What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve/do?
The policy seeks to:
- Update North Lanarkshire Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.
- Align the Scheme with the Scottish Government Model Scheme (2023).
- Modernise governance arrangements to reflect:
- Community empowerment principles
- Equality and accessibility requirements
- Digital and hybrid engagement methods
- Strengthen participation, transparency, and accountability within community councils.
- Enable more inclusive and representative local democratic structures.
If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved?
Not Applicable.
If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
Low Income
Potential positive impact. Improved access to hybrid meetings and inclusive engagement may reduce cost barriers (e.g. travel, time off work).
Low Wealth
Potential positive impact through enhanced participation opportunities and community representation.
Material Deprivation
Potential indirect positive impact by strengthening community voice in service design and local decision-making.
Area Deprivation
Potential positive impact, particularly in disadvantaged communities, by improving representation and engagement mechanisms.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
Age
Youth membership (16–18) increases participation; older people benefit from hybrid access.
Disabled people and people with long term health conditions
Improved accessibility through flexible meeting formats and inclusive requirements.
Women or men, girls or boys
Women may benefit from flexible engagement (e.g. caring responsibilities).
People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins.
Potential benefit through improved inclusive engagement, though depends on outreach.
Pregnant women and new mothers (including breastfeeding women)
Flexible participation (online/hybrid) supports engagement.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Inclusive governance framework promotes participation.
People transitioning from one gender to another
Same as above; benefits depend on inclusive practice.
People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs
Neutral/positive depending on inclusive engagement practices.
People who are living with the impacts of trauma
Trauma-informed approaches may improve engagement.
Children and Families
Indirect benefit through community representation.
Care experienced young people
Youth membership may provide opportunities.
Homeless people
Potential benefit but risk of underrepresentation without targeted engagement.
Looked after and accommodated people
As above.
Carers – paid / unpaid, family members
Hybrid meetings improve accessibility.
Asylum seekers
Potential benefit but requires targeted inclusion.
Employees – full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc.
Council staff involved in governance and support.
Others
Digitally excluded individuals may be adversely affected if not mitigated.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
- Proactive outreach to underrepresented groups
- Digital inclusion support (devices, training)
- Monitoring diversity of membership
- Embedding equality requirements in governance documents
- Clear accessibility standards for meetings
- Youth engagement strategy
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA
Introduce the policy.