A diverse group collaborating in an inclusive workshop

CE-205 Intermediate · Law

Applying the Equality Duty to consultation & engagement.

Since 2011, the most successful challenges to consultation decisions have been on equality grounds. Learn what the Public Sector Equality Duty demands, and how to apply it with confidence.

Duration

1 day

Public · per delegate

£295 +VAT

In-house

POA

Credits

30 CPD

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01Overview

Most legal challenges to consultation now succeed on equality grounds.

Since 2011, the most successful way to challenge consultation decisions has been on equality grounds: because too few people understand what the Public Sector Equality Duty requires, and how to apply it to engagement, consultation and the decisions that follow.

This course addresses those gaps directly. It takes you through the statutory duties and common-law requirements that have evolved since 2011, using a mix of instruction, exercises and real case-law examples to ground every principle in practice.

You'll learn how to undertake equality analysis and produce equality impact assessments (EqIAs) for different scenarios: and exactly when, and how, decision-makers must apply due regard.

02The four building blocks

The duty

What the Public Sector Equality Duty requires of decision-makers.

Analysis

Undertaking thorough equality analysis across different scenarios.

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EqIA

Producing impact assessments that inform stakeholders and support decisions.

Due regard

When the duty bites, and how decision-makers must demonstrably apply it.

03The day

From statute to a defensible decision

A full day, from the duty since 2011 through to risk-assessing your own approach.

AMThe duty since 2011Statutory duties and the common-law requirements that have evolved through case law.

AMEquality analysis in practiceHow to undertake analysis rigorously across a range of scenarios.

PMProducing an EqIAA worked exercise building an impact assessment fit to support a real decision.

PMDue regard & riskWhen due regard applies, how it must be demonstrated, and risk-assessing your approach.

04What you'll take away

Five things you'll be able to do on Monday.

01Understand what the Equality Duty requires across different scenarios

02Undertake thorough equality analysis with confidence

03Produce EqIAs that inform stakeholders and support decision-making

04Know when, and how, due regard must be applied

05Risk-assess a proposed approach against the threat of legal challenge

05Who it's for

Anyone whose decisions must survive scrutiny.

For practitioners in local government, health and the voluntary sector who carry, or advise on, the Public Sector Equality Duty in consultation and decision-making.

Delivered by Nick Duffin & Anna Collins

Consultation & engagement practitioners

Equality, diversity & inclusion leads

Policy & service designers

Legal & governance officers

Decision-makers & senior responsible owners

06Before you book

Common questions

Anything not covered here, ask us. We answer the same day.

01How many CPD points do I earn?Thirty tCI CPD points. Every virtual and face-to-face course carries 30, and points are logged against your record when you attend. Members can download a CPD statement from the membership portal at any time, and this course counts towards the taught element of a tCI qualification.

02Is it virtual or face-to-face?Open places run as a live virtual workshop, delivered in real time by a tCI trainer, never a recording. Groups stay small enough that everyone can speak, and you work in breakouts as well as listening. The same course runs face-to-face at your own offices as an in-house session.

03How long is the course?One full day, 09:30 to 16:30, in four sessions across morning and afternoon, opening with The duty since 2011 and closing with Due regard & risk. The day is built around practical exercises rather than presentation, so you leave having worked on the equality duty rather than only having heard about it.

04Can you run this in-house for our team?Yes, and it is the usual choice for teams of six or more. In-house delivery works from your sector and the consultations you have in front of you, so the equality duty exercises use your own material. We can run it in person or virtually, and split it across two half-days where a full day is hard to protect. Ask us about bespoke for a quote.

05Do I need prior experience or other courses first?No prior course is required. It is pitched at intermediate level, so it suits people who have run or commissioned engagement already. If you want the groundwork first, Applying the law of consultation is a good precursor.

06Who delivers the course?A tCI trainer who specialises in equality law and consultation and works in it, not only teaches it. The named trainer for each date is shown on the course calendar and confirmed in your joining instructions the week before. You can put live problems to them on the day and expect a straight answer.

Make your decisions defensible on equality grounds

Join the next session, or bring this workshop in-house, virtual or face-to-face, for your whole team.

Book this course → Enquire about bespoke