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Publication - Impact assessment

Equality Impact Assessment

Published
17 Mar 2026

Recommendations and conclusion

The development of the NSWA has been shaped by the EQIA process to ensure that the diverse needs of protected groups are met. Further consideration has been given to ways to address barriers faced by those with protected characteristics, aligning with our public sector duty to advance equality of opportunity. This includes:

  • widening access to social work education and helping address financial challenges faced by students
  • tackling racism and discrimination within education and the workforce
  • making adjustments (e.g. around caring responsibilities) to improve recruitment and retention in the workforce
  • adopting a national approach to workforce planning based on equality, diversity and inclusion
  • greater oversight of social work education to improve uptake and attrition of courses
  • reviewing evidence where available relating to intersectionality between protected characteristics
  • seeking ways to overcome limitations of the equality evidence available, through further data searches and discussions with key stakeholders and partners
  • development of an equalities strategy which has regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty for the National Social Work Agency

Findings from the evidence reviewed, along with consultations with stakeholders and partners, have shaped our approach to the NSWA. Promoting equality and tackling racism and discrimination are crucial to upholding the values of the NSWA. An interim equality statement will be developed for the initial implementation of the NSWA. An equalities strategy will thereafter be developed, allowing for a report to be produced to document the work undertaken to advance equality.

Reviewing evidence for this EQIA has shown that this policy is likely to have a positive impact in advancing equality in particular for the following protected characteristics:

  • race
  • age
  • gender, and
  • disability

It is not believed to have any negative effects on any protected groups.

This EQIA has been produced iteratively, taking into account the latest evidence available. It will be monitored and updated as necessary, particularly if any significant changes come into effect, and if data about the protected groups where there is currently little evidence becomes available.

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