Approach to the CRWIA

Introduction

The CRWIA and other impact assessments have aligned with each STAG stage, in order to maximise influence of impact assessment work in the overall assessment process. Table 5-1 sets out how the CRWIA process aligns with STAG’s four-stage assessment process throughout the A96 Corridor Review.

Table 5‑1: CRWIA Stages of Assessment
Initial Appraisal: Case for Change Transport Planning Objectives (TPOs)
An impact assessment team set out the evidence base for problems and opportunities linked to the transport network for all modes within the study area to influence the development of TPOs that align closely with STPR2. TPOs represent the positive outcomes sought for the corridor and provide the basis for the appraisal of alternative options. The CRWIA aligns in particular with: TPO2 - An inclusive strategic transport corridor that improves the accessibility of public transport in rural areas for access to healthcare, employment and education.
Preliminary Appraisal
A multi-criterion sifting approach of shortlisted transport intervention options was undertaken, considering a matrix-based assessment in the context of likely disproportionate or differential effects on children and young people protected by the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. Commentary has been provided to justify the rating and consider relevant likely significant effects, mitigation, risk and uncertainty.
Detailed Appraisal
A more detailed assessment of Full Dualling and sifted transport packages against aligned STAG topics and equalities-related considerations. The assessment utilises a matrix approach for Full Dualling and each of the transport packages, as shown in Table 5-2 which aligns with a seven-point rating system as shown in Table 5-3 . The commentary justifies the rating and considers relevant likely significant effects, mitigation, assumptions and uncertainties where relevant.

Assessment of Impacts

This CRWIA presents an assessment of the potential impacts on children and young people for Full Dualling and six transport intervention packages that were developed in the detailed appraisal stage from the sifted options identified through the initial appraisal. The current Scottish Government commitment, the A96 Full Dualling (from Hardmuir to Craibstone) has also been appraised as part of the Detailed Appraisal in order to assess its performance against current appraisal criteria, and this also forms part of the CRWIA.

Assessment framework: Matrix Approach

The CRWIA process assesses the contribution of Full Dualling and each package option to meeting the requirements of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act.

The assessment of impacts used a matrix-based approach, with a qualitative rating system to identify likely impacts on children and young people. Impacts for each of the assessments have been determined against two assessment criteria: magnitude and sensitivity. These consist of:

Magnitude of impact : the extent to which children and young people would be impacted (positively or negatively) by Full Dualling or the package option, considering the numbers or proportion that would experience the impact.

Sensitivity of impact: this considers how those impacted might respond; whether they are able to adapt to Full Dualling or the package option (where negatively impacted). If the impacted group has no alternatives and, as such, will be greatly impacted, then it is considered to be highly sensitive to the change. Where they are able to continue to function as normal, sensitivity would be low.

The identification of likely significant impacts has involved combining the sensitivity of those affected with the predicted magnitude of impact (change) using the assessment matrix provided in Table 5-2 .

Table 5‑2: Impact rating matrix
Sensitivity of impact	Magnitude of impact No change	Magnitude of impact Low	Magnitude of impact Medium	Magnitude of impact High
High	Neutral	Minor or Moderate	Moderate or Major	Major
Medium	Neutral	Minor	Moderate	Moderate or Major
Low	Neutral	Neutral or minor	Minor or Moderate	Minor or Moderate

Where two significance categories are shown in the matrix, professional judgement has been used to select the appropriate category of significance. Evidence and rationale is provided for the selection of category.

The seven-point rating system describing the assessment of effects is outlined in Table 5-3 .

Table 5‑3: CRWIA rating system
Major positive impact
The proposed option provides major changes recommended by the UNCRC or has the potential to advance the realisation of children’s rights in Scotland.
Moderate positive impact
The proposed option provides changes recommended by the UNCRC or has the potential to advance the realisation of children’s rights in Scotland.
Minor positive impact
The proposed option complies with the UNCRC requirements.
Neutral impact
The proposed option does not have any impact on children’s rights or wellbeing, or the relationship is negligible.
Minor negative impact
The proposed option detracts or actually reverses the enjoyment of existing rights, but not significantly.
Moderate negative impact
The proposed option detracts significantly or reverses the enjoyment of existing rights. Mitigation is therefore required.
Major negative impact
The proposed option fails to comply with UNCRC and other human rights obligations (as recognised under international treaties which apply to Scotland), requiring modification of the proposal; or may have a detrimental impact of children, so should be withdrawn and alternatives presented.

Following each stage of assessment, any potentially negative impacts identified have been discussed with the project team to consider reasonable alternatives, effective mitigation and enhancement recommendations.

The key relevant findings and recommendations of the detailed appraisal options are recorded in Chapter 6 of this report, with overall assessment scores for the CRWIA.

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