Person responsible for managing the assessment (author)

External Funding/Economic Development Officer

Name and brief description of the service / policy to be assessed

Development of partnerships and projects. Advice ,guidance and information giving to voluntary and not for profit bodies

Objectives of the service/policy to be assessed

To provide advice ,guidance and support to voluntary and not for profit bodies who are seeking to develop projects and seeking funding. To support partnerships, forums, management boards and other committees.

Baseline/monitoring data

There is contact with approx 150 not for profit organisations operating in Havant or delivering services in Havant.

.I am closely involved with approx 20 partnerships/forums/committees.

Service/policy outcome evaluation

No complaints received.  Numerous unsolicited thanks for services provided. Many new organisations referred to me by existing clients.

List of main stakeholders/beneficiaries

Schools, colleges, training providers, housing associations, statutory organisations, Hants CC, faith groups, registered charities, community groups, community centre, sports groups, Business associations,

How representative is the ‘stakeholder’ list above?

The stake holder list is considered to represent a reasonable cross section of local not for profit organisations

Who benefits from the service/policy?

All groups potentially benefit as do their users.  Main beneficiaries will be local voluntary organisations

In what area are there concerns that the policy could have a differential impact

Race

Disability

Gender

Age

Religious beliefs

Sexual Orientation

Please explain for each of the target equality groups, but in particular race, disability and gender:

Areas of concern that the service/policy could have a differential impact  

Race- I am contact with one statutory organisation specifically working in this area

Disability – I have contacts with several disability groups

Gender – There would appear to be a lack of women’s groups in this area

Age – I have regular contact with several organisations working with older people

Religious beliefs – I have regular contact with several faith groups

Sexual orientation – I am not aware of any groups operating in Havant.

Differential impact

It is believed that local residents whose needs are not provided locally have to access services in Portsmouth or further a field.

Reasons for any differential impact

Lack of local provision

Are there any barriers to opportunities or access for some groups?

I have provided services to a wide range of organisations.  Services are now listed on HBC website and widely promulgated throughout voluntary sector.

Complaints data

No complaints received.

Are there disadvantages caused by discrimination?

The relatively small number of BME people in Havant may feel disadvantaged as there is no well established BME community here, no support groups, social clubs, ethnic shops, etc

Are there opportunities to better promote service/policy inclusion?

Should a BME community become established here in Havant then translation services, literature in other languages may be required.

Have you undertaken any consultation?

I regular solicit comments about services through an email distribution group and at various voluntary sector meetings.

Consultation outcomes

As a result of request I now disseminate information about community events, training courses, newsletters as well as funding opportunities. 

Assessment conclusion

  The services are not considered to be discriminatory. Impact Low

The service will respond to changing needs and equip itself if the need to deal with language/translation issues arises The services are provided to organisations rather than members of the public. Many of the organisations are voluntary groups committed to delivering services to disadvantaged clients such as the disabled or elderly.

Monitoring timetable

.On going research is carried out to identify new groups, partners and potential projects.

Please ensure that you have provided as much evidence as possible to support the responses you have given.

Additional Comments

Signed:  External Funding/Economic Development Officer               (Completing Officer)

Signed: Head of Regeneration                                                            (Head of Service)

Date: 8 June 2007