
All courses will be monitored for
effectiveness and accessibility both
internally and through the provision of
the independent evaluation regime
The College courses need to reach
both working and non-working
populations, and take into account
childcare issues
To ensure that accessible rural venues
are also chosen for community based
courses, taking into account eg
transport issues..
People with family and parental
responsibilities, including carers, can
find it difficult to access college
courses. The College will monitor this
issue and work with the Carers Centre
and support groups to address this.
4. Bath and North East Somerset Council & NHS B&NES
Equality Impact Assessment Improvement Plan
Please list actions that you plan to take as a result of this assessment. These actions should be based upon the analysis of data, any gaps in
the data you have identified, and any steps you will be taking to address any negative impacts or remove barriers. The actions need to be built
into your service planning framework. Actions/targets should be measurable, achievable, realistic and time framed.
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Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit
Issues identified
Actions required
Progress milestones
Need to provide an end of
pilot report that evidences
the impacts of the pilot and
the possibilities for the
long term sustainability of
the model/approach.
Commission an independent
evaluator to establish a system
wide evaluation framework to
assess the impact of this
course based, educative model
in delivering individual and
community health, social
care/value and wellbeing
outcomes, and assist in
designing a way forward.
By means of the evaluation
framework and evidence base,
produce a report that enables
commissioners to assess the
impacts of the pilot and the
possibilities for the long term
sustainability of the model /
approach. This in turn will
inform whether a business
case, options paper and draft
specification is developed to go
ahead to full tender in 2016.
Final tender to be completed.
Final bids to be received
Evaluation of bids and award to be
agreed at Commissioning Body.
Final award of contract
Need to establish the
effectiveness and impact
of the College, and of the
possibilities for the long
term sustainability of the
model/approach.
Establish a system wide evaluation
framework.
Work with providers of courses and
partners to deliver the quality
assurance and measurement
process.
Gather and collate evidence
Produce a business case that links
costs to outcomes
Officer
responsible
Andrea
Morland /
Basil Wild
By when
December 2013
21st February 2014
28th February 2014.
10th March 2014
Andrea
Morland /
Basil Wild
1st April 2014
30th April 2014
Ongoing
31st March 2015
5. Sign off and publishing
Once you have completed this form, it needs to be ‘approved’ by your Divisional Director or their nominated officer. Following this sign off,
send a copy to the Equalities Team (equality@bathnes.gov.uk), who will publish it on the Council’s and/or NHS B&NES’ website. Keep a copy
for your own records.
Signed off by:
Date: 17/01/2014
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Andrea Morland, Senior Commissioning Manager B&NES LA and CCG
Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS B&NES: Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit