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EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Sports & Physical Activity
January 2008
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
1
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EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Name of the policy or function being assessed: Sports & Physical Activity
Directorate
Communities, Localities & Culture
Date Impact Assessment completed
Dec 2008
Is this a policy or function?
Function
Is this a new or existing policy or function?
Existing
Names and roles of the people carrying out the Impact Assessment:
(Explain why the members of the impact assessment team were selected i.e. the knowledge
and experience they bring to the process).
1. Pauline Dunn – Sports Development & Healthy Lifestyles Managers, Co-ordinator of
Equalities Impact Assessment Team.
2. Michelle Davies – Leisure Management Contract & Partnership Manager, Co-ordinator of
Equalities Impact Assessment Team.
Service Head
Heather Bonfield
Signature
Date
Once you have filled in this document please send a copy to the Equalities Team.
If you have any questions regarding this form please call the Equalities Team on 020 7364
4723.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
2
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SECTION 1
AIMS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY
Identifying the aims of the policy1
What is the policy?
What is the aim, objective, or purpose of the policy?
Tower Hamlets Sports and Physical Activity Service aims to provide a quality cost effective
and accessible services for all sections of the community. The Sports and Physical Activity
Service covers a number of individual but linked services:
Listed below are the key policies and functions, which govern and set the work of the Sport
and Physical Activity service
Sport and Physical Activity Mission Statement
Through the Sports Strategy, this vision statement was adopted by the Council:
‘The sporting vision for Tower Hamlets envisages a position where all the members of the
community have access to valued, good quality sports experiences which are perceptually,
financially and physically accessible and which add to the well being of the individual and
the community as a whole.’
Key Aims
 To maximise the use of all sports and recreation facilities
 To improve the infrastructure of the borough’s facilities through an investment
programme that meets community need
 To ensure the services reflect the multi cultural needs of the community and that access
is available to all
 To support the borough’s voluntary sector organisations in their development
 To demonstrate by good practice that Sports & Physical Activity can play a key role in
the delivery of the borough’s Community Plan and the Council’s Strategic Plan
 To contribute to Healthy Lifestyles through the promotion of sports and health related
activities
1
Please note the term ‘Policy’ is used for simplicity. The broad term can also refer to a function or a service.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Functions:
To provide the following:
 Sports and Recreation Facilities in wet and dry sports centres
 To provide Sports Development activity, events and programmes across the borough
 To provide funding for Sport and Physical Activity throughout the borough for all
sections of the community
 To support the voluntary sector and to advise on provision in the private sector
through planning and programming
 To develop a Sports Strategy which relates to national and regional and sub regional
priorities for Sport and Physical Activity
 To develop Sports access for people in the borough for all sections of the community
 To provide effective marketing and information for the promotion of sports and
recreational activity in the borough
 To manage contracts for and on behalf of the borough to procure effective provision
at Sports and leisure centres
 To contribute to the health of the community through targeted healthy lifestyles
programmes
Policy:
 The five key corporate themes detailed under the Council’s Corporate Vision.
 The Strategic Plan and in particular the Tower Hamlets index (reference point 8 to
increase participation in leisure and cultural activities).
 The Sport and Recreation Strategy 1999- 2025
 Sport England Policies
 Equalities policies
 DOH & PCT policies – healthy weight, healthy lives & time for health
 Inclusive and Active Police
All the services provided by Sport and Physical Activity (the service) have direct
relevance to the general duty to promote racial equality. The service also has relevance
to the commitment to promote equality in all that it does.
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Rationale behind the policy and its delivery
(Please state the underlying policy objectives which underpin this service and what they are
trying to achieve).
Are there associated objectives of the policy? If so, what are they?
What outcomes do we want to achieve from this policy?
What factors could contribute/detract from the outcomes?
 The five themes of the Community Plan
o Learning Achievement and Leisure – increased participation in sporting,
leisure and cultural activities
o Excellent public services – efficient and effective services through improved
equality of opportunity
 The Strategic Plan
o Living well – Healthier Communities and in particular the Tower Hamlets
index: to increase participation in leisure and cultural activities
 Tower Hamlets Cultural Strategy
The Framework seeks to be: a flexible cultural policy framework for Tower hamlets ,
which will support the Community Plan, the Local Development Framework and the
Local Area Agreement Process, guide service delivery and development and inform
future investment priorities.
The main priorities
 Forward planning
 Improving access to leisure and cultural facilities
 Increasing participation across all cultural services, with a particular focus on sports
and physical activity.

Sports Strategy developed to give a direct focus for sport provision in L.B. Tower
Hamlets and has strong links to the corporate commitment to equality and diversity
stating core equality initiatives

The Anti Racism Charter in Sport sets out the Councils charter for tackling racism in
sport and ensuring everyone is allowed to participate in sport without fear of racial
harassment, how incidents are to be recorded and dealt with and how the charter is
publicised to make all users of facilities aware of the charter, monitoring procedures.
 Tower Hamlets Football Development Plan is a strategy that sets out the approach to
delivering the commitment Tower hamlets has to |Football development and particular
focuses on Women’s football

The Sport and Physical Activity Service Plan outlines the contribution that the service
will make in 2008/9 towards achieving Tower Hamlets’ strategic themes. The document
links in with broader plans and forms the basis of targets and outputs for the service.
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Who is affected by the policy? Who is intended to benefit from it and how?
Who are the main stakeholders in relation to this policy?
All who live or work in Tower Hamlets including specific target groups.
What outcomes would other stakeholders want from this policy?
That the main beneficiaries are people with disabilities, those on low incomes, ethnic
minorities, women and girls, young people and people with health related problems
Are there any groups, which might be expected to benefit from the intended outcomes
but which do not?
New immigrants, refugees, single parents and young mothers
Promotion of good relations between different communities
(How does the policy or function contribute to better Community Cohesion?)
How do you promote good relations between different communities you serve based on
mutual understanding and respect?
What opportunities are there for positive cross cultural contact between these communities
to take place e.g. between younger and older people, or between people of different
religious faiths?
Opportunities for promoting good relations between different communities are provided
through a variety of programmes including:
 Sports events and competitions
 International Women’s Week
 Kick It Out & Asians in Football
 Disability Programmes, events and competitions
 Older Peoples activities
 Women only sessions
 Volunteering programme
 Inter Borough Competitions
 Coaching programmes
(Specifically identify the relevance of the aims of the policy to the equality target
groups and the Council’s duty to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination, promote
equality of opportunity and good relations between people of different racial groups).
The Anti-Racism Charter for Sport allows all participants in sport to do so without the fear of
racial harassment and the Charter in Tower Hamlets applies to all users of Council facilities
– swimming pools, sports centres and parks sports facilities.
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Policy Priorities:
(How does the policy fit in with the council’s wider aims? Include Corporate and Local
Strategic Partnership Priorities)
How does the policy relate to other policies and practices within the council?
What factors/forces could contribute/detract from the outcomes?
How do these outcomes meet or hinder other policies, values or objectives of the council?
Community Plan
The five key themes
 One Tower hamlets
 A Great Place to Live
 A Healthy Community
 A Safe and Supportive Community
 A Prosperous Community
With particular relevance for:
 Strengthening and connecting communities by: ensuring communities have good access
to a full range of facilities including leisure
 Providing first class and well managed centres where people come together for leisure
and recreation
Tower Hamlets Index
 To Increase participation in leisure and cultural activities –
Strategic Plan.
Specific key targets in the action plan these encompass the LAA target plus additional
Council Specific target priority areas.
 S121 - Percentage of residents asked who think that leisure and sports facilities are
good, very good or excellent.
Directorate Business Plan
LAA Primary – recorded user of Leisure Centre under the age of 19
NI – Adult participation in sport
Cultural Strategy
4 key themes
 Partnership
 Cohesion
 Prosperity
 Celebration
With a focus on the need for social cohesion and a sense of identity, young peoples needs,
barriers to participation, improving communication, generating a community spirit and
working together.
Older Peoples Plan
Children’s Plan
”
Equalities Action Plan
 Equalities Impact Assessment Sports and Physical Activity – Dec 2008
C
Communities, Localities & Culture Directorate
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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How the policy is implemented
(How is, or will, the policy be put into practice and who is, or will be, responsible for it?)
Implemented thorough the Service Plan and PDR’s
Who defines or defined the policy?
None Statutory Service within the remit of Culture
Local Authority defines the policy through key Strategies
Who implements the policy?
Sport and Recreation Services are managed by the Directorate of Communities, Localities
and Culture.
General legislation relating to equalities and informing service planning includes:

















Equal Pay Act 1970
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Race Relations Act 1976
Criminal Justice and Public order Act 1994
Disability Discrimination Act 2006
Employment Rights Act 1996
Human Rights Act 1998
Parental leave Directive 1999
Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
European Laws: Equal Treatment Directive, Equal Pay Directive, Pregnant Workers’
Directive, Race Directive
Equality Act 2006
The Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005
Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulation 2003
Gender Recognition Act 2004
Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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How does the council interface with other bodies in relation to the implementation of
this policy? Is the service provided solely by the Department or in conjunction with
another department, agency or contractor?
The Sports and Physical Activity service works in partnership with other services in the
Cultural Services division.
Within the Communities, Localities and Culture Directorate the Sports and Physical Activity
services works closely with the Strategy and Programmes division to develop and
implement the Sports Strategy and Cultural Strategies. It depends on the support and
advice of Personnel, Finance, Health and Safety, Transport, Facilities and Property Services
and works corporately on equalities issues and social inclusion initiatives. The service also
works with the PCT in delivering programmes for equality of health opportunities for local
residents.
The Sports and Physical Activity Service is represented on the Community Plan
Development Group (Learning, Achievement and Leisure) which links through to the Local
Strategic Partnership and the Local Area Partnerships.
At a regional level the Sports and Physical Activity Service is member of the PRO-ACTIVE
East, Community Sports Partnership.
The Sports and Physical Activity Service works closely in partnership with the following:
 Greenwich Leisure Limited – currently the partner operating the Leisure Management
Contract
 West Ham Community Football – partner running the Football Development
programme at Mile End (FAME)
 Leyton Orient Community Sports Partnership
 Primary Care Trust (PCT) – partner in the delivery of the Healthy Lifestyle
programme
 Sport England / Pro-Active East – partners in delivering targeted sports development
programmes
 Various Clubs
 National Governing Bodies
 Voluntary Organisations
 Community Sports & Physical Activity Network
 Tower Hamlets Football Partnership
 Tower Hamlets Sports Council
 English Federation of Disability Sport
 London Sports Forum for Disability Sport
.
Partnership working is critical to the success of the strategy and is recognised as a means
of unlocking resources and the expertise of other service providers.
The Strategic Plan for Tower Hamlets and the Community Plan are based on 5 themes.
 One Tower Hamlets
 A Great Place to Live
 A Healthy Community
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 A Safe and Supportive Community
 A Prosperous Community
If external parties are involved then what are the measures in place to ensure that
they comply with the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy?
All partnership working is subject to compliance with the Council’s Equal Opportunities
policy or complementary policies from partner bodies.
All Service Level Agreements with external partners included Equal Opportunities
Agreements.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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SECTION 2
CONSIDERATION OF DATA AND RESEARCH
List all examples of quantitative and qualitative data available that will enable the impact
assessment to be undertaken (include information where appropriate from other directorates,
Census 2001 etc.)
National Benchmarking Service Survey
Active People Survey
Sports Search
Leisure Centre Attendances
Sports Development Programme data including Healthy Lifestyles & Active Communities
Staff profiles
Equalities profile of users or beneficiaries
(Use the Council’s approved diversity monitoring categories and provide data by target group
of users or beneficiaries to determine whether the service user profile reflects the local
population or relevant target group or if there is over or under representation of these
groups)
Leisure Centres – below is the overall membership data although this can be broken down
into individual centre data for each category of monitoring. Overall Membership data relating
to the 7 Leisure Centres during 2007 / 2008
Gender – TH population profile (51% Male & 49% Female)
Male
20,474
53%
Female
18,266
47%
Age – TH Age profile (57% between 15 – 44 & 9% over 65)
U20
7606
20%
20 -29
14143
37%
30 – 39
9729
25%
40 - 49
4420
11%
50+
2842
7%
Ethnicity – TH ethnic profile (42% White British, 33% Bangladeshi/Asian & 7% African
Caribbean)
White
UK
26284
60%
Asian
Other
Banglades
h
11629
27%
Africa
n
1367
3%
Chines
e
1057
2%
Indian
965
2%
Caribbea
n
837
2%
Asian
170
0.5%
Black
Other
423
1
Other
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797
2%
265
0.5%
Usage by members 2007 – 2008
White
UK
203571
Asian
Other
6500
Bangladesh
African
Chinese
Indian
Caribbean
Asian
83640
9620
7909
7890
5974
1025
Black
Other
2641
Other
1943
User profile of each centre
From a Sport England National Benchmarking exercise carried out in August 2006, two Leisure Centre’s
were selected and the results based on a sample of 365 users from both Mile End Park Leisure
(MEPLC) Centre and Whitechapel Sports Centre (WSC) were as follows:
MEPLC
Male
56%
Female
44%
11 - 19
13%
20 - 59
85%
60+
2%
White
49%
Other
51%
Disability
11%
Female
36%
11 - 19
18%
20 - 59
81%
60+
1%
White
31%
Other
69%
Disability
6%
WSC
Male
64%
From data collected 2007 / 2008 user profiles are as followsYork Hall (groups representing less than 3% are not included)
20 – 29
3130
38%
Male
4069
49%
Female
4217
51%
U20
1056
13%
30 - 39
2313
28%
White
White
other
Bangladesh
Other
79%
9%
5%
7%
40 - 49
1032
12%
50+
755
9%
40 - 49
1498
10%
50+
917
5%
MEPLC
Male
7922
52%
Female
7410
48%
U20
4086
27%
20 – 29
5497
36%
30 - 39
3334
22%
White
Bangladesh
White
other
African
Asian
Other
Chinese
Other
42%
32%
8%
4%
4%
4%
6%
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WSC
Male
3018
52%
Female
2827
48%
20 – 29
2546
44%
U20
588
10%
30 - 39
1608
28%
40 - 49
663
11%
50+
440
7%
White
Bangladesh
White
other
Asian
Other
African
Indian
Other
40%
40%
9%
4%
2%
2%
3%
John Orwell S.C.
Male
1451
70%
Female
630
30%
20 – 29
731
35%
U20
366
18%
30 - 39
589
28%
40 - 49
244
12%
White
White
other
Bangladesh
Indian
Other
64%
15%
13%
3%
5%
50+
151
7%
St Georges
Male
1579
56%
Female
1228
44%
20 – 29
844
30%
U20
635
23%
30 - 39
718
26%
40 - 49
369
13%
White
Bangladesh
White
other
Chinese
Other
58%
21%
11%
3%
7%
50+
241
8%
Tiller
Male
2079
53%
Female
1876
47%
20 – 29
1276
32%
U20
720
18%
30 - 39
1072
27%
40 - 49
566
14%
50+
321
9%
white
White
other
Bangladesh
Chinese
Asian
Other
Indian
Other
71%
11%
6%
3%
3%
3%
3%
40 - 49
48
11%
50+
17
4%
Langdon Park (Dual Use)
Male
356
82%
Female
78
18%
U20
155
36%
20 – 29
119
27%
30 - 39
95
22%
White
Bangladesh
African
White
other
Indian
Chinese
Other
43%
28%
9%
6%
5%
4%
5%
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Sports Development
Sports Development run a number of specifically targeted programmes these are aimed at groups
such as: children and young people, people with associated health problems, people over 50, adults
non -users and people with disabilities. User data currently collected is from London Youth Games,
Mini Games, Borough Cross Country, 5 Borough Cross Country, Summer Programme, Mini Marathon
Trials, Mini Marathon Events, Tennis, Football at Mile End shown below:Male
15244
Female
12426
Asian
19563
Black
4401
5 – 10yrs
13725
White
3856
9-11 yrs
14328
Other
431
12-15yrs
16850
16- 24yrs
2844
25- 44yrs
37
Disability
548
Healthy Lifestyles
GP Referral
Male
Female
British
432
210
257
Black
Caribbean
15
Indian
Bangladeshi
20
250
16 - 20
21–30
31- 40
41 - 50
51 - 60
61 - 70
71 - 80
5
0.9%
81
14.3%
136
23.9%
153
26.9%
118
20.8%
59
10.4%
12
2.1%
Over
80
2
0.4%
BEST / MEND programme
2007/08
7 – 11yrs
42
White
22
Age
12 – 16 yrs
44
Asian
1
Asian Bang
51
Conditions
Diabetes T2 Respiratory
Learning
Difficulties
2
8
2
Ethnicity
Black
Carib.
9
Sleep Ap
1
Black
African
Black
Somali
9
2
Other
1
High
Cholesterol
1
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Active Communities
The Active Communities programme also delivers a range of focus sports to various
target groups in the borough. Sports include athletics, multi-sports, swimming,
basketball, volleyball, gym/fitness and netball. Target groups are young people, ethnic
minorities, women and girls, people over 50 and people with a disability. Sample data
for a month is as follows but this may vary depending on events and time of year.
Sample Data (month)
Male
Female
5 – 10yrs
11-15 yrs
16- 24yrs
25- 44yrs
45 – 59yrs
60+
212
187
2
171
116
85
22
2
Asian Black White Other
130
75
158
35
Disability
281
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Equalities profile of staff
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(Indicate
profile by target groups and assess relevance to policy aims and objectives e.g.
Workforce to Reflect the Community. Identify staff responsible for delivering the service
including where they are not directly employed by the council)
Sports & Physical Activity Staff (as provided by HR)
Ethnic Origin
White
UK
Irish
Other
White
African
Caribbean
Other
Black
Bangladesh
51
50%
2
2%
15
15%
3
3%
3
3%
3
3%
13
13%
Indian
Pakistan
Other
Asian
W&B
Other
mixed
Chinese
3
3%
2
2%
2
2%
1
1%
3
3%
1
1%
Gender
Male
52
51%
Female
50
49%
Disability
Disabled
Not Disabled
Declined
No Data
3
28
3
1
Age
U20
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50+
3
11
8
14
1
Sexual orientation
Hetrosexual
Lesbian
Declined to state
No Data
19
2
4
10
Religion
Christian
Muslim
None
Other
Declined to state
No Data
8
7
7
1
3
9
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Greenwich Leisure Limited (the Management Contractor of Leisure Centres)
Ethnic Origin
White
UK
128
32%
Irish
4
0.5%
Indian
Pakistan
7
2%
5
1%
Other
White
60
15%
Other
Asian
16
4%
African
Caribbean
16
4%
21
5%
Other
Black
9
2%
Bangladesh
Other
mixed
25
6%
Chinese
Undisclosed
2
0.5%
27
8%
81
20%
Gender
Male
221
55%
Female
180
45%
Disability - 5
Age
U20
21- 30
31- 40
41 - 50
51 - 60
60+
54
174
63
7
8
1
Sexual orientation
Hetrosexual
Lesbian
Bisexual
Undisclosed
324
1
1
75
Religion
Christian
Muslim
Sikh
Hindi
Buddist
None
Undisclosed
132
77
4
1
4
48
56
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Evidence of Complaints against the service on grounds of discrimination
(Is there any evidence of complaints either from customers or staff (Grievance) as to the
delivery of the service, or its operation, on the equality target groups?)
3 incidents altogether
2 x Gender/Ethnicity
Regarding experiences of intimidation, communication barriers, attitude of staff,
discrimination against women at Mile End Park Leisure Centre (11.2.08 & 17.6.08 same
complainant)
Ethnicity
Customer called the Duty Manager racist when asked not to get into the Spa in full clothing
at Mile End Park Leisure Centre (10.7.08 unknown)
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Barriers
(What are the potential or known barriers to participation for the different equality target
groups?)
Access to services
Gender / Ethnicity – Women only activities take place in all Centre’s, two of the leisure
centres have women only facilities and changing accommodation. The demand for women
only swimming has increased and demand currently exceeds supply, however this is being
addressed by increasing provision. There are ongoing problems with the provision of suitably
qualified female lifeguards is a barrier to participation for some women form ethnic groups.
Age – A new programme for Older People has recently been launched, suitability of activities
and times an be a barrier if not accommodated.
Sexual Orientation – lack of mixed changing accommodation
Disability – Access at Mile End Park and Whitechapel is excellent but the other older
facilities have been adapted but all are DDA compliant. There is Braille signage only in one
centre but induction loops and mini com’s are available for people with hearing impairments.
Where parking is available designated spaces are available.
Religion – Prey rooms not accommodated in all facilities
Cost – although discount membership scheme for those on low income are available, cost is
still a barrier to some including school leavers.
Healthy Lifestyles – Referral for healthy lifestyles programmes are via GP’s, practice nurses
& schools. There is no provision for self referral onto the programmes
Awareness of services
Promoted through Website, brochure, leaflets but publicity is not available in different
languages.
Publicity not available to deaf or visually impaired
Childcare
Limited availability
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Recent consultation exercises carried out
(Detail consultation with relevant interest groups, other public bodies, voluntary
organisations, community groups, trade unions, focus groups and other groups, surveys
and questionnaires undertaken
etc. )









CSIT
Scrutiny Review on Young people and the Olympics
Healthy Lifestyles Evaluation commissioned by PCT
Active Communities Evaluation
Active People Survey
Residents Satisfaction Survey
50+ surveys
National Benchmarking Survey
York Hall User group
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Identify areas where more information may be needed and the action taken to obtain
this data.
(You will need to consider data that is monitored but not reported, data that could be
monitored but is not currently collected and data that is not currently monitored and would be
impossibly/extremely difficult to collect).
Gaps in information:
The Application for Membership/ registration forms request the following details:
Surname
First Name
Date of Birth
Address including full postcode
Telephone Number (day and evening)
Place of work or study if not resident
Ethnic origin
Disability
There is no collection of data on sexual orientation or religion.
Action needed:
(Include short-term measures to be taken to provide a baseline where no or little information
is available)

A section on all membership and registration asking for people to indicate there
sexual orientation and religion.

Realigning data collection & monitoring ensuring it I in a compatible format where
possible

Provision of electronic data collection
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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SECTION 3
ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT
Race – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on different race groups from information available
above.
Leisure centre membership and usage data reflects that take-up of sport and physical
activity services by the local population and has improved since the last assessment and
overall is fairly reflective of the demographic profile of the borough.
How is the race target group reflected in the take up of the service?
Leisure Centre Membership across all leisure centres in the borough shows 60% are White
British in contrast to the borough profile of Tower Hamlets of 42%. However, both the
Bangladeshi/Asian borough profile and Leisure Centre membership is the same ~33%. The
African / Caribbean population is slight underrepresented in terms of the leisure centre
membership (5%) as apposed to the borough profile of 7%.
Actual usage figures show that 62% are White UK, 25% Bangladeshi, 7% other Asian and
5% African /Caribbean.
* However, need to look at individual centres in comparison with LAP/Ward population data.
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect, racial
groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to adverse impact or
unlawful discrimination?
No
If there is an adverse impact, can it be justified on the grounds of promoting equality
of opportunity for one racial group or for another legitimate reason?
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
(Include information on adverse impact between different racial groups)
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Gender – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on gender groups from information available above.
N/A - Both genders use the sports facilities and activities although there is more targeting
done to encourage an increase usage by women and girls who are slightly underrepresented.
How are the gender groups reflected in the take up of the service?
Current Leisure Centre membership shows 53% Male and 47% Female compared with the
borough profile of 51% Male & 49% Female.
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect, gender
groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to adverse impact or
unlawful discrimination?
N/A
If there is an adverse impact, can it be justified on the grounds of promoting equality
of opportunity for one gender group or for another legitimate reason?
N/A
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
N/A
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Disability – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on the disability strand from information available
above.
Two Leisure Centre (Mile End Park & Whitechapel) where designed specifically to ensure
that they are fully accessible and have excellent facilities and programmes. The other
Leisure facilities with the exception of John Orwell have been adapted and are DDA
compliant
Braille signs and locker numbering is in Braille at MEPLC
The national ‘Inclusive Fitness’ scheme is operating in MEPLC
How are disabled people reflected in the take up of the service?
Sports Development run specifically targeted programmes aimed a people with disabilities
and during 2007 – 08 548 people with disabilities attended sessions.
Active Communities also runs a number of focus sports for people with disabilities and a
sample month showed 281particpants with disabilities taking part in various sessions and
events.
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect,
disability groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to adverse
impact or unlawful discrimination?
No – the emphasis is on inclusivity
If there is an adverse impact, can it be justified on the grounds of promoting equality
of opportunity for one group or for another legitimate reason?
N/A
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
N/A
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Age – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on different age groups from information available above.
There are a number of specific activity programmes targeted at different age groups and if
surveys/data has shown under representation by a certain age group this has been
addressed by developing focused activity programmes e.g. Young @ Heart (50+)
How are young and old people reflected in the take up of the service?
Leisure Centres – run a range of programmes specifically targeted at Under 5’s and Junior’s
e.g. Toddlers World, Toddlers Soccer, GLL Football Club, Active Fitness & various courses
SHOOK – Youth Fitness for 8 – 15 year olds – Langdon Park
Sports Development – Open sports sessions such as Archery, Basketball, Tennis
Young@ Heart is a programme specifically developed for anyone over 50 and includes a
range of activities
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect, age
groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to adverse impact or
unlawful discrimination?
No
If there is an adverse impact, can be justified on the grounds of promoting equality of
opportunity for one group or for another legitimate reason?
N/A
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly, and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
N/A
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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.
Lesbian, gay bisexual – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on lesbian, gay and bisexual (LBG) groups from
information available above.
LBG groups not identified
How are LBG groups reflected in the take up of the service?
The lack of available LBG user data means that we are unable to ascertain if there is
additional demand for specific sessions or activities.
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect LBG
groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to adverse impact or
unlawful discrimination?
If there is an adverse impact which, can it be justified on the grounds of promoting
equality of opportunity for one group or for another legitimate reason?
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Religion/Belief – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on different religious/belief groups from information
available above.
No Information available relating to religion / belief groups.
How are the religious/belief groups reflected in the take up of the service?
N/A
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect,
religious or belief groups differently and if so do any of the differences amount to
adverse impact or unlawful discrimination?
No data available
If there is an adverse impact, can it be justified on the grounds of promoting equality
of opportunity for one group or for another legitimate reason?
Could the policy discriminate, directly or indirectly, and if so is it justifiable under
legislation?
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Health Impact – testing of disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify the effect of the policy on physical or mental health of service users and the
wider community from any information that is available. (This might include an
increased risk to health for some groups in the community, which although not
intended, may have still occurred. The impact on health might include: increased
mental stress, greater risk of accident or injury, reduced opportunities to have a
quality diet, reduced opportunity for physical exercise, or greater incidence of
diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. )
It is recognised that regular exercise can have an impact on both physical and mental health
including risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Those on low income are more likely to
be affected.
From the evidence above does the policy affect, or have the potential to affect the
health of groups differently? If so, which groups and how does the impact occur?
The Bangladeshi community are more at risk of suffering from ill health particularly heart
disease.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Additional groups which may experience a disproportionate or adverse impact
Identify if there are groups, other than those already considered that \
For example those in poverty may be adversely impacted by the policy and it might be
useful to consider them as a separate group in the light of the Council’s overall policy
objectives.
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Eastern European Communities
Homeless people
Those on Low income
School leavers not working
Those suffering from HIV & AIDS
Young & Single Mothers
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Additional factors which may influence disproportionate or adverse impact
Management Arrangements
(How is the Service managed, are there any management arrangements which may
have a disproportionate impact on the equality target groups?)
The Service is managed by the Sports & Physical Activity Manager and the Leisure
Management Contracts and Partnership Managers and there respective teams who oversee
the delivery of various funded activity programmes across the borough, competitions and
events throughout the year as well as oversee the Leisure Centre Management contract /
contractor operating the borough’s leisure facilities.
What is the custom and practice in the provision or allocation of this service?
(Could these have a disproportionate impact on the equality target groups?)
No
Programmes have been developed over time through extensive consultation and customer
feedback
Some programmes are specifically targeted at identified target groups.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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The Process of Service Delivery
(In particular look at the arrangements for the service being provided).
Management Arrangements

Service targets
The service has sought to target under represented groups and has employed many
activities to try to address under representation and to increase usage by the borough
defined equality target groups e.g. 50+, Disability programme, Women Only, Young People

Business planning process
Evidence would suggest that Equality is considered at the business planning level and
targets are in Business plan, equality action plans, race equality plans etc. Greenwich
Leisure Limited the leisure management contractor are working towards achieving NES 5 by
the end of 2009.

Regulations
There are few regulatory requirements and or criteria for accessing the services provided by
Sport and Physical Activity.

Rules of facilities
All facilities have rules of usage none are placing a negative impact on any of the equality
target groups. Indeed a clear message in all rules in the services positive stance on tackling
discrimination and discriminatory practice and harassment.

Programmes
Facility programmes are sound and are well balanced with a focus on equality and diversity.
Currently we are working on programmes to increase provision for older people (50+), nonusers (Getting Active) and disabled people.

Promotion
The promotion of services has shown a strong commitment to translate where applicable, for
the use of positive images and for seeking to communicate to traditional hard to reach
groups.
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Operation Times
(When is the service provided; are there seasonal issues; are there barriers to the service
based on the time and delivery of the service which may affect the target groups?)
John Orwell Sports Centre
John Orwell Sports Centre opened in 1980. It is a combination of a converted Victorian
dockside workshop, new sports hall and adjacent in filled dock basin providing outdoor
facilities.
The Centre is located in the heart of Wapping’s residential area and is within a short walk of
Wapping Underground Station and is served by a variety of local bus routes.
The Centre comprises the following facilities:
 4 court sports hall
 * 63 station gym/fitness area
 * 1 artificial all weather football/hockey pitch (sandfill, floodlit)
 *Multi-court (tarmac) comprising:
 (usage restricted to one sport at any one time)
 1 tennis court
 1 netball court
 5-a-side football
 changing accommodation (indoor and outdoor)
 office facilities
 car park
21.1m x 34.6m
104.6m x 64.7m
36m x 17.8m
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-10.00pm
Sat: 9.00am-6.00pm
Sun: 9.00am-7.00pm
Off Peak Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-12.00pm & 2.00pm-5.00pm
Sat: All Day, Sun: 2.30pm-7.00pm
Mile End Park Leisure Centre & Mile End Stadium
Address: 190 Burdett Road, Mile End, London E3 4HL
The centre was opened in February 2006 and is located in the heart of the borough in Mile
End within walking distance of London Underground, British Rail and Docklands Light
Railway stations. It is also served well by major road routes including the M11, A13 and A11
roadways.
The Leisure Centre comprises of the following facilities:
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Fitness Centre/gym
Programmable gym
Main Swimming Pool (with viewing gallery)
Teaching pool
Studio
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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
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Health Suite
Women Only Changing
Family changing wet side
Dryside changing
2 court sports hall
Creche Play & Learn
Meeting Room
Car park & Offices
Opening hours
Mon – Fri; 6.30am – 10.00pm
Sat & Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Off peak hours
Mon – Fri 9,00am – 12noon & 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Sat: All day, Sun 2.30pm – to close
All Bank Holidays
Mile End Stadium
The Stadium comprises the following facilities:
 400m/8 lane athletics track (floodlit)
 * 1 grass football pitch (floodlit)
 10 mini football pitches 5 & 7 aside
 Changing accommodation
104m x 68m
St Georges Pools
The Centre opened in 1969, it has undergone extensive repair and refurbishment work to
enhance facility provision (2002/2003). Located on The Highway, the main road route
between the City and Docklands and is close to the DLR and East London Underground
lines.
The Centre comprises the following facilities:
 Main Pool
 Main Pool changing accommodation
 Teaching Pool
 Teaching Pool changing accommodation
 *18 station gym/fitness room
 *10 station gym/fitness room
 Disabled lift
 Viewing gallery for main pool
 Offices
 Car park
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 7.00am- 9.30pm,
Sat & Sun: 8.00am- 6.30pm
Off Peak Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-12.00pm & 2.00pm-5.00pm
Sat: All Day
Sun: 2.30pm-6.30pm
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Tiller Leisure Centre
The Tiller Centre was opened in 1966. The Centre is located in the heart of London’s
Docklands within walking distance of local bus routes and the Docklands Light Railway
enabling easy access from the City of London and the East End.
The Centre comprises the following facilities:
 Main Pool with spectator area
 Gym/fitness room
 U7 Children’s ball play zone
 Studio 1 (upstairs)
 Studio 2 (downstairs)
 Beauty treatment room
 Changing accommodation (indoor)

Office space
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 7.00am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun 8.00am-5.00pm
Off Peak Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-12.00pm & 2.00pm-5.00pm
Sat: All Day Sun: 2.30pm-5.00pm
Whitechapel Sports Centre
The Centre opened in (1998) funded through Bethnal Green City Challenge (BGCC), the
Council and a grant from the Lottery Sports Fund. The centre is located adjacent to
Whitechapel Underground station.
A major principle of the development has been accessibility so as to attract traditionally nonsporting sections of the local community. In particular, women, people with disabilities, young
people and black and minority ethnic communities are target markets. The centre also
provides a quality venue to assist in the development of excellence in basketball
The Centre comprises the following facilities:
 4 court sports hall
 Outdoor training pitch (floodlit)
 13 station gym/fitness room
 30 station gym/fitness room
 20 station gym/fitness room (women only)
 Aerobics studio
 Crèche
 Meeting room
 Changing accommodation (indoor and outdoor)
 2 saunas (located within dryside changing rooms)
 Offices
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-9.00pm, Sat & Sun: 8.00am-6.00pm
Off Peak Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8.30am-12.00pm & 2.00pm-5.00pm; Sat: All Day; Sun: 2.30pm-6.00pm

For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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York Hall
York Hall opened in 1929 to provide public bathing facilities and a prestigious civic hall. It is
particularly famous as a boxing venue (amateur and professional).
York Hall is located in the heart of the borough in Bethnal Green and is accessible via various
bus routes with Bethnal Green Underground Station within five minutes walk
The Centre comprises the following facilities:
 * Main Pool with spectator area
 * Teaching Pool
 * Events/multi-purpose hall with stage area, (incorporating 4 court sports hall) seating
up to 900 people, with balcony for additional 250 people
 Aerobics studio
 37 station gym/fitness room
,  SPA London including:
 2 Steam rooms
 1 Sauna
 1 Plunge Pool
 3 Hot rooms
 Relaxation area
 Changing accommodation (dry side)
 Changing accommodation (wet side)
 Treatment rooms
 Refreshment Area
.  Offices
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.00am-9.30pm
Sat: 8.00am-8.30pm,
Sun: 8.00am-7.30pm
Off Peak Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.15am-12.00pm & 2.00pm-5.00pm
Sat: All Day
Sun: 2.30pm-6.30pm
Langdon Park Sports Centre
Address: Byron Street, London, E14 0RY, 020 7987 4811
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020 7987 4811
Shokk Gym
Studio
Gymnasium
6 Tennis Courts (floodlight)
Multi use area: 7-a-side & 5 a-side
Full size football pitch
3 netball courts
Meeting room
4 court sport hall
Changing accommodation
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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 Running Track
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Sat & Sun: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Off Peak Hours
Sat: all day, Sun 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Methods of communication to the public and internally
(What methods do you use to communicate this service? Include review and assessment of
methods, media, translations, interpretation etc. bearing in mind the extent to which these
media forms are accessible to all sections of the community)
Signage
East End Life
Local media
National media
Specialist press
Leaflets
Posters
Programmes
E-marketing
Tower Hamlets website
Sports & Physical Activity website
Bus stops and local transport advertising
Radio
Billboards
Membership cards
Internal publications
Word of mouth
Adverts
Sponsored publications
Front line staff
Existing Campaigns
During the planning stages of marketing campaigns for Sport and Recreation, much thought
is given to the target audience and how best to reach them. This includes consideration of
the most effective method of communication i.e. leaflets, PR, posters etc, as well as
consideration of the most effective methods of distribution i.e. via leisure centres, libraries,
websites etc.
In addition, the literature is always designed to be appropriate for the audience in terms of
tone, language, design, layout and readability. Furthermore, any groups with requirements
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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for language support, large print or audio versions are considered during the campaign the
planning stage.
Recent Promotions
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Young @ Heart
Getting Active
Paralympic sports Day
Children’s Sports Activities
Women & Girls sports Day
Mental health Football
Kickz Programme
Disability programme
MEND & BEST programme for Obese young people
Sport Search
Volunteers Programme
Young Carers Programme
Future

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
Campaigns
Time for health
3 x 30 Campaign
Healthy Town campaign
Women & girls swimming
Future

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
Promotions
Women Only Swimming
Free swimming for over 60’s & U16’s
Olympic Themed events
Awareness of Service by Local People
(Assessment of the extent to which local people are aware of the service based on available
data. What measures do you undertake to reach traditionally excluded communities?)

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Websites – Sport & Physical Activity & GLL
Leisure Guide
Regular Local Press coverage
Promotion at community events
Evidence of disproportionate or adverse impact
(Is there any evidence or view that suggests that different equality, or other, target groups in
the community have either a disproportionately high or low take up/impact of/from this
service/function?)
No
If yes, what and why (State below)
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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N/A
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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SECTION 4
MEASURES TO MITIGATE DISPROPORTIONATE OR ADVERSE IMPACT
Specify measures that can be taken to remove or minimise the disproportionate
impact or adverse effect identified at the end of Section 3. If none were identified in
Section 3, identify how disproportionate impact or adverse effect could be avoided in
the future. (Consider measures to mitigate any adverse impact and better achieve the
promotion of equality of opportunity).




Continuation with monitoring
Carrying out regular reviews of programmes
Listening to our customers
Clearly identifying other non-represented groups and subsequently addressing these
by means of targeting and programming
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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SECTION 5
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Does the policy comply with equalities legislation, including the duty to promote race
equality? Take into account your findings from the impact assessment and consultations
and explain how the policy was decided upon its intended effects and its benefits.)
Yes
What are the main areas requiring further attention?
Further development of programmes for 50+
Development of Women & Girls swimming
Further development regarding low participation and low income groups
Further identification of physical barriers to feed into the Leisure Centre Strategic Review
Standardisation of monitoring and collection of data
Summary of recommendations for improvement
See Above
How will the results of the IA feed into the performance planning process?
Feed into the Service Plan and Individual PDR’s
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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Future Monitoring and Consultation
How and when will the policy be monitored?
Annually as part of the Service Plan Process and also as part of the ongoing QUEST
Assessment Process
Suggested consultation for the future.
(Identify areas for future consultation and any barriers to participation in consultation with
proposals to overcome these).
National Benchmarking Survey to be undertaken at all Leisure centre sites
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
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SECTION 6 – ACTION PLAN
Recommendation
Key activity
Progress milestones
Officer
Responsible
Progress
Further development of
programmes for 50+
Development of Women &
Girls swimming
Further development
regarding low participation
and low income groups
Further development
regarding low participation
and low income groups
Further identification of
physical barriers to feed into
the Leisure Centre Strategic
Review
Standardisation of monitoring
and collection of data
For further information please contact the Corporate Equalities Team on 020 7364 4723
42