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	Parks and Countryside Service
Proposal being screened	Tree and Woodland Policy
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Helen Arnold – Tree and Woodlands Manager Jon Clubb – Policy & Strategy Lead
What are you proposing to do?	Adopt a new Tree and Woodland Policy for NYC
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	North Yorkshire Council has a legal duty and powers to manage the risk and to protect trees on the land that we manage. This should be reasonable and proportionate to balance the many benefits that trees and woodlands bring. Therefore, developing a county wide approach to policy is crucial to this undertaking and provides Officers, elected Members and all other stakeholders with clarity on how this will be managed
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	The team are already in place, this policy will combine knowledge and experience to develop a robust policy framework for the county.
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 policy will be county wide.  It will have a positive impact on the environment, wellbeing, biodiversity and the preservation of the landscape.
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 policy will provide clarity for all stakeholders.
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	X		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		There will be no adverse equality impacts.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Karl Battersby
Date		15/04/2026