Equalities

Why Do We Ask Equality and Welsh Language Questions?

When we propose a change in or development of a policy or service we are required to complete an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA). This is in order to show that we have taken the potential impact on those who share protected characteristics, those on a low income and on the Welsh-language into account. The Integrated Impact Assessment also requires us to describe what steps we will take to lessen any anticipated negative impacts and identify and enhance any potential positive impacts. 

We ask questions about protected characteristics, household income and Welsh-language in order to help us gather evidence on which to base our IIAs. Where we gather information via the Have Your Say section on our website, we will do so in accordance with our 

We have developed a standard set of questions, which we encourage all departments within the Council to use. This is to help ensure that we have a consistent approach across the organisation. 

Equality and Protected Characteristic - Standard Questions

The nine characteristics, protected under the Equality Act 2011 are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion and belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We often also include a standard question on caring responsibilities, as this helps us to gain a broader understanding in relation to disability.

Age

Are you? (please tick only one)

• Aged 16 or under
• Aged 17 - 24
• Aged 25 - 64
• Aged 65 - 74
• Aged 75 or over
• Prefer not to say

Pregnancy and maternity/paternity

Please indicate if any of the following apply to you (please tick all that apply)

• I am expecting a baby
• I have had a baby in the last six months
• I am currently on maternity / paternity / shared parental leave
• None of these
• Prefer not to say

Sex

How would you describe yourself? (please tick only one)

• Male
• Female
• Prefer another term (please specify)
• Prefer not to say

Disability

Do you consider yourself to be disabled? (please tick only one)

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Gender reassignment

Is your present gender the same as the one assigned to you at birth? (please tick only one)

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Caring responsibilities

Do you provide regular, unpaid, substantial care for a relative, friend or neighbour who is unable to manage at home without help because of sickness, age or disability? (please tick only one)

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Sexual orientation

What is your sexual orientation (please tick only one)

• Heterosexual/straight
• Gay man
• Gay women/lesbian
• Bisexual
• Other (please specify)
• Prefer not to say

Ethnicity

What is your ethnic group? (please tick only one)

• White 
• Roma, Gypsy or Irish Traveller
• Mixed / multiple ethnic groups
• Asian 
• Black / African / Caribbean 
• Prefer not to say
• Any other ethnic group (please specify)

National Identity

How would you describe your national identity? (please tick only one)

• Welsh
• Scottish
• British
• English
• Northern Irish
• Irish
• Other (please specify)
• Prefer not to say

Marriage and civil partnership

Are you? (please tick only one)

• Single
• Married
• In a Civil Partnership
• Divorced/separated
• Widowed
• Prefer not to say

Religion

What is your religion? (please tick only one)

• No religion
• Christian (all denominations)
• Buddhist
• Hindu
• Jewish
• Muslim
• Sikh
• Any other religion (please specify)
• Prefer not to say

Household Income

Do you have a low net household income? (e.g. you are entitled to benefits, free school meals etc) 

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Armed Forces

Are you a member of the Armed Forces Community? (Veteran, Reservist, Cadet Force, Adult Volunteer (CFAV) or a family member of somone in the Armed Forces?)

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say 

Welsh Language

Are you able to speak more than a few words in Welsh?

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to say

Impacts on the Welsh Language - Formal Consultations 

In order for us to assess likely impacts on the Welsh language, when we undertake formal consultations, we will also ask: 

What effects do you feel the proposal(s) would have on

• opportunities for persons to use the Welsh language
• treating the Welsh language no less favourably than the English language

How could the proposal(s) be formulated or revised so as to have positive effects (or increased positive effects) on

• opportunities for persons to use the Welsh language
• treating the Welsh language no less favourably than the English language

For further information please contact:

Sarah Worby
Corporate Research & Policy Officer 
01437 775263
Sarah.worby@pembrokeshire.gov.uk