This factsheet helps health service staff collect data and consult consumers as part of their gender impact assessment (GIA). It builds on the Commission’s GIA toolkit (Step 2: Understand the policy context(opens in a new window)), providing sector-specific examples.
This factsheet can be adapted and shared in training, toolkits and intranet pages. Staff can use this to inform decisions about data collection and consumer consultations.
You can download a copy of this factsheet at the bottom of this page.
Why data and consultation matter
Victorian health services must partner with consumers in providing healthcare. They need to consider diverse perspectives in the design and delivery of care.
Under standard 2 of the National Safety and Quality Health Standards (NSQHS)(opens in a new window), services must:
- provide respectful care to consumers
- engage consumers in the organisation and design of care, and
- partner with consumer representatives in governance.
Under the Health Services Act 1988(opens in a new window), public health services boards must:
- appoint at least one community advisory committee
- provide a forum for consumer, carer and community participation.
The Gender Equality Act 2020(opens in a new window) requires health services to do gender impact assessments (GIAs). A GIA helps us see how programs and services affect people of different genders. It guides us to make them more equitable.
Health services may be new to GIAs, but they already know how to spot and remove barriers for diverse consumers. For many staff, this has always been part of providing fair and inclusive care.
FAQs about data and consumer consultation in GIAs
Why consider gender data in a GIA?
- Gender is a key social factor that affects people’s health and wellbeing and access to healthcare.
- GIAs help assess the effects that a policy, program, or service may have on people of different genders.
- GIAs help organisations adjust programs and services to meet the needs of people of different genders.
- Every two years, public health organisations must report to the Commission on GIAs completed.
Many health services use equity impact assessments (EIAs) to meet this obligation. To comply with the Gender Equality Act, gender must be considered as part of the EIA.
What is the difference between sex at birth and gender data?
Since 1 July 2024, Victorian health services must collect and report on a patient’s gender and sex at birth.
- Sex at birth is based on physical traits, like genitalia, hormones and chromosomes.
- Gender is part of a person’s identity. It can be expressed through name, appearance, behaviour and other social cues.
For more information, see the Department of Health’s Guidance note on Inclusive collection and reporting of sex and gender data(opens in a new window).
What is gender-disaggregated data?
Gender-disaggregated data breaks down information by gender. It shows differences in experiences or outcomes. This helps identify gaps in access to resources, participation, or the impact of programs. Gender-disaggregated data helps identify and address inequalities.
Consider this example showing how gender-disaggregated data can uncover inequalities and help make better decisions. It relates to consumer feedback on a new clinic.
A survey found 82% of consumers felt the new clinic was welcoming.
This number seems positive. But when broken down by gender:
- 85% of men agreed
- 71% of women agreed
Only 55% of consumers (58% of men compared to 51% of women) who speak English as an additional language said the clinic felt welcoming.
By looking at data by gender and other factors (like language), we can better understand people’s real experiences with health services.
What types of data are useful for a GIA?
You don’t need to collect every type of data listed below when doing a GIA. But you should combine numerical data with consumer feedback. Always consider the diversity of background and experiences in consultation. This ensures different views are represented.
Potential data sources include:
- ABS Regional Population datasets(opens in a new window) (age, gender, cultural, low English proficiency, disability and socioeconomic disadvantage)
- Victoria in Future(opens in a new window) population projections in your area
- Summary inpatient data: admission, intake, and experience data to track access and satisfaction
- Primary Health Network needs assessments: local health needs and service gaps
- Patient intake data: insights into service usage patterns and patient demographics. This helps spot trends in healthcare access
- Patient experience trends: feedback on satisfaction, access, and quality of care
- Lived experience input: feedback from community advisors, liaison officers, or staff networks
- Committee engagement: collaboration with your Community Advisory Committee (CAC) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
- Consumer consultation: surveys or focus groups with priority groups
- Research and evaluation reports: evidence on what works and where to improve
- Partner organisation data: insights from collaboration with other services
- Regional or state health service reports: broader health trends
- Expert input colleagues: staff with lived experience or specialist knowledge.
Be mindful of the cultural load – the extra effort from people from diverse backgrounds. Avoid asking people to participate repeatedly, especially if it’s outside their regular duties.
What are the minimum requirements for consultation in a GIA?
There are no strict legal requirements for consultation in a GIA. However, health services must show evidence that they have consulted with the target groups in a completed GIA.
What are equitable and inclusive consultation practices?
- Identify missing voices: ask who is not represented and why? What are other ways to consider the needs of marginalised groups in your GIA?
- Ask about support needs: check what people need to participate fully
- Budget for participant needs: include potential costs for interpreters, childcare, and transportation
- Offer flexible input: provide options to give feedback online, in person, or by phone
- Hold separate sessions: for example, women-only or culturally specific groups
- Self-determination: let First Nation peoples and people with disabilities lead decisions about their communities
- Be mindful of load: recognise extra pressures on lived experience advisors and pay them for their contribution
- Timing accommodations: schedule sessions when participants are most likely to attend
- Accessible venues: make sure venues have wheelchair access, nearby parking, and public transport
- Use familiar venues: libraries, community centres, and markets often feel more welcoming than formal offices
- Make navigation easy: use clear signs, especially for people with disabilities or low English literacy
- Inclusive facilities: check for all-gender toilets, baby-changing areas, prayer spaces, quiet rooms, and enough seating
- Diverse facilitation: involve presenters from different genders and backgrounds
- Be open to feedback: keep improving consultation approaches based on what participants share.
How can I promote gender equality within a health service Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?
Safer Care Victoria's Building your healthy community: A guide for health service community advisory committees(opens in a new window) offers advice on how health services can support CACs that effectively represent the communities they serve.
Promoting gender equity within these committees strengthens decision-making and inclusion.
Health services can:
- check the CAC gender balance and recruit from underrepresented groups using multiple channels. Consider partnering with local organisations that support diverse communities
- include gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the Committee's Terms of Reference
- add GIA reporting requirement as a responsibility within the Committee’s Charter
- provide information about how gender inequality and other factors shape health outcomes
- offer training on gender equality and intersectionality
- be aware of power dynamics – if leadership roles are held mostly by one gender, it may limit input from all members
- avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes when assigning tasks. For example, not expecting women to take minutes while only men serve as technical experts.
Download a copy of this factsheet:
Updated