EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 2010 - Falkirk Council

Does evidence indicate access to services and benefits are reduced or denied for some
groups?
Race - No
Gender - No
Disability – No
Age - Yes
Sexual Orientation - No
Religion/Belief - No
The policy will affect any teacher who has retired. However, some teachers to have retired
before aged 60 may now be able to gain employment as supply teachers, where there is a
specific need for experienced teachers.
The retirement policy is based on legislation and SPPA regulations. The excluded group, ie
those who have chosen to retire is based on local retirement policies. The application of the
retirement policy will have a direct impact on the excluded group. There is no evidence to
suggest that the retirement policy is discriminatory on the basis of gender or age.
Falkirk Council's Flexible Retirement Policy provides all employees, including teachers, the
opportunity to request to work beyond retirement age.
Do particular groups face increased difficulty or indignity as a result of the policy?
Race - No
Gender - No
Disability – No
Age - No
Sexual Orientation - No
Religion/Belief - No
Teachers who have already taken early retirement (before age 60) may find employment
opportunities harder to access. However, the policy does allow for the Director of Education
to approve the employment of retired teachers in exceptional circumstances. To ensure
fairness, these decisions will be processed via the Quality Improvement Officer (QIO).
There are no changes made to existing teachers short-term or temporary contracts.
There is a difference in approach in relation to SJC employees and it should be considered
whether this should be reviewed in order to ensure consistency of approach/ application in
terms of the employment of retired teachers.
Are there any higher complaints or lower satisfaction rates from particular groups in
connection with this policy?
Race - No
Gender - No
Disability – No
Age - No
Sexual Orientation - No
Religion/Belief - No
The policy has not yet been implemented so no feedback has been obtained as yet.
However, as with all policies, trade unions will be involved in consultations in respect of this
process and communications will be provided to teachers.
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