Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA)

A Plain Language summary of Equality and Inclusion in Our Project by Aziza Sallam, postdoctoral research associate.

We want to make sure that people from all backgrounds and communities can take part in this research on multiple long-term conditions (MLTC). Sometimes, people are left out of research because of their age, disability, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or other personal characteristics. This can mean that research findings don’t fully reflect everyone’s needs and preferences. 

To prevent this, we have looked carefully at how our project might unintentionally exclude people with certain characteristics and have thought about some ways that could help us to include them: 

👵 Age 

• Paper, large-print, and Easy Read surveys for older people 

• Reaching younger people through online groups and community spaces 

🧑‍🦽 Disability 

• Surveys that work with screen readers 

• Easy Read versions available 

• Including people who are awaiting a formal diagnosis 

🏳️‍⚧️ Gender identity & Sexual orientation 

• Using respectful, inclusive language 

• Working with LGBTQ+ groups to reach participants 

• Making sure carers and patients are included even if they don’t call themselves “carers” 

🌍 Ethnicity & Language 

• Translating materials where needed 

• Working with community leaders to reach people 

• Clear, accessible information about the project 

💷 Affordability / Resources 

• Paper surveys for those without internet 

• Reaching out through community hubs and local support groups 

• Offering compensation for people’s time