Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Community Development
Service area	Culture, Leisure, Archives and Libraries
Proposal being screened	Richmondshire swimming pool options appraisal
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Jo Ireland
What are you proposing to do?	Undertake essential works and reopen the swimming pool.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	Currently the pool is closed following a ceiling collapse. An options appraisal on the future of the pool has been undertaken and the recommended option is to undertake essential repairs and reopen the pool.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	Estimated value of works is £1.18million
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: · To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? · Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? · Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				P
Disability				P
Sex				P
Race				P
Sexual orientation				P
Gender reassignment				P
Religion or belief				P
Pregnancy or maternity				P
Marriage or civil partnership				P
People in rural areas				P
People on a low income				P
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				P
Are from the Armed Forces Community				P
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		Within the consultation exercise it has been identified that 64% of users who had not used a different facility cited accessibility (alternatives are too far (38%) and too difficult to get to (26%)) as the primary reasons for not utilising these facilities. Whilst not explicitly captured this will certainly be driven by an element of equalities issues such as disability, age and even rurality. Therefore, the proposed decision to reopen the facility will have a positive impact on the accessibility of leisure facilities for minority groups in the area.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		The pool is currently used by a range of groups, including Richmond swimming club which includes a para swimming squad.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		Impact of the recommended decision will enable existing uses to continue, so impact on protected groups will be minimal and existing access will be maintained
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Jo Ireland
Date		10 September 2025