What is the Equity score?
Equity (EQU) is one of the 8 core dimensions in the Compassion Benchmark framework — the independent 0–100 scoring system applied to governments, companies, AI labs, robotics labs, and cities. Equity measures whether the benefits and burdens of institutional practices fall equitably across all groups — in pay, access, service quality, and power.
Equityis scored using 5 anchored subdimensions, each rated 0–5 against documented evidence. Those subdimension scores combine into the entity's EQU dimension score, which contributes equally alongside the other 7 dimensions to the entity's overall composite score and performance band.
The 5 Equity subdimensions
Each subdimension is a specific assessment question, scored 0–5 against a behavioral anchor ladder from documented evidence.
EQ1
Universality
Does this entity extend care to all people regardless of identity?
0–5 anchor scale for EQ1
- Entire populations effectively excluded
- Universal access stated, coverage not measured
- Coverage data for some populations, outreach attempts
- Coverage disaggregated, documented reduction in gaps
- Near-universal coverage, gaps disclosed, marginalized confirm access
EQ2
Priority for Vulnerable
Does this entity prioritize those with greatest need when resources are constrained?
0–5 anchor scale for EQ2
- Resources flow toward easiest-to-serve under scarcity
- Priority stated, allocation does not follow need
- ≥1 documented prioritization decision this year
- Prioritization framework documented, higher-need get more
- Independently verified, outcome disparities narrowing
EQ3
Bias Awareness
Does this entity actively identify and correct biases in who receives care?
0–5 anchor scale for EQ3
- No disaggregated outcome data, bias denied
- Some disaggregation, disparities not investigated
- Disparities identified, formal investigation, corrective action
- Ongoing monitoring, investigations lead to corrections
- Independent audit, findings public, corrections verified
EQ4
Access Design
Are services genuinely accessible to those who need them most?
0–5 anchor scale for EQ4
- Access barriers not systematically identified
- Some features present, no community input
- Access barrier mapping completed, ≥2 barriers removed
- Ongoing program, multiple barriers removed with evidence
- Most access-challenged populations co-designed ≥1 major process
EQ5
Historical Harm Acknowledgment
Does this entity recognize and take responsibility for historical harms?
0–5 anchor scale for EQ5
- Historical harms denied or treated as irrelevant
- Vague acknowledgment in mission statements only
- Formal acknowledgment of ≥1 specific harm, community involved
- Co-developed with community, concrete reparative actions
- Reparative action substantial and ongoing, community considers adequate