Date: 6 December 2022
From: Malta Sociological Association
To: Valletta SUMP Public Consultation, Transport Malta
Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Department
Re: Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for the Valletta Region
Link: https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MTI/Pages/Consultations/SustainableUrbanMobilityPlanSUMPfortheVallettaRegion.aspx
With reference to the consultation in question, the Malta Sociological Association (registered VO 1323) proposes that the entire policy process employs social impact assessments in an ongoing process.
The International Principles for Social Impact
Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and
managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and
negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and
any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.
An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ
various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be
one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which
engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure
effective policy processes.
In this regard, you may
refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the
International Association for Impact Assessment, which is accessible from this
link:
Reference: (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-a12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491