When considering service design or policy changes, the ICB are required by legislation to consider the needs and requirements of each protected characteristic group under the Equality Act and to ensure that appropriate engagement and consultation takes place with these groups.

Understanding the specific needs relating to protected characteristic group at the beginning of service, policy or function redesign, will help to identify any potential negative impact that may arise and will help demonstrate ‘due regard’ to the Equality Acts Public Sector Equality Duty.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB will be better equipped to understand the needs of their communities by being able to understand the demographic profiling of their area. This helps to understand the make-up of different groups within the population that it serves.