Equal operates in stages called Actions 1, 2 and 3. Action 1 lasts up to six months during which Development Partnerships prepare their programme of activities. Action 2 covers the main implementation activities of work programmes approved at the end of Action 1. Action 3 covers the dissemination and mainstreaming of good practice and work to influence policy.
ATLAS Round 1 Action 1 began in 2002 by commissioning Asylum Seekers Research, which identified the need for more high quality information for asylum seekers, for organisations to be better prepared for the arrival of asylum seekers, and a strong desire by asylum seekers to train and work. This informed the work of the ATLAS Partnership under Action 2, which took place from 2002-2005.
Transnational work was developed with partners in Denmark, Portugal and Finland. Action 3 involved the dissemination of learning including the publication of the compendium Evolving Practice and Developing Policy and the Asylum Matters for Scotland conference.