Module Two: Targeted Equality Data Initiatives
This module examines and explores the development and implementation of targeted equality data initiatives.
It first establishes the aim and focus of targeted equality data initiatives and the elements of the developmental approach they require.
It then explores the challenges to be met for quality targeted equality data initiatives.
Finally, it examines different types of targeted equality data initiatives, their purpose and nature, providing some exemplars of these.
To complete the module, start by watching the explanatory video. Then, familiarise yourself with the good practice examples in box #2. Follow up the good practice examples by considering how to address the situations brought forward in the food for thought exercises in box #3. When doing this, please keep in mind the learnings from the video and the inspirational good practices. Once you have completed the exercise, go to box #4 and test your knowledge with the quiz questions. For each question, there is one correct answer and you will receive feedback after each question. Lastly, if you are involved in the development of a targeted equality data initiative to support action on systemic discrimination, use our checklist in box #5 to assess if you have considered all necessary elements to make it a successful one. If you are looking for further reading, you will find reference documents on the right-hand side of the page.
- The Iroko 7 Cs in Kirklees – Community focus
- Reaching a point from which to take action in Oslo
- Structural Racism in Bergen. Provoking debate, enabling understanding and stimulating action through research on structural racism in Bergen
- Territorial and cultural equity in Montréal – Population focus
- The administration as exemplar in Neuchâtel (canton) – Staff focus
- An observatory in Barcelona
1. What are targeted equality data initiatives?
- Initiatives that target a particular issue.
- Initiatives that target a particular group.
- (1)Initiatives that gather specific equality data for a specific purpose.
C best hits the mark. These equality data initiatives can target a particular group, or they can target a particular issue, or they can do both. However, the term tries to capture that these are initiatives separate from the more general data gathering of an organisation, which should be disaggregated to capture groups experiencing inequality, and are often initiatives to address limitations or gaps in these more general data gathering systems.
2. What is the key purpose of a targeted equality data initiative focused on the staff of an organisation?
- (1)Inform human resource policies.
- Establish the diversity of staff.
- Capture staff perspectives.
A best hits the mark. Purpose is key to targeted equality data initiatives, but this is purpose that leads to positive change for those who are the focus for such initiatives. The initiative might well establish the diversity of staff and capture their perspectives, but purpose combined with positive change point to A as the answer.
3. What does a developmental approach to targeted equality data initiatives involve?
- (1)Trust building; group involvement; co-production; and mutual learning.
- Capacity building for the targeted and opportunities for learning, and support for acting on the issues identified.
- Strengthening and building the capacity in the organisation to better respond to the issues identified.
A best hits the mark. The developmental approach is focused on the relationship between the organisation and the group that is a focus for the initiative. This does not preclude that such initiatives would build the capacity of the organisation involved and of the group involved in different ways, but this is not the primary concern of a developmental approach to targeted equality data initiatives.
Exercise 1:
Your organisation, at its particular level of governance, is concerned with the inequalities experienced by a number of minority ethnic groups in the field of employment. It has committed to implement a targeted equality data initiative that involves community engagement to investigate the nature and scale of these inequalities and to establish effective responses.
- What steps would you take in preparing for this initiative?
- How would you go about implementing the initiative?
- What would you do with the results of this initiative?
Exercise 2:
Your organisation, at its particular level of governance, is concerned to track, monitor and respond to incidents and experiences of discrimination for a range of groups. It has decided to establish an observatory institution to meet this ambition.
- What mandate would you give to this observatory?
- How would you structure this observatory, keeping in mind any particular challenges due to the level of governance at which it is being established?
- What initiatives would you want this observatory to take?
In developing a targeted equality data initiative to support action on systemic discrimination, have you explored and identified the most appropriate options to take?
This is the case if:
- The purpose of your initiative has been explored and defined in terms of empowerment: engaging with the particular community that is subject for the targeted initiative in a developmental approach of mutual learning.
- The purpose of your initiative has been explored and defined in terms of organisational change: establishing an informed picture of the situation, experience, and identity, or specific needs, of groups exposed to inequality and discrimination, to inform organisational change in priorities and processes.
- The most appropriate focus for your initiative has been explored and established, whether on: area-based populations; specific groups exposed to inequality and discrimination; or staff of an organisation.
- The most effective type of initiative has been explored and selected, whether through: building a knowledge base; or a process of community engagement.
- A developmental approach has been established for your initiative, with action taken to: build trust; support leadership and involvement from the group concerned; achieve co-design and co-production of the initiative; and establish mutual learning as the objective.
0/5 points
- Barcelona Discrimination Observatory Report 2021, Barcelona City Council, 2022.
- Sindre Bangstad, Netta Marie Rønningen, Edvard Nergård Larsen, Tony Sandset and Prisca Bruno Massao, Mapping of Racism and Discrimination Encountered in Oslo Municipality, Report 2022/2, KIFO, 2022 (Norwegian).
- Sindre Bangstad, Edvard Nergård Larsen & Lise B.Grung, Structural Racism in Bergen, Report 2021/09, Vista Analysis and KIFO, 2021 (Norwegian).
- Racism and Systemic Discrimination in the competences of the City of Montréal, Office de Consultation Publique de Montréal (OCPM), 2020. (French)
- Kirklees Iroko Project online presence: Project Summary & Iroko Project Trustee.
- Ruedin D. & Fehlmann J., Panorama de la diversité au sein du personnel de l’administration du Canton de Neuchâtel, SFM Studies # 79, Université de Neuchâtel & République et Canton de Neuchâtel, 2022.