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Illustrative examples of unintended consequences (non-educational) from the civil servant policy making forum are included below[1]. The examples were provided in the context of consultation and looking at policy options:
- A risk-free food chain might raise costs (to the detriment of the poor), restrict imports (to the detriment of the third world) or sacrifice taste and texture for the monotonous security of the can.
- Attempts to reduce sports injuries might well generate poor health as a result of reduced physical activity.
- Expensive railway safety might increase fares and so divert traffic to more dangerous urban roads.
- The risk to a child living with inadequate parents needs to be balanced against the risk of the damage that would arise from enforced separation.
As highlighted in the above illustrative examples, in isolation and without due consideration of evidence, equality decisions with positive intent, might also have negative impacts or unintended consequences. It is also important to recognise that unintended consequences may differ for different groups and may change over time, reinforcing the need for ongoing review. For example, it is important to consider whether focus in one area such as gender balance on courses, is not undermined by making advances in another area such as widening access for students from SIMD20 areas. Careful use of data, evidence, consultation and ongoing monitoring, should help institutions to identify where the risks and barriers lie and support positive decision making, identify opportunities to advance equality and crucially, to take corrective action where necessary.
[1] https://www.civilservant.org.uk/policy_making-consultation_and_impact_assessment.html