Integrated Impact Assessment Guidance

Assessment Process

There are two aspects to the assessment process, stage one screening for relevance and stage two completing a full assessment.

The types of activity that should not need to be impact assessed are:

• results from research
• reports of surveys
• meeting minutes
• progress updates

The types of activity that are likely to require a full assessment are:

• significant policies, strategies, projects, service reforms/changes, budget savings and activities
• changes that affect people i.e. employees, clients, customers, service users, members of the public
• area/partnership wide plans

Helpful points to note when completing either an IRA or an IIA are;

• the 'proposal' title should be clear and as descriptive as possible and in Plain English
• the document should be free from jargon, acronyms, abbreviations and 'council speak'
• apply a simple and straightforward approach to completion of the document and do not assume that the person or persons' reading the document are aware of what the 'proposal' is and what it is about
• provide as much detail is possible
• avoid making bold statements i.e. this 'proposal' will not disproportionality affect any equality groups or those affected by socioeconomic disadvantage unless you have clear documented evidence that can substantiate the statement
• the process should not be completed in isolation, it's a group exercise

Using trauma informed practice when completing an IIA;

Trauma-informed practice is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact an individual's neurological, biological, psychological and social development.

To take a trauma-informed and responsive lens to existing and new policies, guidance, protocols and processes please consider to what extent does the proposal:

• take into account the prevalence of trauma and adversity in our communities, including in our workforce
• consider the impact of trauma and the varied complex needs that people affected by trauma may often have
• the impact on equity of access to support and positive outcomes for people affected by trauma
• consider and respond to the barriers people affected by trauma can often face when trying to access services

For more information please see the Scottish Governments Trauma-informed practice toolkit (opens new window)