How to carry out an equal pay audit

Author: Sheila Wild

Summary

Click on any of the hyperlinks to go to more detailed guidance below:

• Understand what is meant by an equal pay audit, equal work and equal pay.
• Before embarking on an equal pay audit, consider the fact that having an up-to-date, analytical job evaluation scheme is the most reliable way of identifying where women and men are doing work of equal value.
• Where the organisation is a public sector employer, be aware that doing an equal pay review will assist it in complying with the requirements of the public-sector equality duty.
• In order to maximise the chances of success, set aside time for planning, develop a communications plan and secure "buy-in" from the senior management team.
• Identify the objectives of the audit and bring together a team of people with the necessary skills and experience.
• Decide on the scope of the audit and identify the data that is available.
• In carrying out the audit, identify where women and men are doing like work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value.
• Collate and compare pay information to identify any significant pay gaps.
• Assess the reasons for pay gaps and decide whether or not those reasons would amount to a legal justification for the difference in pay.
• Develop an action plan to deal with what the audit has revealed.