Equality monitoring – What’s it got to do with you?

Have you ever wondered why you should fill in those funny equality box things at the end of forms?

Wherever you go, people want to know your business. Your age, gender, sexuality, race, religion, whether you’re disabled… where does all this information go?

It goes to help make things better, that’s where it goes. It tells the NHS where to direct their services; it shows organisations if certain people aren’t making the most of them; and it makes sure that you get the right slice of what you’re paying for. They can’t change things without your help.

A guide produced by Stonewall (see links below), explains what the questions are asked for and why you should fill in boxes at the end of forms and surveys.