Integrated Impact Assessment

Lead officer(s)

Angela Shaw

Date relevance assessment conducted

27 Jul 2026

Which groups of people do you think will be, or potentially could be, impacted (positively or negatively) upon by the implementation of this policy?

People with disabilities : No

People from black and minority ethnic communities and different racial backgrounds : No

Women and men (boys and girls) : No

Older people : No

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people : No

People from different religions or beliefs and people with no belief : No

Women who are pregnant or on maternity leave : No

People who are married or in a civil partnership : No

Children and young people : No

Do you have evidence or reason to believe that this policy/function/review will, or may potentially impact on Children's Rights 4?

No

Do you have evidence or reason to believe that this policy/function/review will, or may potentially impact on Human Rights 8?

No

Do you have evidence or reason to believe that this policy/function/review will, or may potentially:

Eliminate discrimination faced by particular groups : low

Impact upon the promotion of equality of opportunity between particular groups : low

Impact upon good relations between particular groups : low

Does it have overall relevance to equality? low

Impact on communities, including communities of interest: low

Reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage:

Equality impact assessment required?

No

Rationale for decision

A full EQIA is not deemed necessary as this is an update to the Smoking in the Workplace Policy which aims to provide a healthy and safe working environment and protect its employees from the risk of tobacco induced ill-health, such as increased risk of cancer, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions and other health conditions. This is in line with a range of legislation including legislation including, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974; The Safety & Health of Pregnant Workers Directive 92/85/EEC; The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, The Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016.



The Policy also recognises the Scottish Governments Tobacco and Vaping Framework: Roadmap to 2034, which incorporates the use of e-cigarettes, more commonly known as vapes. As well as the vapour produced being a potential annoyance to work colleagues, the Framework notes that even though many of the long-term health effects of vape use are still unknown, there is growing evidence to demonstrate that these products are not harmless to health.



East Ayrshire Council has in place a no smoking or vaping policy in all Council establishments, workplaces, vehicles, surrounding grounds and vehicles parked on Council grounds. The Policy is being updated to remove the surrounding grounds and vehicles parked on surrounding grounds. It is also being updated to advise that smoking and vaping is not permissible within 15 metres of a Council Establishment or workplace. The purpose of the update is to reinforce that all restrictions on smoking are applicable to vapes also and to reduce exposure of employees and others to second hand smoke or vapour.



The Council continues to be aware that for some employees, smoking and vaping is an addiction and support is available to those employees who wish to stop smoking or vaping. Links and contact details to access support is contained within the Policy.