Equality and human rights mainstreaming: equality impact assessment
This equality impact assessment (EQIA) results report provides a summary of the key findings from the detailed work undertaken to assess potential equality impacts of the equality and human rights mainstreaming strategy, action plan and toolkit.
Who was involved in this EQIA?
In the pursuit of building a Strategy that tackles inequality and discrimination and promotes equal opportunities, we held engagements with stakeholders both internally and externally, including officials from across Scottish Government, the public sector, and equalities and human rights third sector organisations.
In our engagement, we covered a wide range of critical issues through a series of sessions.
From August 2021 to March 2022 the Mainstreaming and Strategy Unit in the Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Division held initial ‘Deep Dive’ sessions with stakeholders to shape early thinking. Thematic ‘Deep Dive’ sessions were held from July – November 2022 which identified six drivers of change felt to be integral to mainstreaming equality and human rights: Strengthening Leadership; Developing accountability and transparency; Ensuring effective regulatory and policy environment; Utilising evidence and experience; Enhancing capability and culture; Improving Capacity. These six drivers now form the backbone of the Strategy’s framework. Consultations with EHRC, COSLA, NRPR Forum, and Engender throughout December 2023 provided crucial feedback on the content and structure of the Strategy.
A 14-week written consultation on the draft Strategy ran from October 2024 to February 2025, receiving over 130 responses from a broad range of stakeholders, including public bodies, third sector organisations, and individuals. This was complemented by virtual stakeholder events attended by around 100 participants, which provided further insight into the practical needs and expectations of those working to embed equality and human rights.
The consultation analysis report[4], published in July 2025, confirmed strong support for the Strategy’s overall direction, with respondents endorsing its vision, objectives, and six key drivers of change. Stakeholders also offered constructive suggestions to strengthen delivery. These insights have directly informed the final structure and content of the Strategy, Action Plan, and Toolkit.