Mitigations are listed in the action plan at the end of this document 3.4 Age – identify the impact/potential impact of the policy on different age groups From our membership details we know that from 1615 members who have given us their age, 526 are 11 years or younger, 380 are between 12-60 and 234 are over 60 (13 over 90 years) Mobile Libraries have a hoist to enable access to the vehicles by elderly people and parents/carers with push chairs etc. Stock such as large print, audio books , children’s material etc is carried to meet specific needs People with limited mobility due to age may be disadvantaged. Opportunities for pre-schools, nurseries and playgroups to a library as an educational visit will be curtailed. The Home Library service will need to be developed and as above in 3.3 community transport links improved 3.5 Socio-economically disadvantaged – identify the impact on people who are disadvantaged due to factors like family background, educational attainment, neighbourhood, employment status can influence life chances Mobile service enables some families to visit and choose items together. A mobile can be booked to attend village fete’s etc, and be used as a venue for story times and other library outreach events. All communities that are currently using the mobile library will continue to receive a service, though some stops in a village may be reduced. The steps that could be taken to address this are listed in the action plan at the end of this document 3.6 Rural communities – identify the impact / potential impact on people living in rural communities Current visits are once every two weeks and provide a service to people who are at home and can visit at that particular time. It is often viewed by communities as a meeting place where people can gather and share information on a regular basis. Small impact, all communities that currently have people using the mobile library service will retain a service, though some stops may be reduced. Library staff will discuss individual needs with readers who will be affected by this change to work out what other options are suitable for them. 4. and North Council & NHS B&NES
Equality Impact Assessment Improvement Plan Please list actions that you plan to take as a result of this assessment. These actions should be based upon the analysis of data and engagement, any gaps in the data you have identified, and any steps you will be taking to address any negative impacts or remove barriers. The actions need to be built into your service planning framework. Actions/targets should be measurable, achievable, realistic and time framed. Issues identified Actions required Progress milestones Officer responsible By when Consultation with Parish Council and current mobile users to consider new timetable and any requests for amendments Consultation began on April 24th and ended on June 3rd 2013 Consultation analysis June 5th. All comments received have been considered and timetable adjusted accordingly. All requests have been accommodated. June Brassington June 5th Development of Home Library Service to deliver more books and other items to people who cannot get to the mobile library after the new timetable comes into effect nor to a static library Additional volunteers to be recruited and trained. The service can only grow as quickly as volunteers are available to deliver it Recruitment of volunteers – via Volunteer Centre. Training and enrolment Penny Lorenc, Kate Castree Responsive dependent on the number of requests received as the new timetable is promoted and the recruitment of volunteers New timetable publicity, especially for disabled/older people Leaflet and posters available in large print notifying users how to find out more information. Timetables available in libraries and online – notice that it can be requested in other formats . Press release awaiting approval from J. Mercer 14.6.13 New timetables circulated and available on –line from 17th June Council Connect fully briefed Pete Moth June 17th Closer partnership with Community Transport Following individual consultation with readers, if any require help in accessing community transport to This will be on an individual basis following conversations with current readers Penny Lorenc, June Brassington Ongoing
get to a static library, the library service will aid their request Extending static library opening hours ‘The Hub’ at Paulton now opens 36 hours due to volunteer support. Volunteer help is due to be rolled out to other smaller libraries 2013/14 June Brassington, Helen Chamberlain Ongoing Developing library collections in local places, I,e, village halls Three community libraries have opened – Larkhall, Combe Hay and Chew Stoke, these collections and service will be developed during 2013 Ginny Anderson, Julia Burton Ongoing 5. Sign off and publishing Once you have completed this form, it needs to be ‘approved’ by your Divisional Director or their nominated officer. Following this sign off, send a copy to the (), who will publish it on the Council’s and/or NHS B&NES’ website. Keep a copy for your own records. Signed off by: D. Trigwell (Divisional Director or nominated senior officer) Date: 10.6.13