Diversity Impact Assessment

A Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) is a method of assessment in accordance with Network Rail requirements, conducted during the GRIP/ES design stages. The aim of this assessment is to identify potential negative impacts of a project on accessibility and inclusivity at the earliest design stage. It also identifies the individuals who might be affected by the initial design concept, as per the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. The assessment then informs action planning to address any identified negative impacts.

Our team has well-established links with charities and support groups for people with disabilities, who share their user experience, offer advice on design constraints and solutions, and provide awareness training. We encourage the involvement of these user groups in design reviews and approvals to ensure that we achieve the best solutions to the daily challenges of access encountered by a wide spectrum of people and offer a design that is considered and inclusive.

Promoting Inclusivity Through Accessible Services

Diversity Impact Assessments are required as part of the design approval process at Network Rail. The purpose of these assessments is to ensure that Network Rail’s operations promote inclusivity and do not disproportionately disadvantage any group based on characteristics such as:

• race
• gender reassignment
• disability
• age
• marriage and civil partnership
• sexual orientation
• pregnancy and maternity
• religion
• sex

The Diversity Impact Assessment Process

• Preparation: The DIA is prepared at the concept design stage to gain knowledge of how a project will perform in relation to specific protected characteristics as per the Equality Act 2010
• Identification: Areas of the design that raise accessibility concerns at the construction phase and at its operational stage are identified
• Data Collection: Demographic data is collected along with consultations with established user groups
• Evaluation: Potential impacts on diverse groups are evaluated
• Consultations: Local groups are consulted on the design proposals
• Solutions: Solutions are proposed for any negative impacts
• Reporting: Findings, impacts, and solutions are summarised
• Communication: Findings are communicated with designers to mitigate the impacts
• Submission: Submission takes place via the DIA digital portal
• Follow-Up: Queries are responded to, and progress is monitored

A DIA offers solutions for continuity of services without disruptions to its availability for all people during construction work. Through a DIA, the design team look at how to make services more accessible, more comfortable, and less challenging for all people during and after construction is completed.

The Accessibility Team

Our Accessibility Team is led by an NRAC registered Access Auditor with credentials listed here with broad experience completing DIA’s and specialising in projects that champion diversity and inclusivity, focused on solutions that provide access for all.

To find out more about the Network Rail DIA Requirements click here.