What is IMPACT?

The Inequities in Maternal Policy and Care Tracking (IMPACT) framework is a practical tool that helps maternity systems, policymakers, and NGOs identify and act on the structural inequalities that drive harm. Co-developed by White Ribbon Alliance UK and the University of Southampton, the framework turns principles of equity into real-world evaluation and accountability.

We’re building tools that support organisations to take meaningful action towards creating equity in policy development, service design, and commissioning.

What does IMPACT do?

  • Review existing policies and processes for embedded bias

  • Design new services with equity built in from the start

  • Quality-assure changes as they’re implemented, ensuring new harm isn't introduced

It’s adaptable and can be used across multiple contexts—including NHS trusts, local authorities, VCSE organisations, and advocacy networks.

The graphics below—showing IMPACT’s core evaluation dimensions and population focus areas—form the foundation of the framework. Click here to view them in PDF format.

How does IMPACT work?

At its core, IMPACT is a structured assessment tool that examines policies, programmes, and services through two integrated lenses:

  • Evaluation Criteria – these highlight which dimensions of identity or experience (e.g. age, race, migration status, disability) must be considered

  • Evaluation Dimensions – these define the key aspects of system performance that must be scrutinised (e.g. access, experience, outcomes)

Together, these guide users in understanding where harm exists, how it’s experienced, and what changes are needed.

Want to dig into the details?

Our IMPACT Overview Information Pack providesuch more detail about IMPACT including examples of how it can be used.

Want to get involved?

We are currently exploring the use of the tool at the service improvement level and are keen to speak with and build partnerships with those working on commissioning and service provision who might be interested in helping us to explore if and how it could best be developed. 

If interested, you can find out more by emailing Sarah Neal, Professor of Global Health at University of Southampton and Leah Lewin or Julie Boddy, Co-CEOs at White Ribbon Alliance UK.