National Care Service Charter of Rights: equality impact assessment

Recommendations and conclusion

The iterative process of impact assessment means that changes recommended by EQIA findings have been actioned throughout the development of the Charter, as described in the key findings section and listed below:

• the Charter provides a clear and consistent source of information about people’s care-specific rights, clearly stating that these rights apply to everyone regardless of their characteristics
• the Charter includes information about some of the duties placed on public authorities to help clarify who is responsible for providing care and meeting standards
• where rights exist for a specific group, such as unpaid carers or people who live in care homes, this is carefully explained so that it is understood to whom these rights apply
• the Charter includes rights and duties protected by the Equality Act and describes ways in which people should expect to be treated fairly
• the Charter describes rights associated with decision making, and provides additional information about supported decision making and Self-directed Support, which was requested by disabled people
• the Charter’s purpose is further clarified through the removal of references to ‘responsibilities’ in the title and throughout the document, helping to reinforce that rights are not contingent on the fulfilment of responsibilities
• the Charter includes information about services or resources that can support people to access their rights, including web links and phone numbers where available, to help those who face barriers to accessing advice and information
• clear links to other relevant resources are included, such as age appropriate materials for young people and children
• a summary version of the Charter is available for those who prefer a shorter overview - this was requested by young people and children specifically
• paper copies of the Charter will be printed and distributed to a range of public services and relevant organisations as part of the implementation plan
• the Charter has been published in formats that are inclusive for people with sensory impairment and learning disability such as BSL and large font
• translations into different languages will advance equality for ethnic minority communities that are less likely to have English as a first language
• the Charter includes a visual representation of the complaints process to support understanding where English is not a first language
• images and language are used that challenge gender, age and disability norms or stereotypes – for example men are shown in caring roles as well as women, disabled people and older people are shown participating in activities, not just receiving care