Person responsible for managing the assessment (author)

Environmental Quality Manager

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

Parks and Open Spaces

The provision and maintenance of the public open space that is accessible to all members of our community for the purpose of enjoyment and recreational use.

Service includes parks, playgrounds, sports pitches, open spaces, coastal recreation, cemeteries and allotments.

Objectives of the service/policy to be assessed

To provide open space, and associated facilities, that is accessible to all and fit for purpose.

Baseline/monitoring data

• BVPI’s
  • 119a – Satisfaction with sports/leisure facilities – 51% 2003/04, 70% 2006/07, 60% 2009/10.
  • 119e – Satisfaction with parks and open spaces – 63% 2003/04, 70% 2006/07, 70% 2009/10.
• LPI’s
  • COM 27 – Satisfaction levels with the provision of public conveniences (survey every 3 years) – 36% 2005/06 to 50% 2008/09.
  • COM 31 – Percentage of allotments occupied within the Borough – 90% 2007/08, 93% 2008/09, 94% 2009/10.
  • COM 31 - Percentage of play equipment available for use – 95% 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10.
  • COM 45 Score against 16 key performance criteria for the service – 89% 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10.
  • COM 50 – Blue Flag and Rural Resort Status maintained for specific beaches on Hayling Island – Yes 2007/08, Yes 2008/09, and Yes 2009/10.

Service/policy outcome evaluation

Outcome:

• Continued service improvement.

Evaluation

• Increase customer satisfaction through carrying out surveys and reducing complaints. These surveys should take place within the next 18 months – 2008/09.

List of main stakeholders/beneficiaries

All residents of the borough, elected members, officers and staff, schools, colleges, sports clubs, carers, charities, voluntary organisations, relevant landowners and businesses, Community Boards, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Housing Associations, Environment Agency, Hampshire Constabulary.

How representative is the ‘stakeholder’ list above?

Fully

Who benefits from the service/policy?

Stakeholders. There is no evidence to suggest that any group or individual is under/over represented.

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

Race - YES

Disability - YES

Gender - NO

Age - NO

Religious beliefs - NO

Sexual Orientation - NO

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

Race: Communication/Language barriers.

Disability: Access barriers.

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

Staff members being able to liaise with customers whereby English is not their first language.

Buildings, play equipment and other facilities may not be accessible to customers with certain disabilities.

Differential impact

Potential for exclusion from participating in certain activities.

Reasons for any differential impact

Increase in number of non English speaking residents in borough.

Buildings, play equipment and other facilities that were built/installed many years ago and do not therefore make themselves suitable to all user groups.

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

Language barriers – making communication difficult and causing a lack of information regarding full range of services available.

Complaints data

No complaints have been received on equality issues

Are there disadvantages caused by discrimination?

None identified.

Are there opportunities to better promote service/policy inclusion?

Language line is available to help with some issues although literature translated into several languages including Polish is required. This is needed due to the large number of Eastern Europeans who are residing and/or working within our community.

The Council’s newsletter ‘Serving You’

Have you undertaken any consultation?

None recently. There are consultations that are undertaken on a 3 year programme.

Consultation outcomes

Provides information relating to customer satisfaction.

Assessment conclusion

This service is not considered to be discriminatory.  However as and when the team are made aware of any issue relating to a group and/or individual who may have difficulty using any of our service provisions then adaptations may be made or an alternative facility made available.

Any service related documentation/information to include details regarding it’s availability in other formats and where to obtain this information.

Future consultations to include reference to equalities.

Monitoring timetable

Monitoring is provided through the number of complaints received on the Council’s Remedy system and local and national key performance indicators.  Officers, Service Supervisors and Rangers provide real-time monitoring of service provision.

Document to be reviewed 31st March 2009.

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

Additional Comments

Future consultation documents must include a reference to equalities.

Any future initiatives regarding service improvements - prior consideration will be given to the suitability and access for all groups.

Signed:  Environmental Quality Manager                                     (Completing Officer)

Signed: Head of Environmental Services                                    (Head of Service)

Date: 07/03/07