Disability Equality Plan Equality Impact Assessment Executive Summary

Executive Summary

In line with statutory obligations, the Scottish Government has undertaken this Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) as part of the development of the Disability Equality Plan (‘the Plan’). The purpose of this EQIA is to assess the potential impacts—positive or negative—of the proposed policy and to evaluate how well it aligns with the Scottish Government’s responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). Specifically, it examines the implications for individuals with one or more of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010. This EQIA will be kept under review in accordance with best practice.

An EQIA explores how a policy may affect different groups within the population in different ways. The Equality Act 2010 protects the following characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

The Plan’s primary aim is to advance disability equality and improve outcomes for disabled people in Scotland. While the Equality Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on daily functioning, the Scottish Government adopts a broader perspective. It is guided by the social model of disability, which shifts focus away from individuals and instead locates the source of disadvantage in societal barriers. This model, developed by disabled activists in the Independent Living Movement, underpins both the Plan and this EQIA.

The Disability Equality Plan was announced in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Programmes for Government, alongside a broader commitment to enhancing disability competence across the Scottish Government. The Plan follows a phased approach. The initial phase focuses on laying the groundwork—establishing robust governance and increasing accountability. A subsequent phase will involve co-developing a longer-term strategic plan in partnership with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).