Equality Outcome Matrix

Overview & Data Entry

Each protected characteristic has a grey header row with reference rate inputs for each outcome column — enter the reference group's rate here once, and it auto-fills into all subgroup rows below.

Each subgroup row offers two ways to enter data per cell:

Option A — Raw counts: Enter n (number with outcome) and N (total eligible). The focus rate is calculated automatically and shown in orange. This is the preferred approach as it captures the underlying data.

Option B — Rate directly: If you only have the rate, type it into the focus rate field. The reference rate auto-fills from the header row (shown in orange) but can be overridden.

Example — Age & Recruitment (35–49 as reference, rate 30%): Enter 30 in the Recruitment header cell. For the 16–24 row, enter n=30, N=200 → auto-calculates 15% → RLR = 15÷30 = 0.50 (serious barrier, red).

Measure Types

Reference Groups

Statistical Significance

Where either group has fewer than ~30 in the outcome, treat the RLR with caution. Use chi-square (χ²) via Excel's CHISQ.TEST on a 2×2 table. Always report RLRs alongside the underlying counts — that is why entering raw counts is encouraged.

Data Entry & Import

CSV upload to pre-populate the matrix. Users would upload a CSV in a standard template format and the tool would auto-fill cells — removing the need for manual entry where published data is already in digital form.

Integration with published national datasets. Direct links or pre-loaded reference data from Home Office Police Workforce Statistics, Stop & Search, Use of Force, and ONS Census — so reference rates can be selected rather than typed.

Analysis & Significance

Built-in chi-square significance calculator. Where counts (n and N) are entered for both focus and reference groups, automatically calculate and display the χ² p-value alongside the RLR — flagging cells where the result may not be statistically reliable due to small numbers.

Confidence intervals around RLRs. For users with sufficient counts, display a confidence interval to show the range of plausible RLR values.

Trend analysis. Allow entry of data across multiple years so the matrix can show whether disparities are improving, stable, or worsening over time.

Intersectional analysis. Enable cross-characteristic comparisons — for example, Black women vs White men — going beyond single-axis protected characteristic analysis.

Templates & Sectors

Representation sections for NHS and Generic templates. Equivalent to the Workforce Representation section currently available in the Policing template — showing composition by grade or band against local population.

Local authority template. Covering planning, housing, social care, licensing and other service delivery areas with protected characteristic breakdowns.

Education template. Covering staff workforce outcomes and student outcomes (exclusions, attainment, SEND provision) by protected characteristic.

Force-level benchmarking. Compare an individual force's RLRs against national published averages — showing whether disparities are above or below the England and Wales picture.

Output & Reporting

Printable / PDF export of the full matrix. A formatted, print-ready version of the completed matrix suitable for inclusion in board papers, PSED reports, or HMICFRS inspection evidence packs.

Narrative generation. Auto-generate plain-English commentary on the highest-priority disparities identified — suitable for inclusion in equality annual reports.

PSED evidence packaging. Structure outputs specifically to evidence compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty — mapped to the three aims (eliminate, advance, foster good relations).

Integration with Other Balance Works Tools

Link to RLR & Simpson's Paradox Explainer. Contextual links from matrix cells to the explainer tool at balanceworks-rlr-explainer.netlify.app — helping users interpret what they are seeing.

Employment Tribunal Tracker. A planned Balance Works tool tracking Equality Act 2010 employment tribunal cases in policing — data from which could feed directly into the Disciplinary and Grievance columns.

UK Police Equality Dashboard. The planned flagship Balance Works product — a force-level scorecard combining workforce, stop and search, use of force, GPG, complaints and HMICFRS data in one place. The matrix tool is designed to complement and feed into this dashboard.

Have a Suggestion?

This tool is in active development. If you have a feature request, a data source suggestion, or feedback on the current version, please get in touch at balanceworks.org.uk.