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	Environment
Service area	Environment and Sustainability
Proposal being screened	Biodiversity Duty Report
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Poppy Jopson
What are you proposing to do?	Publication of North Yorkshire Council’s first statutory Biodiversity Duty Report on the authority’s biodiversity outcomes, including biodiversity net gain. This reporting is in line with requirements introduced in the Environment Act 2021.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	There is a statutory requirement for NYC to publish reporting on biodiversity outcomes.   Implementation of the actions in the report will lead to improved environmental outcomes for North Yorkshire, creating a more biodiverse and nature-resilient region for all residents to enjoy and benefit from.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	No. The Biodiversity Duty Reporting is part of the ongoing commitment to supporting biodiversity across North Yorkshire.
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				X
Disability				X
Sex				X
Race				X
Sexual orientation				X
Gender reassignment				X
Religion or belief				X
Pregnancy or maternity				X
Marriage or civil partnership				X
People in rural areas				X
People on a low income				X
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				X
Are from the Armed Forces Community				X
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.		The Biodiversity Duty report does not relate to an area of known inequalities as it focuses exclusively on enhancing biodiversity.
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 Biodiversity Duty report will not have a significant effect on how any other organisations operate.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		The Biodiversity Duty report includes action that will enhance biodiversity and benefit all residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. It does not include any objectives that will have a potential adverse impact on people with any of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010 or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Michael Leah
Date		01 April 2026