Analysing equality monitoring data

Diversity or equality monitoring data have to be properly analysed if they are to be used as a basis for effective action planning.

Statistical analysis can be used for a variety of purposes, for example

• looking at patterns of scores or outcomes for different groups
• judging whether apparent disparities – say in selection rates for different groups - are ‘real’, or may be the result of chance variations
• Assessing relationships between variables such as ethnicity, gender, grade and age,  and how these factors contribute to outcomes such as appraisal rating

We can

• advise on what kind of analysis might be appropriate or feasible for a particular data set
• carry out data analysis for you
• identify suitable action to address disparities
• suggest further quantitative and/or qualitative analyses may be needed to shed further light on issues/questions thrown up by the initial analysis
• undertake qualitative reviews, for example of performance appraisal reports, to investigate underlying causes of observed patterns