Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
Form
Background
Name of policy/project being screened?
Bridgend Recreation Centre - capital redevelopment
What is the aim or purpose of the policy/project?
To develop a modern indoor leisure facility that provides good quality facilities and
services to the people of Bridgend County Borough recognising key outcome targets that
were identified within the service specification.
Who is affected by this policy/project (e.g. staff, residents, disabled people, women
only?)
Staff, residents and people from all protected characteristics both in service delivery and
employment.
Who is responsible for delivery of the policy/project?
Halo Leisure Services Limited, Lion House, Broad Street, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6
8BT.
The following sections must be completed for all policies/projects being reviewed or
revised:
Is this a review of an existing policy/project?
No
If this is a review or amendment of an existing policy/project, has anything
changed since it was last reviewed?
No
Has an EIA previously been carried out on this policy/project?
No
If an EIA exists, what new data has been collected on equality groups since its
completion?
N/A
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Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
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Screening questions
1. Is this policy/project an important or ‘large scale’ function, and/or is it likely the
policy/project will impact upon a large number of staff, residents and/or
contractors?
Staff
Yes
Residents
No
Contractor(s)
Unknown
2. Is it possible that any aspect of the policy will impact on people from different
groups in different ways? (See guidance for list of ‘protected characteristics’ to
consider)
Characteristic
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion/belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
Civil Partnerships and
Marriage
Yes
No
Unknown
Explanation of impact
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
See below
x
x
Explanation of Impact
This is a refurbishment and redevelopment project as opposed to a new build and the
confines of the existing premises may be restrictive in some instances.
The outcome specification of the operational management contract for the facility
requires evidence of maintained or enhanced usage of services by groups with a
protected characteristic and this will be supported by the final design.
There is an additional need for the capital development of Bridgend Recreation Centre
to comply with the technical standards for redevelopment of premises that includes
consideration of equalities legislation as an integral part of the contract.
The project aims to go beyond minimum compliance and achieve the standards of
BS8300:2009 at every opportunity.
The design has been subject to review to a level that would satisfy planning in terms
of amendments to external elevations etc. The finalisation of internal layout,
circulation, accessibility and inclusiveness of design will facilitate further discussion
and engagement with stakeholders including those from equalities groups.
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Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
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There are a number of areas where this facility will advance opportunities in indoor
leisure for protected groups:
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The car park has been a long standing issue for all users of the centre and
resurfacing/realignment will consider the needs of people with disabilities,
family visitors etc. Any access control mechanism will need to be usable by
all. An enhanced arrangement for blue badge holders will reflect a targeted
increase in disabled users.
The introduction of a ground floor access to the reception area with direct
access to changing facilities, refreshments and activities is an advance to
previous building design.
The providing of an open plan reception area near to children’s activities
such as the new play zone and climbing wall will support safeguarding
activities.
Service areas will be equipped with front of house customer points that
meet the needs of disabled users and employees. Induction loops and
assistive technology will be in place. A new investment into passenger lifts
will improve access to those moving to the first floor supported by signage
that meets guidance or standards e.g. pictorial, tactile etc.
The development of new changing facilities will support an improved
specification in terms of floor levels, cubicle and locker access, shower
height on an integrated basis with additional bespoke provision specifically
for disabled use.
The creation of a single fitness suite will more clearly support the integration
of equalities groups into services. The current facility has a stand-alone
venue that further segregates the customer base. The range of equipment
will also better meet the requirements of protected groups.
There is a proposed redevelopment of space currently utilised for child care
although a clear compensatory offer involving children’s play and sessional
support/childcare is accommodated. The supporting elements of baby
changing/feeding facilities will feature within design to specified standards.
The addition of modern studio space within the footprint of the concert hall
can realistically be anticipated to increase group exercise usage by women
which is a strategic target for BCBC.
Furthermore, child specific programmes will be developed for a number of
the new facilities such as the climbing wall.
There are also a number of areas where this facility will have a potentially negative
impact on opportunities in indoor leisure for protected groups:

There is a proposed change in service delivery in child care from 6 hours
per day to 2 hours per day. This will have a potentially negative impact
indirectly on women as primary carers of children. It will also impact on
other carers wishing to attend with children. Mitigating action will be taken
by spreading the 2 hour sessions available in the new service delivery
across the highest areas of take up and in order to support other
opportunities offered. For example ensuring that 2 hour sessions are
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Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
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offered at the same time as aerobics, zumba and pilates where the
evidence demonstrates higher take up amongst women. Take up of the new
sessions will be monitored closely to ensure that the service is utilised as
fully as possible and mitigates the impact on protected groups. If for
example, the service is offered in relation to evening exercise classes, but
take up is low and there is demand during the day, service restructuring will
be considered.
The change to service delivery of the crèche will have implications for staff
and their employment of whom all are women. Appropriate discussions and
consultation with staff to these changes will take place. Ways of mitigating
any negative impact will be discussed and where practicable implemented.
Appropriate consultation with current user groups regarding delivery and
demand will be conducted before changes are implemented and equality
protected characteristic issues considered and prioritised in the new service
configuration.
The proposed development reduces the size of the sports hall to half its
previous size. The relocation of previous user groups to the new build
sports hall in Brackla will mean that current users can be accommodated
within the space available e.g. gymnastics.
Historically BCBC has supported a range of larger scale events, festival and
consultations. Bridgend will retain a single hall and seasonal usage of the
Bowls Hall floor space to support such activity.
There is a displacement of squash usage as the current design proposes
the demolition of the courts. The available data does not raise this as an
equalities issue but future consultation on short term mitigation and longer
term solutions will be considered
There will be a need through building regulations to progress a range of
considerations including drop off points, crossing areas, steps and ramps,
alarm systems, evacuation systems, lighting, surface finishes etc.
In summary the review of information relating to the capital development presents a
modern leisure facility capable of meeting the needs of equalities groups. The final
design will need to be shared with beneficiaries and stakeholders. Bridgend County
Borough Council will also need to work closely with HALO on other matters that
influence accessibility and usage when the capital works are complete e.g. workforce,
programme development, marketing etc.
3. What is the risk that any aspect of the policy could in fact lead to discrimination
or adverse affects against any group of people? (See guidance for list of
protected characteristics?)
What action has been taken to mitigate this risk?
See above
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4. Could any aspect of the policy/project help Halo to meet their public sector
duties?
Duty
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
Advance equality of opportunity between different groups
Foster good relations between different groups
YES NO
x
x
x
Unknown
Please briefly set out your reasoning for the answers given to question 4:
Improving accessibility will ensure elimination of discrimination both direct and
indirect for disabled people.
The improvement to service options will increase women’s opportunities to
participate in activity and national data evidences their participation is lower than
men’s.
These actions will advance equality for women, disabled people, older people and
younger people, but consistent measurement of activity take up and access will
need to be conducted to ensure advancement
5. Are you aware of any evidence that different groups have different needs,
experiences, issues and/or priorities in relation to this policy/project?
Yes - See above narrative and full EIA documentation
Conclusions
6. What level of EIA priority would you give to this policy/project?
HIGH
MEDIUM
LOW
SCREEN OUT
: full EIA within 6 months, or before approval of policy
: full EIA within one year of screening
: full EIA within three years of screening
: no further EIA required at this time
Please briefly explain the reasons for this judgement:
Specific equality groups have requirements in order to be able to access the leisure
service offered. Without due consideration, barriers could be experienced through the
infrastructure by disabled people, parents – particularly women, older and younger
people.
Activity rates amongst women, older people, drop off rates amongst young people
particularly girls and disabled people have been identified as key priority areas for
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Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
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strategic action on equality.
7. Will the timescale for EIA be affected by any other influence e.g. Committee
deadline, external deadline, part of a wider review process?
No
8. Who will carry out the full EIA?
Paula Kearns - Area Manager (BRC)
External consultancy advice from Adele Baumgardt
EIA screening completed by: Paula Kearns
Date: 10th August 2012
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